How to Choose the Right Attire for Headshots in DC
Choosing what to wear for professional headshots may seem simple, but attire can completely shape how others perceive you—especially in a competitive, image-driven market like Washington, D.C. Your clothing isn’t just fabric; it’s part of your personal branding. Whether your headshot is destined for LinkedIn, your company website, speaking engagement materials, or a pitch deck, thoughtful wardrobe choices help you appear confident, established, and professional.
As a DC headshot photographer who has worked with attorneys, executives, consultants, creatives, nonprofit leaders, government professionals, and everyone in between, I’ve seen firsthand how the right outfit can elevate a session—and how the wrong one can distract from an otherwise great image. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about choosing attire that photographs beautifully, aligns with your industry, and reflects your personal style.
Start With a Strategy: What Do You Want Your Headshot to Say?
Before you even look in your closet, pause and think about the message your headshot should convey.
Are you aiming for:
Approachable and friendly?
Softer colors, simple layers, and relaxed-yet-professional styling help.
Authoritative and confident?
Structured pieces, deep tones, and clean lines communicate strength.
Creative and modern?
Sleek silhouettes, subtle pops of color, and minimalistic jewelry work great.
Warm and trustworthy?
Muted earth tones, soft knits, and minimal contrast create a grounded feel.
Washington, D.C. is home to many distinct professional communities, and expectations vary. An attorney in a large K Street firm might choose a very different outfit from a tech startup founder, a Hill staffer, or someone in the nonprofit sector. Your wardrobe should help you tell the story you want others to see at a glance.
Use Color Thoughtfully and Strategically
While black, white, and gray are classics for a reason, incorporating color can make your headshots more memorable. The key is choosing hues that complement rather than compete with your features.
Consider Colors That Enhance Your Natural Features
A few guidelines:
Blue flatters most skin tones and conveys calmness, confidence, and trust. It’s one of the most universally flattering colors for headshots.
Deep greens, burgundies, and rich jewel tones tend to photograph exceptionally well and add depth without being overly bold.
Soft neutrals—beige, off-white, camel, taupe—work beautifully against DC’s popular light-gray or beige backdrops.
Avoid overly bright colors, such as neon or overly saturated tones, which can cast color onto your skin or pull attention away from your face.
If you aren’t sure which colors suit you best, look at what you tend to wear when someone compliments you—those clues are often spot on.
If You Prefer Neutrals, Add Subtle Interest
Neutral lovers, you’re in luck: gray, navy, charcoal, and soft whites are timeless and always professional. If you stick to minimalist tones, you can still add a touch of personality with:
A textured jacket
A simple necklace
A pocket square
Glasses with an interesting frame shape
A soft pop of color in the blouse under your blazer
These subtle elements ensure your outfit doesn’t look flat on camera.
Timeless Styles Always Photograph Best
When it comes to headshots, simple and classic beat trendy every time. Fashion evolves quickly, and you don’t want to look back in two years with a photo that feels dated.
Avoid Distracting Patterns and Busy Prints
Small patterns like micro-checks, tight stripes, and herringbone can create moiré on camera—a strange visual distortion that’s impossible to fix in editing. Large, bold prints (florals, geometric shapes, etc.) can dominate the frame and take away from your expression.
Opt for Clean, Minimalist Silhouettes
Choose:
Structured blazers
Solid color tops
Classic dresses with clean lines
Well-fitted button-down shirts
These pieces age gracefully and complement nearly every backdrop, lighting setup, or portrait style.
Fit Matters More Than You Think
Ill-fitting clothing is one of the easiest ways to undermine an otherwise great headshot.
Make sure:
Jackets sit properly on the shoulders
Collars lay flat
Sleeves aren’t too long
Button-downs don’t pull at the chest
Dresses and tops skim your shape without clinging
If you’re unsure, tailoring even one or two pieces specifically for your session can make an enormous difference.
Choose Necklines That Frame Your Face
The neckline plays a surprisingly important role because it shapes how the camera frames you.
For Women
Crew necks offer a classic, polished look and photograph beautifully.
Scoop necks soften the face and elongate the neckline.
V-necks are acceptable, but keep them modest—avoid anything too low-cut.
Blouses with subtle detailing (folds, pleats, or a slight collar) can add dimension.
Avoid tops with:
Overly high necklines that appear stiff
Deep plunges
Busy bows or oversized ruffles
For Men
Button-down shirts are the most versatile choice.
Pair with a well-pressed jacket for a polished look.
If wearing a tie, choose one that’s neat and simple—solid colors or very subtle patterns photograph best.
Make sure the tie knot is symmetrical and placed correctly at the collar.
Think of the neckline as the frame for your expression. Anything too distracting will pull focus away from the face—where the real story is told.
Dress for Your Role and Industry
One of the most important guidelines for headshots in DC is selecting attire that aligns with your field. You want viewers to instantly understand your level of professionalism, seniority, and style.
Corporate, Legal, and Government Roles
These sectors tend to value traditional professional attire:
Dark or neutral suits
Simple collared shirts
Minimal jewelry
Clean, tailored lines
Conservative color palettes
This doesn’t mean you must wear black—navy, charcoal, deep green, and slate are all excellent alternatives.
Consultants, Strategists, Analysts, and Tech Professionals
These fields often welcome slightly more relaxed clothing:
Polished blouses without blazers
Business-casual sweaters or layers
Shirts with rolled sleeves for a modern feel
Sleek minimalist pieces instead of full suits
Balance professionalism with approachability.
Nonprofits, Education, Creative Industries, and Startups
If your work leans creative or community-focused, you can incorporate:
More color variation
Unique textures
Unstructured blazers
Patterned tops (kept subtle)
Stylish but professional accessories
You want to appear warm, engaged, and expressive without leaning too casual.
Executives and Senior Leadership
For executive headshots in DC, your clothing should reflect authority and polish:
Sharp, tailored suits
High-quality fabrics
Well-fitted collars
Consistent grooming and styling
Crisp lines and curated accessories
Small details—tie length, glasses fit, collar structure—matter more at this level because viewers interpret them as indicators of credibility.
Jewelry and Accessories: Less Is More
The goal of a headshot is simple: draw attention to your face. Jewelry should never overpower the image.
Good Choices Include:
Simple stud earrings
Thin hoops
Delicate pendant necklaces
Timeless watches
Subtle rings
Try to Avoid:
Oversized statement earrings
Chunky necklaces
Very shiny or reflective pieces
Wide, bold scarves
Distracting hair accessories
Accessories should support your appearance—not become the focal point.
Grooming, Styling, and Final Touches
What you wear matters, but your overall grooming and presentation complete the look. A few important reminders:
Steam or Iron Your Clothing
Wrinkles show in photos, especially in high-resolution portraits. Prepping your wardrobe ensures the final image looks polished.
Bring Options
I always recommend clients bring 2–4 outfit choices. Sometimes the color that looked best in your mirror isn’t the one that works best with the studio lighting or backdrop.
Glasses Are Perfectly Fine—Just Clean Them
If you regularly wear glasses, wear them for your headshot. Just make sure:
They’re spotless
They sit evenly
Anti-glare coating helps (but isn’t required)
Hair and Makeup Should Look Like You—On Your Best Day
For women, keeping makeup natural with enhanced features works best. For men, a quick trim, shave, or beard line-up goes a long way.
Consider the Washington, D.C. Backdrop and Vibe
DC headshots often involve neutral or sophisticated backdrops—light gray, charcoal, beige, or soft greens. Your outfit should complement, not clash with, the setting.
Ask yourself:
Does this color blend into the backdrop too much?
Does the outfit feel professional enough for a DC audience?
Does the style align with the tone of my industry?
The DC market leans polished, clean, and refined. Overly casual outfits tend to look out of place unless intentionally styled for a creative field.
Final Thoughts: Dress With Intention, Confidence, and Authenticity
Choosing the right attire for headshots doesn’t need to be stressful. It all comes down to:
Selecting colors that flatter you
Choosing timeless styles
Paying attention to fit and details
Dressing for your role and industry
Keeping accessories clean and minimal
Presenting the most confident version of yourself
The right outfit boosts your confidence—and that confidence makes your headshots come alive.
Ready for Professional Headshots in DC?
Your clothing is only one part of creating a standout professional portrait. If you’re ready to look polished, confident, and approachable in your next headshot, I’d love to help.
As a Washington, D.C. headshot photographer, I guide clients through every step—from wardrobe suggestions to posing and expression coaching—so your final images feel authentic and compelling.
If you’re preparing for a session or need help choosing outfits, feel free to reach out. Let’s create a headshot you’ll be excited to use everywhere.