Business Headshot Fashion for Men: What to Wear for a Powerful First Impression
Why Fashion Matters in Your Headshot
Your business headshot is your first impression online—on LinkedIn, your company website, speaking engagements, Google business profile, or personal branding materials. At inHEADSHOTS, we specialize in capturing authentic, confident portraits that make a lasting impact.
Fashion for your headshot should reflect who you are and what you do. It’s incredibly important that the outfit matches the man and the job he does. Don’t wear something that doesn’t fundamentally fit you and your business style for a headshot. There are do’s and don’ts to wardrobe for a headshot that you should stay within.
That’s why we’ve created this guide to business headshot fashion for men—from suits to shoes, facial hair to jewelry. Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, or realtor, your outfit speaks volumes about your professionalism and style.
- The Power Suit: Structured and Timeless
A well-tailored suit jacket or sport coat adds instant structure and confidence to your frame. I rarely recommend doing a headshot without some form of jacket. A bare shirt does not usually look like a finished outfit in a headshot.
Tips:
– Colors: Medium tones and more neutral colors work well. Avoid black, dark navy blues and very light colors. These can work but they require special consideration in lighting and background.
– Fit: Ensure the jacket fits well and lays straight on the shoulders. The importance of a jacket that fits cannot be overstated. An off the rack jacket that does not fit is no bargain.
– Sport Coats: For a slightly more relaxed yet still professional look, opt for textured fabrics like herringbone or tweed in neutral tones.
- Shirts and Collars: Clean, Crisp, and Complimentary
A button down dress shirt is the most common choice but it’s not that simple. A wrinkle free shirt that fits in the collar is a good start. The cut of the collar and the buttons make for the best pictures.
Best Shirt Choices:
– Color & Tone: Pale blue, or light gray are clean and timeless. We prefer shirts with some tone over pure white because they do not distract from the white of the eyes and the smile. Colors can look nice but bring some options so we can match the color to our background choice.
– Pattern: Solid colors are usually preferred but some texture and patterns can work. Avoid checks, bold stripes, or high-contrast prints—they can distract or cause moiré on camera.
– Collars: Semi-spread or spread collars present best in camera crops, avoiding “floppy” or button-down collars unless styled very well.
– Buttons: The buttons become very important when the shirt is worn without a tie. We like some of the more modern shirts with dark buttons. We sometimes even add nicer buttons in post production.
– Avoid: Wrinkled shirts, overly stiff collars, or synthetic fabrics that shine.
- Ties & Pocket Squares: Optional, But Strategic
Ties:
Best for conservative industries like law, finance, or government. Ties have become very optional in many industries. Solid ties or ties with a subtle pattern or texture usually look best. Avoid novelty prints or overly shiny materials.
Pocket Squares:
We like pocket squares when no tie is used. It can add a nice splash of color that breaks up a solid jacket. It’s all about finding the right one and styling it correctly. It’s a fashion choice that should match your personal brand and not draw attention away from your face. Go for subtle, folded squares—no large puffs or florals.
- Facial Hair & Grooming: Sharp, Clean, Intentional
Facial hair is great, as long as it’s well-groomed and intentional.
Grooming Tips:
Trim and shape beards, sideburns, and mustaches a day or two before the shoot. Moisturize skin and consider a matte finish product to reduce shine. We have these in the studio and may need to modify your skin’s shine for our lighting. If clean-shaven, shave well right before your session to avoid a five o’clock shadow.
Haircuts:
Get a haircut well before the shoot. A day of haircut sometimes looks too fresh. Avoid drastic style changes right before your session.
- Pants & Shoes: You May Not See Them, But They Matter
Why it matters: You’ll feel more professional when fully dressed. Confidence shows up in your posture and eyes. We also want to have the option to shoot portraits that include more of the body.
Pants:
Match or complement your suit jacket or sport coat. Well-fitted dress pants or chinos in dark tones look clean and professional.
Shoes:
Nice shoes that are polished and clean. No sneakers, sandals, or overly trendy styles. Even if they won’t be in frame, they affect posture and mindset.
- Watches & Jewelry: Keep It Minimal
A touch of style can be added with a watch, ring or bracelet that matches your style and outfit.
Watches:
Classic analog styles work best. Avoid oversized smartwatches or digital sport models.
Jewelry:
Wedding bands and simple cufflinks are fine. Avoid loud or distracting items like heavy chains or earrings (unless part of your personal brand).
- Buttons, Layers, and Accessories: Details Matter
Button the top button of your shirt if wearing a tie. For open-collar looks, unbutton one button (not two). Avoid visible undershirts or low-neck tees under button-downs. These do not look good if they show at the neck. Sweaters & vests can work well layered under jackets.
Quick Checklist: Suggestions for what to Bring to Your Headshot Session
- 2 jackets (suit and/or sport coat)
- 3 dress shirts (varying tones)
- 2–3 ties (optional)
- Pocket square (optional)
- Hair products or brush
- Lip balm and blotting paper
Schedule Your Headshot Today with Northern Virginia’s Business Portrait Experts
At inHEADSHOTS, we help men show up as leaders in their headshots; strong, approachable, and ready to make moves. From wardrobe styling to expert lighting and post-production retouching, every detail is dialed in for success. Want more tips on what to wear for your headshot? Ready to book a session with Northern Virginia’s best headshot photographer? Let’s craft your brand image together.
