What to Wear for Headshots | Austin Photographer’s Guide
Professional wardrobe tips from an Austin headshot photographer
Written by Anthony Johnson
When preparing for your Austin headshots, what you wear can make or break the first impression you give. Whether your goal is to update your LinkedIn, refresh your company’s website, or make a great impression on a dating app, your wardrobe plays a huge role in how you’re perceived.
As a professional Austin photographer specializing in business headshots, team headshots, and executive branding, I’ve worked with professionals across nearly every industry. This guide breaks down what to wear based on your goals—and how to dress for success.
First, Ask: What is this headshot for?
Your answer determines everything.
Dating Profile Photos: Stay casual and comfortable. Think clean T-shirts, relaxed button-ups, or a favorite casual outfit. You want to look confident, natural, and approachable.
Professional Headshots for Work: A solid-color polo or simple button-up shirt is a great starting point. You want to look clean, confident, and camera-ready—even in a casual industry.
Executive or Leadership Headshots: For executive-level business headshots, a suit and jacket are the standard. Most of my executive clients in Austin opt for a tailored suit—tie optional. If you lead a team or represent your company, dressing the part adds credibility and trust.
Industry Examples from Real Austin Headshot Sessions
Here’s what I’ve seen across different industries when photographing headshots in Austin:
Tech & IT Teams: Polos, clean button-ups, or sweaters are common. For tech leadership headshots, a jacket or blazer can elevate the look while still feeling approachable.
Healthcare Professionals: Scrubs are great for medical staff. Doctors and executives often go with a polished look—polo, button-up, or full suit depending on the role.
Finance, Legal & Corporate: These industries require full business professional attire. Think suit, tie, or a tailored blouse and blazer. Your professional headshot should immediately convey success and reliability.
Construction Companies: Branded polos or button-ups work best—clean, fitted, and aligned with your company’s image.
Realtors & Sales Professionals: Dress like you’re meeting your top client. That could mean sharp business casual or full professional attire depending on your personal brand.
Choosing Colors That Work for You
Fit and professionalism matter most, but the colors you choose can also shape the mood of your headshot.
Here’s a quick guide based on skin tone and hair color.
- For Light Skin Tones: Pastels, jewel tones, and neutrals work beautifully. Try pale blue, soft pink, lavender for a charming look.
- For Medium Skin Tones: Warm tones and vibrant colors shine. Coral, mustard yellow, forest green, or dark red add energy.
- For Dark Skin Tones: Bold, striking hues pop. Think electric blue, deep purple, or emerald green for captivating contrast.
- Blond Hair: Versatile—pastels, vibrant shades, and neutrals all work. Soft pink, pale yellow, or baby blue add playfulness.
- Brunette Hair: Rich and warm colors pair well. Burgundy, chocolate brown, and olive green create a sophisticated vibe.
- Red Hair: Warm and bold tones are stunning. Orange, deep purple, and forest green make for eye-catching combinations.
Pro Tip: These are guidelines, not rules.
The best color is one you feel confident in. Experiment with shades to see what truly makes you stand out.
Pro Tips from a Headshot Photographer in Austin
Tailored > Trendy. A $40 shirt that fits well will always look better than a $400 shirt that doesn’t.
Timeless beats trendy. Your headshot should still work a year from now.
Bring options. I’ll help you choose the right one during the shoot.
Match your goals. Dress how you want to be seen. Clients, employers, and potential partners are judging your photo—let’s make it count.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Have the Right Look? Here’s a Hack.
If you don’t have anything in your closet that fits right—go get something that does. Then, keep the tags on, use it for your headshot session, and return it afterward for a full refund.
Many clients do this, especially for executive headshots or team sessions where they want to look their absolute best. Just make sure the store allows returns before you buy.
LOOKING YOUR BEST STARTS BEFORE THE CAMERA
Thanks for reading this far—I hope this guide helped you feel more confident and better prepared for your upcoming headshot. Choosing what to wear isn’t just about style—it’s about strategy. The right outfit tells your story before you say a word.
Whether you’re building a brand, updating your LinkedIn, or preparing for a team-wide refresh, the wardrobe you choose sets the tone for how your headshot is received. As a professional Austin photographer, I work with professionals, executives, and teams to create headshots that feel both polished and true to who you are.
If you’re booking team headshots, business portraits, or a Signature Headshot Session, we’ll collaborate to ensure your wardrobe, expression, and presence are aligned with your goals.
Still not sure what to wear? Don’t stress. I’ll guide you through it during your session—so you walk away with images that make you look confident, capable, and exactly how you want to be seen.
Ready to Elevate Your Business Headshots?
If you’re a company or a business leader in Austin looking to upgrade your team’s visual presence — that’s exactly what I specialize in. I don’t just take photos. I create brand-ready imagery that makes people stop, look, and trust.
Let’s talk about how to bring this level of quality to your team.