Why Wardrobe Matters for Your Professional Headshot
Your wardrobe is the second most important element in a professional headshot, right after lighting. The wrong outfit can undermine an otherwise perfect portrait. The right one reinforces your expertise and makes you look polished, confident, and trustworthy. This guide covers specific wardrobe recommendations for attorneys, executives, physicians, CPAs, and realtors based on thousands of headshot sessions Marc has photographed throughout Los Angeles and Orange County.
General Rules That Apply to Everyone
Your Wardrobe Speaks Before You Do
“What you wear in your headshot communicates your professional authority before anyone reads a single word on your bio.”
Stick with solid colors. Patterns, stripes, and plaids compete with your face for attention. Solid navy, charcoal, black, white, and deep jewel tones photograph beautifully and keep the focus where it belongs.
Fit is everything. A well-tailored jacket or blouse elevates your entire look. Avoid anything too loose, too tight, or wrinkled. If you are between sizes, go up and have it tailored.
Bring options. Two to three outfits give you and your photographer room to choose the look that works best with the lighting and background on the day. More choices, more versatility in your final images.
Keep accessories minimal. Small, understated jewelry photographs best. Skip large statement pieces, reflective watches, or anything that pulls the eye away from your face.
What Attorneys Should Wear for Headshots
For attorneys, a dark suit is the gold standard. Navy, charcoal, or black with a crisp white or light blue shirt projects authority and professionalism. Men should consider a solid tie in a complementary color. Women can opt for a blazer with a simple blouse or shell.
Managing partners and senior associates should match the firm’s visual brand. If your firm’s website features darker, more formal portraits, dress accordingly. Consistency across the partner page builds trust with prospective clients.
What Executives and CPAs Should Wear
Simplicity Photographs Strongest
“Solid, dark colors photograph best. Patterns, logos, and bright colors compete with your face for attention and date the image faster.”
C suite executives and CPAs should dress at or slightly above their daily professional attire. If you typically wear a suit, wear your best one. If your office culture is business casual, a blazer with a collared shirt works well. For CPAs and financial professionals, conservative colors communicate reliability. Dark navy and charcoal are excellent choices. Avoid trendy or fashion forward looks that may date your headshot quickly.
What Physicians and Healthcare Professionals Should Wear
Physicians have two strong options: the traditional white coat or business professional attire. White coats work well for hospital directory photos and medical group websites. Business attire creates a more personal, approachable look. For dentists, surgeons, and specialists, consider what your patients expect to see. A clean, pressed white coat over a solid colored shirt is classic and timeless. If opting for business attire, the same rules apply: solid colors, good fit, minimal accessories.
What Realtors Should Wear for Headshots
The Right Choice Builds Trust
“The difference between a headshot that builds client trust and one that undermines it often comes down to wardrobe. I send every client a wardrobe guide before the session.”
Real estate agents need headshots that project success and approachability. A tailored blazer or sport coat is ideal for both men and women. The look should be polished but not overdone. Since realtor headshots appear on everything from yard signs to listing portals, choose clothing that photographs well at both large and small sizes. Solid, contrasting colors ensure your headshot remains clear and recognizable even as a thumbnail.
Colors to Avoid in Professional Headshots
Some colors create problems in photographs. Bright red can cast color onto your skin. Neon and fluorescent colors look unprofessional. All white outfits can blow out under studio lighting. Very light pastels can wash out fair skin tones.
The safest choices are always dark neutrals (navy, charcoal, black) and deep, rich colors (burgundy, forest green, deep blue). These colors flatter every skin tone and look professional across all industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors photograph best for professional headshots?
Solid, dark colors photograph strongest for professional headshots. Navy, charcoal, and black create a clean frame around your face. Attorneys, executives, and physicians should avoid busy patterns, bright colors, and logos that compete with the subject.
Should I wear a suit for my headshot?
It depends on your industry and audience. Attorneys and financial professionals typically wear suits. Physicians may choose a white coat or professional attire. Executives should dress at the level their clients expect. Marc Weisberg sends a wardrobe guide before every session.
What should women wear for professional headshots?
Solid jewel tones, structured blazers, and simple necklines photograph beautifully. Avoid heavy patterns, large jewelry, and trendy pieces that will date the image. The goal is to frame your face and convey professionalism.
Can I bring multiple outfits to my headshot session?
Yes. Bringing two to three outfit options gives you variety. Marc Weisberg will help you choose the best option on set based on the lighting, background, and how each outfit photographs.
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Marc Weisberg is a Los Angeles and Orange County based photographer with over 26 years of experience creating headshot, portrait, and personal branding photography. A former Sony Artisan of Imagery, a designation held by fewer than 50 photographers worldwide. Marc’s headshot clients include top producing real estate professionals, attorneys, executives, and entrepreneurs across Southern California. Learn more about Marc.
