What to Wear for Professional Headshots — Your Best Business Portraits Ever
Whether you’re applying for a new job or simply updating your LinkedIn, deciding what to wear for professional headshots can be a daunting task. While (thanks to Armoire) your everyday work outfits don’t require much thought these days, your photo session attire requires careful consideration. The best business portraits are those that show off your personality while still looking professional. With these tips on what to wear on-camera, you’re sure to look the part!
A great headshot can help you stand out from a sea of applicants and give off a good impression before you even meet face-to-face. It’s important to wear business professional clothing, even if you work in a business casual or wear anything type of office.
These tips on what to wear for professional headshots are a sure-fire way to take your best business portraits ever!
Stick to Solids
Sticking to solid colors is a must for professional photos. Avoid wearing busy prints which will draw attention away from the real focus— you!
Prints can also date a photo, meaning you’ll have to pay for new headshots sooner than you planned. While leopard print may be all the rage this season, you’ll surely regret your outfit choice when it’s no longer the rage. Solid colored clothing helps ensure you get your money’s worth with a photo that lasts!
If you’re stumped on which color to pick, try Pantone’s Color of the Year 2020, Classic Blue. The timeless shade is flattering on a variety of skin tones and pops beautifully on-camera. Paired with a black Boden blazer, this Classic Blue Of Mercer dress instantly looks professional.


Your Armoire Package
- Boden black blazer
- Of Mercer gathered dress
- Veronica Beard blazer
- Of Mercer sheath dress
Utilize Universally Flattering Jewel Tones
Richly saturated jewel tones pop on camera, making them the perfect choice for professional headshots. Think sapphire blues, ruby reds, amethyst purples and emerald greens— the richer the better.
If you’re an avid color-wearer, opt for a single stand-out dress in your favorite jeweled hue. Research has shown that colors can greatly affect the way other people respond to us. Your bold color choice signals your fearlessness in both your wardrobe and your work life!
You can never go wrong adding a black blazer, so be sure to bring one along to your session. Throw it on halfway through to add more variety to your photos.


Your Armoire Package
- Gravitas dress
- Theory shell blouse
- Boden black blazer
- Diane Von Furstenberg tweed jacket
Add Interest with Texture
If you’re a prints girl, you probably think that sticking to solids sounds a bit boring. Get the best of both worlds by adding interest through textures instead. The subtle floral print on this French Connection blazer adds that little extra something to your look without overpowering it.
Another way to add interest is through unique details like a belted blazer. The silhouette is still simple enough to not distract, but makes viewers take a second glance.
We suggest layering a simple jewel-toned blouse under your blazer. Opt for something super simple, like this sleeveless shell from Theory. The pop of color brightens your face without being too busy.


Your Armoire Package
- Theory shell blouse
- French Connection printed belted blazer
- cooper & ella v-neck blouse
- Paige black denim
Need extra help finding what to wear for professional headshots? Book a 1-1 styling appointment with one of our personal stylists— available online from the comfort of your home or IRL at one of our Seattle-area boutiques.