What to Wear for Your Headshots in 2026: A Vancouver Photographer’s Complete Guide
This what to wear for your headshots guide is going to make sure you show up prepared and walk away with photos you actually love. I’ve been a professional headshot photographer in Vancouver for over a decade, and everything in here comes from real sessions, real mistakes, and real results.
The #1 Thing That Stresses People Out Before a Headshot Session
Going into a headshot session can be nerve-wracking. For a lot of people, being in front of a camera doesn’t exactly feel… natural. And that’s completely normal. My number one goal before, during, and after every session is to make you feel comfortable, welcome, and at ease.
But if there’s one thing I hear more than anything else in the lead-up to a session, it’s this: “What should I wear?”
So let’s take that off your plate right now. Stop stressing about what to wear for your headshot session. Follow this guide, show up confident, and let’s make some great photos together.
1. Wear What Makes You Feel Like Yourself
We all have that shirt. The one that fits perfectly, feels amazing, and makes you stand up two inches taller just by putting it on. That’s your headshot shirt. Wear it.
This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people show up in something brand new they bought the night before that they’ve never worn. Don’t do that. Wear something comfortable, something you’ve had for a while, something that already has your energy in it.
If you don’t have that shirt in your wardrobe already, go buy a few options that you do feel confident in. As these are business headshots, you can writeoff the expense of your new wardrobe (consult with your accountant first).
Pro Tip: If you do want to buy new clothes for your headshots, keep the tag on so you can return them afterwards.
Confidence reads on camera. Discomfort does too.
2. Dress Like You Would to Meet a New Client
Your headshot needs to look like you, not a dressed-up costume version of you. If a potential client books a meeting with you based on your LinkedIn headshot and you walk in wearing something completely different, that’s a disconnect. It erodes trust before you’ve even said hello.
Think about the context where your headshot will be used most. LinkedIn profile? Company website? Conference speaker bio? Dress for that context. If you’re a software developer who wears jeans and a clean hoodie to client meetings, wear that. If you’re a commercial real estate broker who always shows up in a blazer, wear the blazer.
Your headshot should be the most recognizable version of you, not the fanciest.
3. Don’t Overdress
This is the most common mistake I see. People assume a headshot is a formal occasion, so they reach for the bow tie, the full suit, the gown. Unless that is genuinely how you show up to work every day, this is going to backfire.
The goal is to look polished and professional, not like you raided a wedding party. A clean, well-fitted shirt or blouse almost always photographs better than a formal outfit you clearly don’t wear regularly.
4. Keep It Simple. Headshots are about… Your Face.
A headshot is, by definition, about your head. Your face. Your eyes. The story you tell without saying a word.
Your wardrobe is a supporting character. It should add context, not compete for attention. A simple, solid-colour shirt or blouse almost always wins. Even for corporate clients, executives, lawyers, and finance professionals. I’ll almost always recommend taking at least a few shots without a tie or blazer. The approachable, slightly relaxed version of you is often the one that performs best online.
Coco Chanel famously said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory.”
Less is almost always more.
5. Stick to Muted, Rich Colours
I’m a big fan of muted tones. They photograph beautifully, they’re timeless, and they keep the focus where it belongs… Your face.
What I mean by muted: think navy instead of electric blue, sage instead of neon green, dusty rose instead of hot pink, charcoal instead of bright white, camel instead of canary yellow.
What to avoid: anything neon, oversaturated, or very trend-driven. Colours that feel “of the moment” can date your headshot quickly. Muted and classic keep your headshot looking fresh for years.
One nuance worth knowing: pure bright white can create exposure challenges depending on your skin tone and the lighting setup. An off-white, cream, or light grey is usually a safer bet.
6. No Patterns (With One Exception)
Patterns are one of the biggest distractors in headshots. Stripes, florals, plaids, checks, busy prints, they pull the eye away from your face. They can also create a visual effect called moiré on camera, which looks like a shimmering interference pattern and is basically impossible to fix in post.
Stick to solid colours.
The one exception: a very subtle, small-scale texture like a fine herringbone or a muted micro-check can add a bit of visual interest without being distracting. If you’re unsure, solid is always the safe call. Bring it to the session, and we’ll test it.
7. Watch Your Neckline
Here’s one people don’t think about: your neckline is in every single shot. It’s one of the first things the eye travels to after your face.
A clean, simple neckline, a classic crew, a V-neck, or a button-up collar keeps the frame tidy. What doesn’t work: highly decorative necklines with ruffles, embroidery, sequins, or other embellishments. Even if it’s a beautiful garment, that detail is going to compete with your face in every frame.
Also, check that your collar sits properly, your buttons aren’t pulling, and your neckline isn’t stretched out. These things show up on camera way more than they do in the mirror.
8. Go Easy on the Jewelry
My general recommendation: less jewelry, always. Necklaces are the biggest culprit. They shift around during a session, catch light, and draw the eye down and away from your face.
If you want to wear earrings, simple studs are great. Small hoops can work. Anything that dangles, swings, or sparkles significantly is going to create distractions and continuity issues across your shots.
Leave the statement jewelry at home unless it’s genuinely central to your personal brand and how you show up professionally every day.
9. No Logos or Brand Names
Your headshot is not the place to advertise someone else’s brand. Even if you love your Patagonia vest or your Lululemon jacket, logos draw the eye and can feel out of context depending on where your headshot ends up being used.
The one exception: if you’re getting company headshots and you’re wearing a branded uniform or company shirt. Totally fine. That’s intentional and contextual.
For everything else: no logos.
10. Fit Matters More Than Brand
You do not need expensive clothes for a great headshot. You need well-fitting clothes.
A $30 shirt that fits your body well will photograph better than a $300 designer piece that doesn’t. Avoid anything that’s too baggy, too tight, or pulls across the shoulders or chest. Clothing that fits well signals confidence and intention. Oftentimes, a piece of wardrobe reads much differently in your headshots than in real life.
If your clothes aren’t fitting the way you want right now, it’s worth picking up something new or getting a piece altered before your session.
11. Bring Options. More Than You Think You Need
I always tell clients: overpack your wardrobe bag. It costs nothing to bring extra options, and it gives us flexibility on the day.
Sometimes something that looks great in your closet just doesn’t translate on camera. The lighting, your skin tone, and the background all interact. I’ve had clients walk in with a shirt I would never have chosen in theory, and it looked incredible. I’ve also had clients show up in something that seemed perfect, and we swapped it out after two frames.
Bring 3–5 options across different colours and necklines. We’ll look through them together before the session and make a plan.
Before Your Session: Quick Checklist
Run through this the night before your headshot session:
- 3–5 outfit options packed and ready, including at least 2 solid colours
- Iron or steam everything — wrinkles are far more visible on camera than in real life
- No new haircuts the day before — give it at least a week to settle
- Get a good night’s sleep — eyes show everything
- Moisturize the morning of, especially if you have dry or flaky skin
- Minimal jewelry — studs only if you’re wearing earrings
- No logos, no heavy patterns
- Wear what makes you feel confident
Still Not Sure What to Wear for Your Headshots?
That’s what I’m here for.
When you book a headshot session with me, we go through your wardrobe together before we even pick up a camera. I’ve seen it all. I know what works, what doesn’t, and how to make adjustments on the fly. If something isn’t landing, we change it. Simple as that.
Ready to book your Vancouver headshot session? Get in touch here or check out the FAQ page for everything you need to know about how sessions work.
Rob Trendiak is a Vancouver-based headshot and commercial photographer specializing in corporate headshots and event headshot photo booths across Metro Vancouver.
📍 1394 Kingsway, Vancouver BC | 📞 (778) 998-7585 | @robtrendiak