Your professional headshot is often the first impression potential clients, employers, or business connections will have of you. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile, launching a new business, or refreshing your company website, choosing the right outfit can make a big difference in creating polished, timeless images.

Here are my top seven tips to help you feel confident and camera-ready for your headshot session.

1. Choose Timeless, Solid Colours

Simple is always best. Solid colours photograph beautifully and keep the focus where it belongs—on you. Rich jewel tones, soft neutrals, and classic shades like navy, charcoal, cream, forest green, or burgundy are excellent choices.

Try to avoid neon colours, overly bright whites, and distracting patterns that can pull attention away from your face.

2. Dress for Your Industry and Goals

Think about where your headshots will be used and who your audience is.

Corporate Professionals
Choose polished, professional attire such as a tailored blazer, dress shirt, blouse, or suit. Classic pieces create a confident and approachable look.

Entrepreneurs & Personal Branding
If your brand is more creative or lifestyle-focused, don’t be afraid to show your personality. A stylish blazer with jeans, a beautiful knit sweater, or a modern dress can help tell your story while still looking professional.

Your clothing should reflect how you want clients to perceive your brand.

3. Try Everything On Before Your Session

One of the biggest mistakes people make is bringing clothing they haven’t worn recently.

A few days before your session:

• Try on each outfit.
• Make sure everything fits comfortably.
• Check for wrinkles, stains, or missing buttons.
• Ensure undergarments aren’t visible.
• Practice sitting and standing comfortably in each outfit.

When you feel comfortable, it shows in your photos.

4. Coordinate Colours if You’re Photographing a Team

If you’re booking corporate team headshots or photographing multiple employees, coordinating colours creates a clean, cohesive look across your website and marketing materials.

Everyone doesn’t need to wear the exact same colour—but choosing complementary tones creates consistency while still allowing each person’s personality to shine.

5. Skip Large Logos and Busy Patterns

Large logos, bold graphics, and busy prints tend to distract from the most important part of the image—you.

Instead, choose classic clothing with clean lines and minimal patterns. Timeless wardrobe choices ensure your headshots won’t look dated in a few years.

6. Bring Multiple Outfit Options

I always encourage clients to bring two to four outfit choices.

Having options allows us to create a variety of looks during your session, including:

• Corporate and executive portraits
• Personal branding images
• Casual professional portraits
• Social media and website content

Simple accessories like watches, necklaces, scarves, or ties can also help create variety without overpowering the image.

7. Let Your Personal Brand Shine

Your clothing should reflect who you are.

Ask yourself:

• What colours represent my brand?
• How do I want clients to feel when they see my photo?
• What impression am I hoping to make?

Whether you’re a lawyer, realtor, business owner, coach, healthcare professional, or creative entrepreneur, your wardrobe should reinforce your professionalism while feeling authentic to you.

Final Thoughts

The best headshots happen when you feel confident, comfortable, and like yourself.

If you’re unsure what to wear, don’t worry. Before your session, I’m always happy to review outfit options and offer recommendations to help you choose pieces that photograph beautifully and align with your goals.

Together, we’ll create professional headshots that you’ll be proud to use across your website, LinkedIn profile, business cards, and marketing materials for years to come.

Ready to Update Your Professional Headshots?

Whether you’re looking for corporate headshots, executive portraits, or personal branding photography, I’d love to help you create images that showcase your personality and professionalism.

Get in touch today to view the upcoming studio availability & book your professional headshot session in my Milton studio.