What to Wear for Professional Headshots (Males & Females)

What to Wear for Professional Headshots (Males & Females)

First impressions matter, and today, those happen online. Your professional headshot is usually the first thing a stranger sees—whether it's scrolling through LinkedIn, browsing company websites, or attending a virtual conference.

Your headshot isn't just a photo—it's a personal branding tool. And it's only made up of a handful of elements. What you wear for your professional headshot counts:

• Outfit: What you wear says a lot about you. You don't get to choose your complexion, hair color, or facial structures, but you do get to choose the clothes you wear. Make them count.
• Background: Your background could speak a thousand words, but for a headshot, you want it to talk as little as possible. It should put the focus back on the outfit and face.
• Face: Everything from your expression to your grooming makes the headshot.

However, deciding what to wear for your professional headshot is easier said than done. Choosing this outfit is an art. It's not just about looking good (though that matters, too).

Your clothes send a message about your professionalism and eye for detail. It shows whether or not you understand your place in the industry.

Whether you're shooting for a corporate headshot or a creative role, we'll help you learn what to wear (and what not to wear) for your professional headshots.

General Tips for Choosing the Right Outfit

When it comes to professional headshots, less is often more. You don't want to try too hard. We all know what those headshots look like, and it's not the look you want.

Keep things simple.

Here are some tips on what to wear for professional headshots that'll help you avoid overcomplicating things:

• Keep It Simple: You really want you to shine in your headshot—not have your outfit steal the show. Choose simple clothing. Go for a clean, uncluttered look to keep the focus on your face and expression. They are the star of the show—your clothing is just the supplement.
• Tone It Down: Choose colors that complement your skin tone. Not sure what works? You can always trust classic neutrals like navy, gray, and beige—they're universally flattering and look polished and professional. If you want a splash of color, make sure it's quiet and works with your skin tone.
• Fit and Tailoring Matter: An outfit that fits well isn't just comfortable—it makes you look put-together and in control. And that's the look you want for your professional headshot. Too-baggy clothes can make you look sloppy, while overly tight outfits can be unflattering.
• Express Yourself (Within Reason): You don't want your headshot to look like any ol' run-of-the-mill headshots—you want to show some character and individuality. Keep your personal style in mind—just tweak it for professionalism.

What to Wear for Professional Headshots: Female

Ladies, what you wear for professional headshots matters more than it should. Viewers will look at everything from your blazer (or lack thereof) to your earrings and hairstyle. Here's how to dress to keep the attention on you:

• To Suit or Not to Suit: That's up to you. There's no right or wrong answer. If you go with a suit or blazer, aim for a tailored fit that flatters your figure. Choose a classic cut like a single-button or fitted blazer in neutral tones such as black, navy, or charcoal. Pair it with well-fitted trousers or a skirt, and you've got a look that commands attention.
• Top It Off Right: Go with blouses or tops in solid colors or subtle patterns. You can't go wrong with necklines like a scoop, V-neck, or boat neck—they're all flattering and can add that special touch of sophistication.
• Be Subtle With Accessories: Less is more when it comes to accessories. Keep it minimal and tasteful. You don't want to overpower your look. A necklace or stud earrings can add sparkle without stealing the spotlight. Avoid chunky jewelry or statement pieces that distract from your face—the focus should be on you.
• Hair and Makeup Magic: Keep your hair and makeup natural. Choose a hairstyle that frames your face. As for makeup, stick to neutral tones. Remember, the goal is to look like the best version of yourself—not someone else entirely.

What to Wear for Professional Headshots: Male

Let's talk about what to wear for professional headshots for males. Fellas, your wardrobe will have some nuance depending on the look you want. It could be the classic gentleman or the new-age businessman—that's up to you.

However, whether you're channeling your inner James Bond or aiming for that Silicon Valley startup vibe, what you wear can make or break the headshot.

Here are some general guidelines to help you dress to impress:

• Suits That Suit You: When it comes to suits, it's all about finding the right fit and style. Choose classic cuts and colors like navy, charcoal, or black—they're timeless, whether you're Gen X or Gen Z. You can go with a single-breasted or double-breasted jacket—just make sure it fits like a glove.
• Shirt Choice: Your shirt choice is just as important as your suit (but even more so if you ditch the suit option). Stick with crisp, clean shirts in solid colors. White, light blue, and light gray are safe options since they complement most skin tones. Pay attention to collar style—spread, point, or button-down—and choose one that best fits your neck and face.
• Go Easy on the Accessories: Accessories add a touch of personality, but keep it classy. A dapper tie coordinated with your shirt can complete a look, and a quality watch can up your style game. Just remember, less is more when it comes to accessories.
• Trim Your Hair (and Face): Grooming is the final touch that pulls your whole look together. Make sure your hair is neatly styled and your beard (if you have one) is well-groomed.

Remember, you're not selling the headshot—you're selling you. Choose outfits that highlight your unique style and look.

What to Wear for Your Industry

Every industry has its own style. What works in the boardroom might not work in the studio, and what works in those might not fly in the tech world.

Know your audience before you dress for your headshot.

Corporate fields (like law, finance, and business) prefer traditional and conservative. Think tailor suits, classic ties, professional blouses, and maybe a blazer. It's a no-nonsense look. Not a lot of fun—but a whole lot of professionalism.

Tech's dress code is a tad more relaxed. Here, you should tone it down a bit—go for smart-casual. You might wear a well-fitted blazer over a plain t-shirt or keep it simple with a casual shirt (please, no tie).

Creative fields give you a little more leeway to express yourself. You can incorporate some subtle colors, unique accessories, or even artistic prints. Still, don't go overboard. Remember, the focus is on you—not your chic cardigan.

How Aragon.ai Helps You Choose What to Wear

While that might sound simple enough, we know it can be hard in practice. Putting together different outfits, finding the perfect background, and nailing your lightning is easier said than done.

That's why we created Aragon.ai.

Aragon.ai helps you choose what to wear for your professional headshots with our realistic AI headshot generator. Here's how it dresses you for your headshots:

• Virtual Wardrobe: Aragon.ai isn't a photo editing tool—it's your personal stylist. Our AI-powered platform dresses you in different outfits (in minutes) to help you find the one that feels right. No more staring at your closet, wondering what to wear. Aragon.ai makes the process, dare we say, fun.
• AI-Powered Styling: Aragon.ai uses advanced algorithms to suggest outfit combinations and styles tailor-made for your preferences. Whether you want corporate chic or creative genius, we've got you covered.
• Convenient and Affordable: The best part? Aragon.ai takes the stress out of styling. You just upload a few pictures, and we take care of the rest. No renting outfits, no stylists, no photoshoots, no busy photographers—just you, your phone, and endless headshot options. It's like having a personal stylist at your fingertips (minus the chunky price tag).

Do You Still Need a Professional Headshot Session?

Not necessarily. Here's what you get with a traditional headshot session:

• Awkward interactions (you know what we're talking about)
• Scheduling hassle
• Back-and-forth commuting
• Wardrobe investment
• Length turnaround times
• No satisfaction guarantee

Who has time for that, anyway?

Aragon.ai isn't a supplement or complement to a headshot session—it IS the session. You just get to do it conveniently from the comfort of your couch. It does it better, faster, and cheaper. Plus, you don't have to deal with photographers, scheduling, wardrobes, or traffic.

And we help you know what to wear for your professional headshot (without any styling commissions or makeup sessions).

Just upload your photo, let the AI work its magic, and voilà—professional headshots in minutes (without the fuss). We put our money where our money is, too. If you don't love your results, we'll give you your money back. Just let us know within 7 days, and we'll give you a full refund—no questions asked.

That's because we know you'll love your realistic AI headshot with Aragon.ai. Try it now and see for yourself.