What You Should Wear for Business Headshots
If this is your first time getting a professional headshot, you might be asking yourself, what do I even wear? You’re not alone. Most people haven’t had a real photo taken since a passport or maybe a school or wedding event years ago. When it comes time to get a new headshot for LinkedIn, your company site, or any professional use, it can feel a little intimidating to figure out your outfit.
The good news is, picking what to wear doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or stressful. Your headshot should make you feel confident, relaxed, and true to yourself. Here, you’ll get simple, clear advice on what works, what to skip, and how you can show up ready without worry. This isn’t about buying something new. It’s about picking clothes that fit well, look fresh on camera, and help you look polished and comfortable.
What Colors Work Best for Headshots
Color makes a big difference in professional pictures. Solid shades work best for business headshots. Patterns like stripes, florals, and big logos can turn attention away from your face, which is the opposite of what you want. If you stick to plain, softer tones, your features will stand out and the camera will focus on you.
Some good go-to choices are navy, soft blue, charcoal, and light gray. These colors look great on most people and work well under different lighting. Black can look sharp too, especially if you add a lighter shirt underneath, like a cream or pale blue. White works if you pair it under a darker blazer or sweater, but on its own, it can wash out under studio lighting.
Think about your skin tone when choosing colors. Warm tones like olive green or tan suit some people, while others look relaxed in cooler shades. In sunny Los Angeles, earthy colors can look especially flattering. If you’re unsure, bring a couple of options to your session. The photographer will help confirm the best choice with you.
At Daring Ninja Photographer, we offer custom background color options in the studio, so you can coordinate your outfit with your chosen background for a seamless look.
Choosing the Right Style for Your Job or Industry
You want your headshot to make sense for your role and industry. Some jobs call for a button-up shirt and a sharp blazer. Others, like tech or creative fields, might call for business casual—a clean polo, a simple blouse, or a neat dress. A safe rule is to dress about one step up from what you’d wear to work on a typical day.
Here’s how to match your outfit to your field:
- Tech, design, and creative: neat sweater, classic polo, or tailored shirt
- Entrepreneurs and consultants: blazer over a top, fitted shirt, or modern separates
- Lawyers, bankers, and real estate: suit jacket, tie, and traditional business dress
Always think about who will see the photo and where it will live. LinkedIn, your company’s website, business cards, or even panels and speaking events may all ask for different levels of formality. When in doubt, simple and slightly dressed up wins.
If you have questions before your session, you can always text or email a picture of your outfits for a quick opinion. We’re happy to help you decide. Many people bring two or three options, and it’s no trouble to snap photos in a couple of looks during your session.
What to Avoid Wearing During Your Shoot
Picking the right outfit includes knowing what not to wear. Here are some things that don’t work well for business headshots:
- Anything with logos, sports brands, or writing that stands out
- Bold plaids, loud florals, or busy prints
- Anything that wrinkles easily or looks creased after sitting down
- Super tight or very loose clothes that shift during posing
- Large or flashy jewelry that could catch the light or reflect on your face
Softer fabrics and clean shapes work better than stiff or shiny materials. Small details can stand out in photos, so keep accessories simple. Stud earrings, a small pendant, or a watch are all you need.
When you feel comfortable and not distracted by your clothing, your personality shines through. Our studio keeps lint rollers, a mirror, and garment racks handy so you can make last-minute touch-ups as needed.
Extra Tips to Help You Feel Prepared
A little planning the day before pays off on photo day. To make things easy:
- Bring an extra shirt or jacket along, even if you think you won’t use it
- Try everything on a couple of days before the shoot to see if it still fits well and makes you feel confident
- Snap a mirror selfie to see how your outfit looks in a real photo
- Iron or steam your clothes the night before and hang them up, so they stay crisp on the way to the studio
If you’re worried about shine or flyaway hairs, pack a small comb or a bit of powder. Our studio provides basic touch-up supplies in case you forget.
When it comes to shoes, go for clean and simple. They might show in wider shots, and looking put together from head to toe helps you feel ready for anything.
We know first-timers are often uncertain about what happens on shoot day. That’s why, before the session, we’ll answer any last-minute outfit questions, offer suggestions, and help adjust things when you arrive.
How the Prep Fits into Our Stress-Free Photo Experience
At Daring Ninja Photographer, the process is designed for comfort and ease—from the first message to the final image delivery. Once you book, you’ll get tailored outfit recommendations based on your needs and the look you want. If you’re not sure what to wear, just send us a few photos. There’s help at every step, and you can always update your choices after chatting with us.
This is not a fashion show, and there’s no pressure to bring a perfect wardrobe. Think of the session as a fun job interview, except all the pressure is off. You arrive, change if you need, and we walk you through every pose and adjustment. Lighting and posing are handled so you never feel awkward. There’s even a quick warm-up game to help shake off nerves and help you feel comfortable for authentic expressions.
The process goes like this:
1. Reach out by text, email, or phone and share your timeline or any previous shoot history.
2. Pick your package, confirm details, and choose from nine available studios around Los Angeles.
3. Pay your deposit and receive step-by-step prep instructions.
4. Show up for your session and let us guide you through posing, lighting, and outfit selection.
5. Receive all unedited proofs within twenty four hours and polished edits in seventy two hours, delivered online for easy download.
You’ll find the experience smooth and straightforward, even if your last headshot was years ago or you didn’t love it.
Look Great Without Overthinking It
Business headshots shouldn’t make you feel nervous or stressed. The right outfit is one that feels natural and can move with you. When your clothes fit well, look neat, and match your industry, you’ll feel better, and that comfort will shine through in your expressions.
You do not need to dress up more than you want or copy what other people are doing. Pick the outfit that feels most like you and skip anything too trendy or too bold. If it fits well and helps you forget what you’re wearing, it’s a winner. The best headshots come from people who are comfortable and just a little bit prepared.
When it all lines up—the fit, the pose, and the relaxed vibe—you’ll end up with a photo that actually feels like you at your best. Throughout the whole process, from choosing clothes to final delivery, professional support makes all the difference. That way, you know you’ll leave with photos you’ll be happy to use anywhere. When you’re ready, we’re here to help in Los Angeles, guiding you every step of the way.
You can scroll through some of our recent Los Angeles sessions to see how different outfits, expressions, and posing styles work depending on the job. It’s a great way to get ideas and see how simple clothing choices help your personality shine. If you're looking for a trusted business headshot photographer in Los Angeles, we’ll walk you through everything so you feel relaxed and ready. When you're set to book, the team at Daring Ninja Photographer is here to guide you every step of the way.