What to Wear for a Professional Headshot: The Do’s, Don’ts, and DFW Style Tips
So—you’ve booked your professional headshot session. You’re feeling good. You’re ready to level up your personal brand.
And then it hits you: What the heck am I going to wear?
I get asked this all the time.
The truth is, what you wear matters. But it doesn’t have to be complicated.
I’ve got you.
Here’s what works, what to avoid, and a few little style tricks that photograph beautifully—especially here in DFW.
The Do’s:
Let’s start with what does work for a professional headshot:
✔️ Wear solid colors.
Think navy, cream, olive, charcoal, white, jewel tones. These shades are timeless, flattering, and don’t distract from your face.
✔️ Stick to your brand palette.
Are you bold and high-energy? Soft and sophisticated? Your clothing should align with your personality and the visual tone of your business. (Not sure what that is? I’ll help you nail it down before your session.)
✔️ Choose clothes that fit well.
Nothing too tight, nothing too baggy. Structure is your friend—especially around the shoulders and neckline.
✔️ Layer, if you love it.
Blazers, lightweight jackets, or simple accessories can add dimension and variety without needing to fully change outfits.
✔️ Keep it simple.
Clean lines and classic pieces photograph best. The goal is to highlight you, not the outfit.
The Don’ts:
Some things just don’t play nice with a professional headshot.
✖️ Avoid busy patterns or tiny stripes.
They can create distortion in photos and pull attention away from your face.
✖️ Skip logos and graphics.
Unless it’s your logo and it makes sense for your brand, keep your clothing clean and logo-free.
✖️ Don’t wear anything you constantly fidget with.
If you’re going to spend the whole session tugging on a sleeve or adjusting a neckline, skip it.
✖️ Don’t wait until the night before to decide.
Try everything on in advance. Take some mirror selfies. Send them to me if you’re unsure—I love helping with this part.
A Few DFW Style Tips:
We’re lucky here in Dallas-Fort Worth—there’s a little bit of everything.
Don’t be afraid to bring you into it.
Love a bold blazer? Bring it.
Prefer clean neutrals with a soft, editorial vibe? Yes please.
Want something that feels elegant but not too formal? Let’s go.
My job is to help you show up in a way that feels aligned, confident, and completely authentic. So you look like yourself—on your best day.
Wear what makes you feel like you, only elevated.
Let’s make sure your professional headshot doesn’t just look polished—it feels powerful.