You’re going to a job interview, and you need to represent yourself well. You’ve gone through the process previously with your resume, but this time it’s time for a resume photoshoot. But what do you wear? You can follow some general guidelines, but most people have their preferences that they find most comfortable.
In this article, we’ll give you some suggestions to help guide you in finding the proper attire, as well as a few styling tips when wearing your headshot!
If you’re looking to hire someone for your office or learn current trends around professional photography, this article is for you! If not, then scroll down to see our recommendations.
1. Suit and Tie
You’re a gentleman and don’t need to be told what to wear for your professional photographs.
2. Casual Chic
This is your chance to show off your style or have fun with something new. But, of course, if it’s not working, you can always take the suits off after the photoshoot is done.
3. Funky Geek
A loose tee shirt is the only way to work for many graphic designers, developers, and programmers.
4. Signature Style
Make a statement with the perfect outfit that represents you in one outfit! First and foremost, this is a professional headshot session. So if you want your clients to remember you by your appearance, then wear a suit that represents you professionally.
5. Business Casual
Typically worn at work-related events like conferences with more straightforward rules and attire. This would be most appropriate for interviews after work that don’t require anything too dressy or formal such as going out to eat or drinks after work during happy hours (not late at night).
6. Business Formal
This is the easiest to wear but still professional. Suppose you’re not sure what to wear on paper and have a formal event coming up (like interviewing or attending an interview). Go with this. You can go anywhere with this outfit: a boardroom, office setting, etc.
7. Blazers & Ties
When business casual isn’t strictly enforced, a pair of black trousers and a crisp white shirt never fails.
8. Formal Trousers
Most offices require a suit when a formal event occurs, like this photographer’s event. Stick with the classic navy or grey pinstripe suit and keep your shirt crisp and white.
10. Casual Pants
If you’re not a fan of suits, stick with tailored pants in grey or navy that are cut close to the body so you’ll look professional but not stuffy!
11. Tucked in Blazers
Blazers are perfect for the summer months when you don’t want to wear your jacket all day, but it’s still too warm for a sweater alone. Keep the print neutral and straightforward black, white, etc.
12. Collared Shirts
Make sure your collar points are crisp and that you’re wearing a tie if your office requires it. A collared shirt is highly professional, but it can be trendy if done right (for example, a shirt and tie).
13. Dressy Boots
Camel and dark brown boots are incredibly versatile and can be worn with nearly anything. Just make sure they don’t clash with your office’s dress code.
14. Dressy Sweater
A fun sweater to add some color and personality to your outfit without being too dressy especially for days when you don’t want to wear a full suit but need something a bit more professional than jeans & a graphic tee.
15. Dark Colored Jeans
This can work in many different ways depending on how you wear it tie-dye, subtle patterns, and such. Also, since dark-colored jeans are timeless and versatile, they can be worn with anything, so they’re easy to get!
16. Classic Button-Down
These are the quintessential office shirt of slacks typically collared and with buttons down the front.
17. Cuffed Pants
Most professional offices have no problem with cuffed pants, especially if you’re wearing it with casual shoes and your top half is dressed in a more business-like manner. Avoid cuffed jeans like the plague though!
18. Winter Coat
If your office allows for it, wear a winter coat over your blazer just make sure the lining is dark!
19. Skinny Jeans
The skinny jeans are to be perfectly straight, meaning no rips and no pleats. They should also not have a loose waistband as that would create wrinkles in the photo.
20. Long-Sleeve Button-Down Shirt
You can leave one sleeve rolled up if you need to keep your arm warm or if you’re wearing a sleeveless top under it. It is important that the shirt has buttons on both ends of its collar as otherwise it won’t look well-fitted enough around the neck area, making for an awkward looking shot.
21. Dress Shirt
For women, a dress shirt with a collar and button-down is best for this type of shot. The dress shirt should not be too tight, nor too loose. It’s best to have it untucked for a more casual look.
22. Boardroom Shoes
It’s important that your footwear is polished and professional – think black pumps or oxfords for women; formal black, leather lace-ups for men.
23. Belt
The belt should be snug, not too loose nor too tight, and should not sag. Make sure you have it polished and clean, as it will be front and center for the photos.
24. Knee-Length Skirt
Knee-length skirts usually look more stylish than mini-skirts, however if you’re not keen on showing off your legs, it is fine to wear pants instead – as long as they are slim and stylish.
25. Topknot
Top knots are fashionable, cute, and work well for professional headshots – it is not always necessary to have your hair styled.
26. Dress Pants
It’s important that the dress pants are creased; if you are wearing a dress shirt, ensure that it is not tucked in – again this will create wrinkles.
27. Tuxedo
The tuxedo should be clean, nice and crisp (trouser hems pressed). Of course, it’s probably best to leave the penguin at home for your shoot!
28. Skinny Jeans With Sneakers
This is a fun little look that’s great for outdoor shoots, or if you’re looking to express your casual side in the photos.
29. Dress and Cardigan
A dress and cardigan is another cute outfit option, perfect if you’re looking to have fun with the photos!
30. Scarf
A scarf is a great accessory to wear for headshots. You can wrap it around your neck or you can drape it over your shoulders. If you choose the latter, make sure it falls off to one side of your body.
