Headshot & Branding Sessions – What To Wear
Outfit Guide For Headshots and Branding Photos
Preparing for your headshot session is exciting, but choosing what to wear can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially when headshots can serve many different purposes. Whether you’re updating a corporate profile, creating content for specific platforms, or investing in a more personalized branding session, what you wear plays an important role in how you’re perceived.
This style guide is designed to help you select outfits that photograph well, feel comfortable, and align with your goals. We’ll walk you through clothing suggestions that work across a range of headshot styles—from polished and professional to more relaxed and expressive—so you can show up feeling confident and authentically yourself in front of the camera.
Stick to basics for corporate Headshots
Great outfit options for corporate headshots include:
For women:
- A well-fitted blazer in black, navy, gray, or a soft neutral
- Classic blouses or tops with clean necklines (crew, boat neck, or subtle V-neck)
- Tailored dresses in solid colors with minimal detailing
- Pencil skirts or A-line skirts paired with a structured top
- Simple layering pieces like a fine-knit sweater or cardigan
- Subtle patterns or textures, if any, that won’t distract on camera
For men:
- A tailored blazer or suit jacket in classic tones like navy, charcoal, or gray
- Crisp button-down shirts in solid colors or very subtle patterns
- Polos with structured collars for a more relaxed professional look
- Lightweight sweaters layered over a collared shirt
- Ties in solid colors or understated patterns, depending on industry and role
Adding Personality to Your Headshots
For those in more entrepreneurial roles or creative industries, there’s often more room to show personality through your wardrobe. Bold pops of color, interesting patterns, textured fabrics, or slightly less traditional cuts can all help convey your personal brand and make your headshots feel more authentic and expressive. The key is to choose pieces that still feel polished and intentional, while reflecting the energy and style of your business or industry.
Solids that pop:
- Jewel tones (emerald green, sapphire blue, ruby red, amethyst)
- Soft pastels (blush, lavender, powder blue)
- Warm neutrals (camel, rust, mustard)
- Classic neutrals (black, navy, gray, white)
Patterns & textures:
- Polka Dots – adds interest without much distraction
- Minimal geometric patterns – adds a modern edge; choose colors that complement your skin tone
- Soft florals or abstract prints – works well for creative brands; pick prints that aren’t too busy or large in size
- Textured fabrics (silk, knit, tweed, linen blends, denim) – look great on camera and add depth
What to Wear for Branding Photos: Styling with Intention
Branding sessions are about more than looking put-together. They’re about visually communicating who you are, what you do, and who you’re speaking to. Unlike traditional headshots, branding photos tell a broader story. The clothing, colors, and details you choose all work together to reinforce your message and attract the right audience.
If you’re preparing for a branding session, here’s how to approach styling in a way that feels cohesive, authentic, and aligned with your brand.
Dress for Your Brand, Not Just the Camera
The most important question to ask when choosing an outfit is: Does this look like me on my best day at work? Branding photos should reflect how you naturally show up for your clients or audience. An influencer or content creator might lean into casual, trend-forward pieces, while a luxury brand owner may opt for tailored silhouettes and elevated fabrics.
Think about the feeling you want your brand to convey – approachable, refined, bold, creative, calm – and choose clothing that supports that mood. When your outfit aligns with your brand identity, your images feel believable and effortless.
Incorporating Brand Colors (Without Overdoing It)
Brand colors are a powerful styling tool, but subtlety goes a long way. Instead of wearing every brand color at once, consider using one color as an accent and grounding the look with neutrals. This keeps the focus on you while still reinforcing your visual identity.
Coordinating Outfits for Teams
If you’re being photographed alongside your team, coordination is more effective than matching. Choosing a shared color palette creates visual cohesion while allowing each person’s personality to come through. Varying textures, silhouettes, and layers helps keep the images dynamic without feeling chaotic.
Avoid bold patterns or large logos that can distract from faces. The goal is for the group to feel unified and professional, while still natural and approachable.
Styling for Versatility and Variety
Branding images are often used across multiple platforms, so versatility matters. Layering pieces like jackets, sweaters, or accessories allow for quick changes and added variety without a full outfit swap. Bringing a few tops that work with one base look can dramatically expand your final gallery.
Shoes and accessories should align with your brand’s tone while still allowing you to move comfortably. The more flexible your styling, the more usable your images will be long-term.
