What to Wear for a Professional Business Headshot: Men’s Guide
Learn the best outfit choices for men when preparing for a professional business headshot. Discover tips on how to dress for success and project confidence and professionalism.
Sep 24, 2024
Your business headshot is often the first impression potential employers, clients, or colleagues will have of you. Whether it’s for LinkedIn, a company website, or any professional platform, your headshot should reflect confidence, professionalism, and approachability. Choosing the right outfit is key to achieving this. In this guide, we’ll walk through the best clothing options for men when preparing for a professional headshot, helping you look your best and make the right impression.
1. Stick to Solid, Neutral Colors
When it comes to a professional headshot, solid colors are your best bet. They create a clean, polished look and help keep the focus on your face, rather than drawing attention away with bright patterns or loud colors.
- Best colors to wear: Navy blue, charcoal gray, black, and white are classic choices that never fail. These colors are timeless, project professionalism, and complement almost any background.
- Avoid bold patterns and bright colors: Bright colors like red or yellow and busy patterns can be distracting. If you prefer some color, opt for muted tones like burgundy, dark green, or a subtle shade of blue.
- Consider the background: If you know your background will be light, avoid wearing white shirts as they can blend in. Similarly, if the background is dark, steer clear of black suits or shirts to ensure your outfit contrasts nicely.
2. The Power of a Well-Tailored Suit
A well-tailored suit is a staple for a professional business headshot. Even if your job doesn’t require formal attire every day, a suit gives you an air of authority and confidence that’s hard to match.
- Classic colors for suits: Navy, charcoal gray, and black are standard choices for a suit. These colors give off a polished, businesslike vibe. Navy suits are particularly versatile, pairing well with various shirt and tie combinations.
- Fit is crucial: Make sure your suit fits properly. A poorly fitting suit can detract from your overall appearance, while a tailored suit will enhance your look and give you a refined silhouette. Pay attention to the fit of the shoulders, jacket length, and pant legs.
3. Choose the Right Shirt
Your shirt plays a critical role in your overall look, as it’s often the most visible part of your outfit in a headshot. Button-down shirts are a great choice for men, offering a clean and structured appearance.
- Crisp white or light blue shirts: These are classics for a reason. A well-ironed white or light blue button-down shirt provides a crisp, fresh appearance and complements nearly any suit color. It’s also a safe option that works well for most professional environments.
- Subtle patterns and colors: If you want to add a bit of personality, opt for shirts with subtle patterns like small checks or stripes. Just ensure the pattern is not too busy, as this can distract from your face in the headshot.
4. Ties: To Wear or Not to Wear?
Whether or not to wear a tie depends on the industry you're in and the image you want to convey. In more formal industries such as law, finance, or corporate leadership, a tie is generally expected. In more creative or casual fields, you might skip the tie for a more relaxed look.
- If you choose to wear a tie:
- Classic silk ties in solid colors or subtle patterns are your best bet. Deep blues, burgundies, and blacks are all professional and versatile choices.
- Avoid loud patterns or novelty ties. Stick to classic styles that project professionalism. Stripes, small dots, or simple geometric patterns are safe choices.
- If you choose not to wear a tie:
- Keep it clean and neat. A well-pressed, open-collar button-down shirt can work just as well without a tie, especially in more creative or casual industries. Make sure the shirt fits well and has a structured collar.
5. Consider Layers for Added Depth
Layering can add a sophisticated element to your look without being too over-the-top. A blazer or sport coat over a button-down shirt adds depth and texture to your outfit, which can make you stand out in your headshot.
- Vests: If you want a more formal look without a full suit jacket, consider wearing a vest. Vests can add a modern, stylish touch to your headshot while still keeping the outfit professional.
- Cardigans or sweaters: In more business-casual environments, a light sweater or cardigan over a collared shirt can add depth and warmth to your appearance, making you look approachable yet polished.
6. Grooming Matters
Your grooming is just as important as what you wear for your headshot. Ensuring your hair, facial hair, and overall appearance are well-groomed will make a significant difference in how polished and professional you appear.
- Hair: Make sure your hair is neat and styled before the shoot. Avoid trying out new haircuts or styles just before your headshot, as you want to feel confident in your look.
- Facial hair: If you have facial hair, make sure it’s well-groomed. Trim beards or mustaches to give a clean, sharp appearance. If you don’t usually wear facial hair, it’s best to shave on the day of the shoot.
- Skin care: Consider prepping your skin a few days before the shoot by moisturizing and ensuring your face looks fresh. If you tend to have oily skin, bring some blotting papers or powder to the shoot to avoid shine.
7. Accessories: Keep It Simple
When it comes to accessories, less is more. The goal is to keep the focus on your face, not your accessories.
- Watches: A classic, simple watch can add a touch of elegance without being distracting. Avoid large, flashy watches or bracelets.
- Cufflinks or pocket squares: If you want to add a bit of flair, keep it subtle. A small pocket square or understated cufflinks can add personality without overwhelming the look.
- Eyewear: If you wear glasses, make sure they’re clean and free of smudges. If you have multiple pairs, choose the one that best complements your outfit.
Conclusion: Dress for Success in Your Business Headshot
Your professional headshot is a key part of your personal brand. Whether you're preparing for LinkedIn, a company profile, or other professional uses, your outfit plays a crucial role in how you’re perceived. Stick to solid, neutral colors, wear a well-tailored suit, and consider layering for added depth. Don't forget to pay attention to grooming and accessories, as these small details can elevate your entire look.
With the right outfit and attention to detail, your business headshot will project confidence, professionalism, and approachability—exactly what you need to stand out in your career.
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