What to Wear for Professional Headshots: The Complete Guide for Women
Looking your best in professional headshots begins with the right outfit. Discover how to make a stunning first impression with tailored styling advice specifically for your Vancouver headshot session.
Your professional headshot is often the first thing clients, employers, or colleagues see. Whether you’re updating LinkedIn, your company website, or building your brand, what you wear really matters. The right outfit can help your photo stand out in a positive way.
As a Vancouver headshot photographer who has worked with many corporate professionals, I’ve seen how the right outfit not only looks good but also helps you feel confident and authentic. When you feel great in your clothes, it shows in your photos.
Why Your Outfit Matters for Professional Headshots
Before we dive into outfit ideas, it’s important to know why your clothing choice matters. Your headshot is more than just a photo; it’s a visual part of your professional brand. The right outfit will:
Draw attention to your face rather than your clothing.
Convey your industry and level of professionalism.
Reflect your personality while maintaining credibility.
Photograph well under professional lighting.
Stand the test of time so your headshot stays current longer.
Aim to look polished and professional, but still like yourself. When you’re comfortable and confident in your outfit, it comes through in your expression and body language.
Best Colors for Professional Headshots
Choosing the right colors is one of the most important parts of picking your headshot outfit. Good colors can brighten your skin, make your eyes stand out, and help you look polished in photos.
Recommended Colors
Jewel Tones: Deep colors like emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, and amethyst purple look great in photos. They add depth and sophistication and suit most skin tones.
Classic Neutrals: Navy blue, charcoal gray, and black are timeless choices that convey professionalism. Navy, in particular, is often considered the best color for professional headshots because it's authoritative without being as severe as black.
Soft Pastels: If you want a more approachable look, try soft blues, dusty rose, or sage green. These work well for creative fields or jobs where warmth is important.
Earth Tones: Warm browns, terracotta, and olive green give a grounded, authentic feel. These are great choices for entrepreneurs and consultants.
Consider Using These Colors Sparingly
Bright White: Pure white can be quite reflective under studio lighting and may blend with lighter backgrounds. If you love wearing white, consider trying off-white or cream shades as alternatives.
Neon or Very Bright Colors: Neon shades can sometimes reflect onto your skin, causing unusual color effects in photos. They also tend to go out of style quickly and can distract from your face. Use these colors for a touch of creativity, but ensure the overall look remains focused on you.
Red (with caution): Deep burgundy can look stunning in photos, while bright red may sometimes reflect onto your skin or appear too bold. If you have a favorite bright red piece, it's a good idea to have a backup outfit, just in case.
The Classic Blazer Look
A well-fitted blazer is the gold standard for professional headshots. Choose a structured blazer in navy, charcoal, or black, and pair it with:
A simple blouse or shell underneath
A silk camisole for a polished look
A subtly patterned top that doesn't compete with your blazer
Make sure your blazer fits well in the shoulders and doesn’t bunch up when you sit. A tailored blazer gives you clean lines in photos and quickly boosts your professional look.
The Elevated Blouse
If a blazer feels too formal for your field, a nice blouse can look just as professional Blouses can be particularly versatile in various professional settings. For example, when speaking at a team offsite, giving a startup profile shoot, or participating in a creative industry meeting, a well-chosen blouse can convey the right blend of professionalism and approachability.. Look for:
Structured button-downs in solid colors
Blouses with interesting necklines (V-neck, boat neck, or subtle collar details)
Silk or high-quality fabrics that drape well
Three-quarter sleeves or long sleeves (avoid sleeveless unless layered)
Keep in mind that what looks good in person might not work as well on camera. Simple, clean lines look best in photos. Avoid too many details or lots of ruffles.
The Modern Sweater
For a more relaxed, modern look, try a high-quality sweater. This style works well for:
Creative professionals
Educators and consultants
Tech industry professionals
Entrepreneurs building a personal brand
Pick fine-knit sweaters in solid colors with crew necks or simple V-necks. Avoid chunky knits, which can look bulky, and skip turtlenecks, as they can make your neck look shorter.
The Dress Option
A professional dress is a great option for headshots, especially if you want a polished look without wearing separates. Choose:
Sheath dresses in solid colors
Wrap dresses that create flattering lines
Dresses with interesting but not distracting necklines
Check that the neckline works for close-up photos. It’s best to show your collarbone area without revealing too much.
Styling Tips for the Perfect Professional Headshot
Besides your main outfit, these styling details can really affect how your headshot turns out.
Necklines That Photograph Well
The neckline is important because it frames your face in a headshot. Good options include:
V-necks: These elongate the neck and create clean, flattering lines
Scoop necks: A moderate scoop is flattering and professional
Boat necks: These create width across the shoulders for a balanced look
Collar details: Small collars or interesting collar treatments can add sophistication
Avoid high crew necks, which can make your neck look shorter, and skip very low necklines, as they may not look professional.
Jewelry and Accessories
For jewelry in headshots, less is usually better:
Do wear:
Simple stud earrings or small hoops
A delicate necklace that sits at or above your collarbone
A classic watch if visible
Minimal, professional-looking rings
Don't wear:
Large, statement necklaces that distract from your face
Dangling earrings that create movement and reflection
Multiple stacked bracelets that create noise or visual clutter
Oversized or trendy pieces that may date your photo
Hair and Makeup Considerations
While not strictly about clothing, your hair and makeup work together with your outfit to create your overall look:
Hair: Style your hair in a way that feels true to how you usually wear it at work. Don’t try a brand new style on the day of your shoot. Keep your hair away from your face so your features are easy to see.
Makeup: For women, professional makeup helps you look polished on camera. Even if you don't typically wear much makeup, try foundation, mascara, and lip color. This prevents you from looking washed out under studio lighting. Many Vancouver headshot photographers (myself included) can recommend makeup artists who specialize in photography.
What Not to Wear for Professional Headshots
Just as important as knowing what works is understanding what to avoid. Here are common mistakes I see that can undermine an otherwise great headshot:
Patterns and Prints
Bold patterns, stripes, and busy prints usually don’t work well for headshots. They:
Distract from your face
Can create a moiré effect on the camera
Date your photo more quickly
Don't align with the clean, professional aesthetic most corporate clients need
If you want to wear a pattern, keep it very subtle. Choose small, muted prints instead of large, bold designs.
Too Many Logos and Branding
Unless you're specifically creating branded content, avoid:
Visible designer logos
Company-branded clothing (unless it's your own company)
Graphic t-shirts with text or images
Clothing with obvious branding that detracts from you as the subject
Ill-Fitting Clothing
Clothing that's too tight, too loose, or poorly tailored can be unflattering on camera. Tight clothing creates tension and awkward pulling. Oversized clothing can make you appear less professional or add visual weight. Wrinkled or unkempt clothing suggests a lack of attention to detail.
Tight clothing can create tension and awkward pulling
Oversized clothing can make you appear less professional or add visual weight
Wrinkled or unkempt clothing suggests a lack of attention to detail
Very Trendy Pieces
You want to look up-to-date, but avoid clothes that are very trendy. Your headshot should still look current in 2-3 years, and trendy pieces can make it look dated fast.
Industry-Specific Considerations
Different industries have different expectations for professional appearance. Here's how to adjust your headshot outfit based on your field:
Corporate and Finance
In traditionaIn traditional corporate fields like finance, law, or consulting, the most formal options are best:blazers in classic colors
Conservative necklines
Minimal jewelry
Polished, professional styling
Creative Industries
For marketing, design, advertising, or other creative jobs, you have more flexibility:
Interesting textures or subtle patterns
Jewel tones and richer colors
More expressive jewelry (while keeping it tasteful)
Contemporary cuts and styles
Tech and Startups
The Vancouver tech scene usually prefers a smart-casual style:
High-quality sweaters or blazers without being too formal
Modern, clean lines
Approachable color palette
Contemporary but professional styling
Healthcare and Education
These fields do best with a look that’s both approachable and professional:
Soft colors that convey warmth
Professional but not overly corporate styling
Clean, simple outfits that inspire trust
Balance between authority and approachability
Preparing Multiple Outfits for Your Session
One of the best tips I give clients is to bring multiple outfit options to their headshot session. Here's why:
You'll have different looks for different platforms or uses
It gives you backup options if something doesn't photograph as expected
You can capture both formal and slightly more casual versions
It future-proofs your headshots with variety
I recommend bringing 2-3 complete outfits to your session. Make sure each one is pressed, fits well, and you feel confident wearing it. Having options allows us to collaborate and find what works best for your specific needs and the look you're going for.
Final Preparation Checklist
As your Vancouver headshot session approaches, use this checklist to ensure you're fully prepared:
One Week Before:
Select and try on your outfits completely
Make sure everything is clean and wrinkle-free
Purchase any items you're missing
Schedule hair and makeup appointments if desired
The Day Before:
Steam or iron all clothing
Lay out complete outfits, including jewelry and shoes
Get good sleep to look refreshed
Stay hydrated for healthy-looking skin
Day of Your Session:
Bring all outfit options on hangers
Pack any jewelry or accessories
Arrive with clean, styled hair
Allow time to settle in and feel comfortable
Book Your Professional Headshot Session in Vancouver
Choosing what to wear for your headshots is a key part of showing your best professional self. The right outfit, paired with good photography and confidence, helps create a headshot that truly represents you and your professionalism.
At Simon Rochfort Photography, I help corporate professionals across Vancouver get polished, authentic headshots that fit your industry and personal brand. Whether you need photos for your website, LinkedIn, or business branding, I’m here to help you look and feel your best.
Ready to book your headshot session? Let’s create images that boost your professional presence and help you make a great first impression every time.
Simon Rochfort Photography specializes in professional headshots, branding portraits, and event photography for corporate clients in Vancouver, BC. With years of experience working with professionals across industries, I understand what makes a headshot work—and I'm here to ensure yours is perfect.