What to Wear for Professional Headshots (Raleigh Edition)

Choosing what to wear for a headshot can feel surprisingly high-stakes—especially if you’re updating your LinkedIn profile,
building a small business website, or representing your firm. The good news: you don’t need a brand-new wardrobe.
You just need a few smart choices that photograph well and feel like you.

If you’re planning professional headshots in Raleigh (or the greater Triangle area), this guide will help you pick outfits that look polished, flattering, and authentic—without overthinking it.

---

Start with the Only “Rule” That Always Wins: Follow Company Guidelines

If your employer or organization has a dress code, branding guidelines, or a preferred look for staff headshots, follow those first.
It keeps team photos consistent and helps your firm present a unified, professional brand—especially for law firms, accounting teams,
engineering groups, and other professional services.

If you’re unsure, ask the coordinator (office manager, marketing lead, or HR contact) whether there’s a preferred level of formality
(business formal vs. business casual) and whether certain colors or styles should be avoided.

Choose Something You Feel Great In – and Make Sure It Fits Well

The best headshots happen when you feel comfortable and confident. Choose an outfit that feels professional for your role,
but also feels like something you’d actually wear to meet a client or appear on your website.

Fit matters more than brands

A well-fitting outfit almost always photographs better than something expensive that’s too loose or too tight.
Pay special attention to:

• Shoulders: Seams should sit near the edge of your shoulder, not droop down your arm.
• Collars and necklines: Make sure they lay flat and don’t bunch or curl.
• Jackets/blazers: If you bring one, ensure it’s comfortable to stand and move in (no pulling across the chest or back).

If you’re bringing multiple looks, prioritize variety in formality and neckline (for example:
a blazer look + a business-casual look), not just different colors of the same shirt.

Prep Your Outfit(s) Like You’re Getting Ready for an Important Meeting

The camera notices the small things—wrinkles, lint, pet hair, and stretched collars. A little prep goes a long way.

Quick pre-session checklist

• Steam or press your outfit(s) so they look clean and crisp.
• Check collars and cuffs (especially on button-down shirts) for wear or discoloration.
• Use a lint roller—especially for dark fabrics.
• Bring a backup option if you’re on the fence.

If you’re booking a session soon, you can also review what to expect on our
Professional Headshots in Raleigh page,
including how the session typically flows and how we help you look natural and confident.

Avoid Large, Busy Patterns – But Texture and Small Patterns Are Great

In headshots, your face should be the focus. Large patterns (big checks, bold stripes, loud prints) can compete for attention and may create
visual distortion on camera.

That said, you don’t have to wear plain solids only. In fact, subtle texture and smaller patterns can look fantastic:

• Good choices: fine knits, tweed, subtle herringbone, small checks, soft ribbing, light texture.
• Use caution: wide stripes, oversized plaids, very high-contrast patterns, and ultra-busy prints.

One exception: if bold pattern is part of your brand persona (for example, a creative professional or a distinctive personal brand),
you can absolutely wear it—just do it intentionally, and consider bringing a second “classic” option as well.

Color Guidance That Photographs Well

Color should support your look, not overwhelm it. The best colors are usually those you’d confidently wear in a professional setting
and that flatter your skin tone.

Generally strong choices

• Mid-tone blues, charcoals, and deeper neutrals
• Earth tones (depending on complexion and brand style)
• Muted jewel tones (burgundy, forest green, navy, deep teal)

Be careful with bright white shirts

A bright white dress shirt can be tricky in headshots—especially without a jacket—because it can reflect a lot of light and draw attention away
from your face. If you love a white shirt, it typically works best when paired with a blazer or jacket to break up the brightness.

If you’re not wearing a jacket, a softer off-white, light blue, or a mid-tone neutral often photographs more naturally.

Necklines, Layers, and Accessories

Necklines

Choose necklines that feel professional and keep the focus on your face. For many people, open necklines (like a subtle V-neck,
scoop, or an open collar) can be flattering and elongating.

Layers

Blazers, sport coats, and structured layers can instantly elevate a headshot and add shape. They’re especially useful for executive portraits,
attorneys, and anyone who wants a more formal presence.

Accessories

Keep accessories simple and intentional. If it’s shiny, oversized, or noisy (literally or visually), it can become the focal point.
A good rule: if you notice the accessory before the person, it may be too much for a headshot.

Outfit Ideas by Role (Quick Examples)

LinkedIn / Corporate Professional

• Blazer + solid or subtle-pattern shirt/blouse
• Button-down + jacket (especially if wearing white)
• Simple knit top + blazer for a polished, modern look

Small Business Owner (Counselors, Therapists, Wellness Professionals, Consultants)

• Business-casual layers that feel approachable (soft blazer, structured cardigan, clean knit)
• Solid top in a flattering mid-tone + a light layer for shape
• Subtle texture to keep the look warm and human

Creative / Personal Brand

• One “signature” look that reflects your brand persona
• A second, more classic option for versatility

What to Bring to Your Headshot Session

• 1–3 outfit options (more if you’re unsure)
• A lint roller
• A hanger (to keep items crisp in transit)
• Any brand-relevant items (only if they truly fit the purpose and won’t distract)

Still Not Sure? I Can Help You Choose

Most clients bring a couple of options and we decide together what will photograph best for the look you want—confident, credible,
and approachable.

If you’re ready to schedule, start here:
Professional Headshots in Raleigh.
If you have questions first, you can reach out via our contact page:
Contact Portraits with Purpose.

---

Quick Summary

• Follow company guidelines if you’re doing team or corporate headshots.
• Wear something professional you feel great in—and make sure it fits well.
• Prep your outfits so they’re clean, crisp, and lint-free.
• Avoid big busy patterns, but subtle texture and small patterns are excellent.
• Be cautious with bright white shirts unless you’re wearing a jacket.

We hope you have found this guide on what to wear for professional headshots useful. Feel ready to update your look? Learn more about professional headshots in Raleigh
with Portraits with Purpose.