What to Wear for Professional Headshots: Women's Guide

Your headshot outfit influences how people perceive your professionalism, competence, and approachability. The right choices frame your face and project confidence. The wrong ones distract, date your photo, or send unintended messages.

Here's everything you need to know about what to wear for women's professional headshots.

Quick Reference: Headshot Attire by Industry

Industry	Recommended Attire	Colors
Finance/Law	Blazer, blouse, or structured top	Navy, black, burgundy
Corporate	Blazer or professional blouse	Jewel tones, navy, gray
Tech/Startup	Smart casual, quality knits	Blues, greens, earth tones
Creative	Stylish casual, personality-forward	Bold colors, black
Healthcare	White coat or professional blouse	Blue, soft colors, white
Real Estate	Approachable professional	Warm tones, jewel tones

Colors That Photograph Beautifully

Best Choices

Jewel tones and rich colors photograph exceptionally well and flatter most skin tones:

• Emerald green: Vibrant yet professional, universally flattering
• Sapphire blue: Projects trust and competence
• Burgundy/wine: Adds warmth, sophisticated
• Teal: Modern, distinctive, photographs beautifully
• Navy: Classic, always appropriate
• Coral/terracotta: Warm and approachable (great for real estate, sales)

Colors to Avoid

• Bright white: Washes out your face, creates harsh contrast
• Pale pastels: Can look washed out, especially on lighter skin tones
• Neon or hot pink: Reflects color onto your skin, distracting
• Beige matching your skin tone: Creates an odd "nude" effect

Necklines and Silhouettes

Best Necklines

• V-neck: Elongates the neck, slimming effect, universally flattering
• Scoop neck: Softens appearance, approachable
• Boat neck: Elegant, works well with statement earrings
• Crew neck: Classic, professional, works with jackets

Necklines to Consider Carefully

• High/mock neck: Can shorten neck appearance; works best on longer necks
• Turtleneck: Classic look but can be unflattering; try before committing
• Very low necklines: Too distracting for professional headshots

Sleeves Matter

• Best: Long sleeves, 3/4 sleeves, or cap sleeves with a jacket
• Avoid: Sleeveless tops without a jacket—arms at the edge of the frame can distract
• Exception: Sleeveless under a blazer is perfectly fine

Blazers and Jackets

A well-fitted blazer instantly elevates any headshot. It's the single most versatile piece for professional photos.

Fit Tips

• Shoulders should end at your natural shoulder line
• Single button closure that fastens without pulling
• Sleeves should show a hint of your shirt/blouse cuff
• Fitted through the body—not tight, not boxy

Style Options

• Classic blazer: Works for any industry, timeless
• Collarless jacket: Modern, softer appearance
• Textured blazer: Adds visual interest without busy patterns

Jewelry Guidelines

Less is more. Your face should be the focus, not your accessories.

What Works

• Small to medium stud earrings: Add polish without distraction
• Simple drop earrings: Elegant, appropriate for most industries
• Delicate necklace: If it complements your neckline
• Simple watch: Classic, professional (if hands are visible)

What to Skip

• Large statement earrings: Draw attention away from your face
• Chunky necklaces: Compete with your expression
• Multiple bracelets: Distracting if hands are in frame
• Anything that moves/dangles excessively: Can cause motion blur

Industry-Specific Recommendations

Finance, Law, Consulting

Traditional and polished:

• Structured blazer over a professional blouse
• Navy, black, or burgundy color palette
• Conservative jewelry—studs or small hoops
• Timeless over trendy

For attorneys specifically, see our lawyer headshots guide.

Tech and Startups

Professional but approachable:

• Quality knit tops, structured blouses
• Blazer optional (depends on role and company culture)
• Jewel tones or modern neutrals
• Authenticity matters—don't overdress for the culture

Creative Industries

Show personality while remaining professional:

• Black is always a strong choice
• Interesting textures or subtle patterns
• More flexibility with jewelry and color
• Your style sense is part of your brand

Healthcare

Trustworthy and approachable:

• White coat optional—depends on your preference and role
• Soft colors project calm (light blue, soft green)
• Warm, reassuring appearance
• Avoid clinical coldness—you want patients to feel comfortable

Real Estate

Approachable and relatable:

• Warm colors work well (coral, burgundy, teal)
• Professional but not intimidating
• Smile-friendly outfits—you want to look approachable
• Avoid looking too formal or corporate

See our complete guide on real estate agent headshots.

Hair and Makeup

Hair

• Style it how you normally wear it: People should recognize you
• Keep it out of your face: Eyes need to be clearly visible
• Get any cuts/colors done 3-7 days before: Not the day of
• Bring styling products: Touch-ups may be needed

Makeup

• Slightly more than daily wear: Camera lights wash out features
• Matte foundation: Avoid shine, which photographs as glare
• Define eyes: They're the focal point of any headshot
• Natural lip color: Or one shade deeper than natural
• Set with powder: Prevents shine during the session

What to Avoid

• Glitter or shimmer (catches light oddly)
• Dramatic contouring (looks harsh on camera)
• Trendy makeup that will date the photo
• Heavy false lashes (can look unnatural)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Busy Patterns

Florals, geometric prints, and complex patterns distract from your face. Stick to solids or very subtle textures.

2. Thin Stripes

Creates a moiré effect on camera—a distracting wavy pattern. If wearing stripes, make them bold and widely spaced.

3. Wrinkled Clothing

Even slightly wrinkled clothing looks sloppy. Steam or iron everything. Transport on hangers.

4. Visible Bra Straps

Wear nude undergarments or ensure straps are completely hidden. Consider a strapless bra for certain necklines.

5. Outfit That Doesn't Fit

Too tight creates unflattering pulls and lines. Too loose looks sloppy. Proper fit is essential.

6. Dated Styles

Your headshot may be used for 3-5 years. Avoid extremely trendy pieces that will look dated quickly.

What to Bring to Your Session

• 2-3 outfit options (different colors, different styles)
• Blazer or jacket (even if unsure you'll use it)
• Simple jewelry options
• Hair styling products and brush
• Makeup for touch-ups (or a touch-up kit)
• Lint roller and safety pins
• Blotting papers for shine

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I wear a blazer in my headshot?

A blazer is rarely wrong. It instantly elevates your look and works across industries. That said, it's not mandatory—a quality blouse alone works fine for many roles, especially in creative or tech fields. When in doubt, bring one and try shots both ways.

Can I wear black?

Yes, but be thoughtful about it. Black can look sophisticated or harsh depending on the lighting and your skin tone. Black blazers over colored tops are universally flattering. All-black can work for creative industries but may feel severe for client-facing roles.

Should I wear what I'd wear to work?

One level above. Your headshot represents your professional best. Even in casual workplaces, adding a blazer or choosing more polished pieces is appropriate. You want to look like yourself on your best professional day.

How much makeup is appropriate?

Slightly more than your everyday wear. Camera lights flatten features, so slightly enhanced makeup photographs as "normal." Focus on defined eyes, even skin tone, and natural lips. Avoid trends that will date the photo.

Should I show personality in my outfit?

Within professional bounds, yes. Your headshot should look like you—just polished. If you always wear statement earrings, wear smaller ones. If you love color, choose one beautiful jewel tone. The goal is "you at your professional best," not someone unrecognizable.

The Bottom Line

Your headshot outfit should frame your face, project professionalism, and feel authentically like you. Choose jewel tones or rich colors, ensure everything fits properly, keep jewelry simple, and dress one level above your daily work attire.

When in doubt, a well-fitted blazer in navy or black over a V-neck top in a flattering color works for virtually any industry and any context.