What to Wear for a Corporate Headshot: A Guide to Looking Professional, Polished and You!
What to Wear for a Corporate Headshot: A Guide to Looking Professional and Polished
Your corporate headshot is often the first impression you make in the professional world—whether it’s for LinkedIn, a company website, or promotional material. Dressing appropriately can enhance your professional image, communicate confidence and importantly, reflect your personality. Here’s a detailed guide on what to wear for a corporate headshot, ensuring you look your best while staying true to your personal and professional style.
1. Stick to Classic, Professional Attire
When it comes to corporate headshots, it’s best to lean on tried-and-true professional attire. For men, a classic business suit or a tailored blazer with a button-down shirt works well. Women can opt for a fitted blazer over a blouse or a smart, professional dress. The key is to avoid overly trendy outfits that might not age well. You want your headshot to be timeless and usable for several years.
2. Choose Colours Wisely
The colours you choose for your corporate headshot can make a significant impact. Here are some tips:
Neutral Tones: Navy, grey, black, and white are safe choices that exude professionalism and sophistication.
Solid Colours Over Patterns: Solid colours photograph well and keep the focus on your face. Avoid busy patterns like stripes, polka dots, or large checks, which can be distracting or create unwanted visual effects in the final image.
Pop of Colour: If you want to inject a bit of personality, a pop of colour in a tie, scarf, or accessory can work beautifully. Jewel tones (like emerald green, royal blue, and burgundy) often look striking without being overwhelming.
3. Fit Is Key
Regardless of what you choose to wear, fit is everything. Avoid baggy or overly tight clothing, as both can be unflattering in photographs. A well-tailored outfit will not only look more professional but will also boost your confidence during the photo shoot. Make sure your clothes fit comfortably, especially around the shoulders, waist, and neck, to maintain a clean silhouette.
4. Focus on Grooming and Details
Beyond the outfit, small grooming details can make a huge difference:
Hair: Ensure your hair is neat and well-styled for the shoot. If you typically wear glasses, clean them beforehand to avoid smudges in the photo.
Jewellery: Keep jewellery minimal and understated. Avoid anything too flashy that could draw attention away from your face. Simple stud earrings, a classic watch, or a modest necklace work well.
Makeup: If you wear makeup, aim for a natural look that enhances your features. A bit of concealer, foundation, and neutral lipstick can help achieve a polished, professional appearance.
5. Consider the Background and Lighting
The background of your headshot and the lighting used by the photographer play a huge role in how your outfit will look in the final image. If you’re aware of the background beforehand (for example, whether it’s a light or dark backdrop), you can adjust your wardrobe accordingly:
Light Background: Avoid wearing light-colorued tops (e.g., white or beige), as they might blend in. Opt for darker colours to create contrast.
Dark Background: Conversely, darker outfits may blend into dark backgrounds, so consider lighter tones or mid-range colours. Natural lighting or soft professional lighting tends to flatter most colours, but if you’re unsure, communicate with your photographer for specific wardrobe advice based on their setup.
6. Avoid Overly Casual Attire
Even if your workplace has a casual dress code, it’s advisable to step up your attire for a headshot. Casual outfits like t-shirts, jeans, or anything too relaxed can come across as unprofessional in a corporate setting. Instead, strike a balance between your personal style and professional expectations. Business casual works well in environments where a full suit might be too formal.
7. Keep It Simple
The goal of a corporate headshot is to focus on you. Your clothing should complement your features, not overwhelm them. Simple, well-fitted outfits in solid colorus help maintain the attention on your face and expression, which is ultimately what you want to stand out.
8. Test It Out
If possible, try on your selected outfit and take a few test photos beforehand. This will allow you to see how the colours, fit, and accessories look in photographs. You can make adjustments if anything seems off, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable during the actual shoot.
Final Thoughts
Your corporate headshot is a representation of your professional brand, so taking the time to choose the right outfit is essential. Remember, classic and professional looks, solid colours, and attention to grooming are key to creating a polished image that leaves a lasting impression. With the right attire, you'll convey confidence, competence, and professionalism—everything you want in a corporate setting.
