Dressing for Success in Your Professional Headshots
Style Tips for Professional Headshots
Dress Like Your Boss
Appropriate workplace attire varies significantly by industry. Professionals in fields such as law and medicine typically opt for formal and conservative attire, while those in technical or creative roles might appear out of place in a suit and tie.
When in doubt, look to your supervisor or another respected industry leader. The way your superiors dress often sets the standard for your industry and can help you exude confidence without seeming overly formal.
Avoid Overly Casual Clothing
Even if your industry leans towards informal dress, consider dressing more formally for your headshots to convey confidence and authority. Studies suggest that wearing formal attire can boost your sense of power and control, which can positively impact your posture and presence in photos.
Your comfort and confidence behind the camera can influence your appearance in photos, so opt for formal clothing that makes you feel good about yourself. If you need an extra dose of confidence, consider formal options like suits, ties, and formal blouses.
Remember, you don't have to wear a suit; you can achieve a "smart casual" look that portrays friendliness without appearing overly corporate.
Feature Multiple Outfits
Think about the various people you interact with throughout your workday and tailor your clothing choices to suit each context. If you regularly engage with different types of individuals, such as entrepreneurs, consultants, or salespeople, it's a good idea to have headshots that match each audience. Rather than trying to fit all professional scenarios into one outfit, consider taking multiple photos in different attire to ensure you're always dressed appropriately for your professional headshot.
Opt for Suit-Inspired Silhouettes
Traditionally masculine clothing, such as trousers, blazers, and dark-colored suit jackets, can significantly impact perceptions of intelligence and ability, particularly for those in management and leadership roles. Research shows that blazers and trousers can make applicants appear more forceful and influential, leading to favorable hiring recommendations for leadership positions.
While a suit isn't necessary, you can still draw inspiration from jacket and dress shirt combinations to create a polished look.
Avoid Older, Worn-Out Clothing
Over time, even the finest blouses and shirts will show signs of wear. This is especially true for brightly colored or knitted fabrics, which may fade or develop pilling after multiple washes. To maintain a polished appearance, opt for newer clothing or items labeled "dry clean only" to avoid these signs of wear and tear.
Stick with Simple Jewelry
The best professional headshots enhance your natural features without distracting from them. Therefore, it's advisable to choose simple jewelry, especially if your headshot will focus closely on your face. For necklaces, ensure that the pendant is visible above the photo's crop. When it comes to earrings, stick to metallic or gemstone studs, as dangling earrings can get tangled in hair and become lost in the photo.
Ditch the Undershirt and "Floppy Collar"
In professional headshots, the area beneath your face is crucial, as these photos are often closely cropped for platforms like LinkedIn. Pay attention to your undershirt and collar:
Avoid wearing an undershirt, especially in white, black, or grey, as it can be distracting in a formal professional headshot.
Ensure your collar is stiff, as a "floppy collar" can make your headshot appear sloppy, even if the rest of your attire is perfect.
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