What to Wear for Corporate Headshots: Your Complete London Guide

One of the most frequent questions I hear from clients before their corporate headshot session is: “What should I wear?” After photographing thousands of professionals across London over the past decade, I completely understand this concern, and it’s an excellent question to ask.

Your clothing choices significantly impact how your headshot photographs, and making the right decisions can be the difference between a headshot you’re proud to use everywhere and one that sits unused on your hard drive.

The good news? You don’t need an entirely new wardrobe. With some straightforward guidance about colors, styles, and what works best on camera, you’ll feel confident stepping in front of my lens. Let me share what I’ve learned from years of experience capturing natural, professional headshots in my mobile studio across London.

Why Your Wardrobe Choice Matters

Before we dive into specific recommendations, it’s worth understanding why clothing matters so much in corporate headshots. Your headshot often creates someone’s first impression of you—whether that’s on LinkedIn, your company website, or marketing materials. What you wear communicates professionalism, approachability, and competence before you’ve said a single word.

I always emphasize to my clients that you photograph better when you feel confident. The outfit that makes you feel professional and comfortable will naturally translate into more relaxed, authentic images. That’s the foundation of my documentary-style approach to corporate photography—capturing you at your best, naturally.

The Best Colors for Corporate Headshots

Color psychology plays a fascinating role in professional photography. According to research on workplace color psychology, different hues communicate distinct messages about professionalism and personality.

Blue and gray are your safest choices for corporate headshot attire. Navy blue conveys trust and competence—there’s a reason it’s the most common color in business settings. Charcoal gray projects authority without being as stark as black. These colors photograph beautifully and work across virtually all industries.

Jewel tones like emerald green, burgundy, and deep purple can add personality while maintaining professionalism. These rich colors photograph exceptionally well and help you stand out without being distracting. I’ve noticed that jewel tones work particularly well for professionals in creative industries or those wanting to show a bit more personality.

What about colors to avoid? Pure white shirts on white backgrounds create washout, and neon colors can reflect unflattering tones onto your face. All-black outfits can sometimes appear too severe, though black certainly has its place when balanced with other elements.

Patterns vs. Solid Colors

Here’s my strongest recommendation: choose solid colors over patterns. Fine patterns like thin pinstripes or small checks can create a distracting moiré effect on camera, where the pattern seems to shimmer or create strange visual artifacts. Bold patterns draw the eye away from your face—which should be the focal point of your headshot.

Solid colors keep the focus exactly where it belongs: on your expression and personality. They also ensure your headshots won’t look dated as fashion trends change.

Professional Attire That Photographs Well

The formality of your outfit should match your industry and how you typically present yourself professionally. I photograph everyone from City finance professionals in traditional suits to tech startup founders in smart casual attire. The key is authenticity—wear what you’d actually wear to an important client meeting.

For men: A well-fitted button-down shirt is always a winner. Whether you add a jacket and tie depends on your industry norms. I find that a blazer adds structure and professionalism to most headshots, but if you never wear jackets in your actual work environment, don’t wear one for your headshot. The fit matters tremendously—jackets that pull across the shoulders or shirts with collars that don’t sit properly will be obvious in photos.

For women: Structured tops, blouses, and blazers photograph beautifully. Pay attention to necklines—V-necks and scoop necks tend to be more flattering than high crew necks, which can make your neck appear shorter. Three-quarter or long sleeves typically photograph better than cap sleeves. Layering, such as a blouse under a blazer, adds dimension and visual interest to your headshot.

The Details That Make a Difference

Beyond your main outfit, several smaller details can impact your final headshot:

Jewelry: Less is more. Simple, classic pieces work best. Large, dangling earrings or chunky necklaces can distract from your face. A watch or simple necklace is perfect.

Glasses: If you typically wear glasses, absolutely wear them for your headshot—they’re part of your professional identity. I’ll adjust my lighting to minimize glare on the lenses. If your frames are outdated, this might be a good time to update them before your session.

Grooming: Schedule haircuts about a week before your session (not the day before—you want your hair to settle naturally). Ensure your clothes are pressed and wrinkle-free. These small touches demonstrate attention to detail.

Industry-Specific Guidance for London Professionals

London’s diverse business landscape means dress codes vary significantly across sectors. Here’s what I typically recommend based on industry:

Finance and law: Traditional corporate attire is expected. Suits in navy or charcoal, crisp shirts, and conservative styling communicate the trust and authority these sectors demand.

Tech and creative industries: You have more flexibility. Smart casual works beautifully—think blazers over quality t-shirts or open-collar shirts. You can incorporate more color and personality while maintaining professionalism.

Property and healthcare: Aim for approachable yet professional. You want to appear trustworthy and competent without seeming unapproachable.

If you’re unsure about your industry’s norms, look at headshots of senior people in your field or contact me directly—I’m always happy to provide specific guidance based on your profession.

Common Wardrobe Mistakes to Avoid

After years of photographing corporate headshots across London, I’ve seen a few recurring mistakes that are easily preventable:

• Wearing something brand new: Never debut an outfit at your headshot session. Wear something you’ve worn before and know fits comfortably.
• Clothing that’s too tight or uncomfortable: Discomfort shows in your face and posture. Choose pieces that allow you to move and breathe easily.
• Forgetting about team consistency: If you’re organizing team headshots, provide guidance to ensure everyone looks cohesive without being identical. Similar color palettes and formality levels work well.
• Not bringing backup options: I always encourage clients to bring an extra shirt or two. If you’re uncertain between options, bring both and we can test them during your session.

My Approach to Supporting Your Wardrobe Choices

Here’s what makes my corporate photography sessions different: I’m here to guide you throughout the process. During our session, I use live tethering technology, which means you’ll see your images on a laptop screen immediately. If something isn’t working with your outfit—whether it’s an awkward wrinkle or a color that’s not quite right—we’ll notice it together and can make adjustments.

I’ve spent over a decade putting camera-shy professionals at ease. Part of that is helping you feel confident about every aspect of your headshot, including your wardrobe. I’ll provide feedback and suggestions during your session to ensure you get images you’re genuinely proud to use.

My Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the most important thing you can wear to your corporate headshot session is confidence. When you feel good about how you look, it shows in your expression and body language. That’s when my natural, documentary-style approach truly shines—capturing authentic, relaxed images that represent the professional you.

Remember: your headshot should look like you on your best day, not like someone else entirely. Choose clothing that reflects your professional style and makes you feel like the competent, capable person you are.

Ready to book your corporate headshot session in London? Get in touch to discuss your requirements, and I’ll provide specific wardrobe guidance tailored to your industry and brand. If you’re still uncertain about what to wear, I’m always happy to chat through your options during the booking process—I want you to feel completely prepared and confident for your session.

You can also explore my complete guide to preparing for your corporate headshot for additional tips on getting ready for your session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring multiple outfit options to my headshot session?

Absolutely! I encourage clients to bring two or three options, especially if you’re unsure which will photograph best. We can quickly test different looks during your session using my live tethering setup, and you can choose your favorite. Just ensure all options are pressed and ready to go.

Should I wear the same colors as my team for corporate headshots?

You don’t need to match exactly, but maintaining a similar color palette and formality level creates cohesion. For example, if everyone wears blues and grays in business formal attire, your collective headshots will look professional and unified on your website without appearing overly staged.

What if I don’t own any solid-colored professional clothing?

Don’t worry—subtle patterns are fine if that’s your professional style. Just avoid very fine patterns (like tight pinstripes) that might create moiré effects, and steer clear of bold, busy patterns that could distract from your face. If you’re concerned, send me a photo of your outfit options beforehand and I’ll provide guidance.

How formal should I dress for a LinkedIn headshot?

Your LinkedIn headshot should reflect how you dress in your professional environment. If you work in a formal corporate setting, dress formally. If your industry is more casual, smart casual is perfectly appropriate. The goal is authenticity—you want to look like yourself at work, not uncomfortable or overdressed.

Should I wear my glasses for my corporate headshot?

If you typically wear glasses in your professional life, definitely wear them for your headshot. They’re part of your professional identity. I use specific lighting techniques to minimize glare, so they’ll photograph beautifully. The only exception is if your frames are very outdated—in that case, consider updating them before your session.

What’s the biggest wardrobe mistake people make for headshots?

The biggest mistake is wearing something brand new or uncomfortable. When you’re not comfortable in your clothes, it shows in your expression and posture. Always wear something you’ve worn before, that you know fits well and makes you feel confident and professional.

Can I see examples before deciding what to wear?

Of course! Browse through the portfolio on my website to see how different outfit choices photograph. You’ll notice that classic, solid-colored professional attire consistently produces timeless, effective headshots. If you’d like specific examples relevant to your industry, just ask when we discuss your booking.