What to Wear for Business Headshots

Gray backdrop, female professional headshot, in twin cities studio, Block Portrait Studios

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Getting business headshots? You want to look polished and professional to make a strong impression on potential clients. Not sure what to wear or how to style your hair and makeup? Here are expert tips to help you look your best!

Casual business headshot with windows in background by Block Portrait Studios in Saint Paul Studio
Man in gray suit with a dark background, professional business headshots, by Block Portrait Studios, Minnesota
White on white business headshot by Block Portrait Studios in Saint Paul portrait studio
Black on white professional headshot of women in Saint Paul studio by Block Portrait Studios

PRISTINE & CLEAN

First and foremost, prioritize good grooming! Clean, well-kept hair, neatly trimmed nails, and light makeup help you look polished and professional without feeling overdone. If you’re unsure what works best, consider consulting a professional stylist. A clean, effortless look is always the way to go for business headshots!

Fun business headshot in saint paul studio by Block Portrait Studios

MAKEUP TIPS

Anyone who’s had business headshots knows finding the right makeup balance can be tricky. Too much makeup can look artificial or overdone, while too little can leave you looking washed out or tired. So, how do you strike the perfect middle ground? Here’s our recommended makeup routine:

  • Start with a clean, moisturized face
    Washing your face and applying a light moisturizer creates a smooth base for your makeup.

  • Keep foundation light
    Opt for a light foundation or BB cream instead of heavy concealers or powders—less is more for headshots.

  • Add subtle color
    A touch of blush or bronzer adds natural warmth and dimension without overpowering your look.

  • Define your eyes
    Since headshots are close-up, enhance your eyes with mascara and eyeliner to make them pop—just keep it subtle.

  • Choose a neutral lip color
    Stick to soft, natural shades that complement your skin tone and keep the focus on your face.

This approach ensures you look fresh, polished, and authentically you in every shot.

HAIR TIPS

Your hair is one of the first things people notice in a headshot, so it’s important it sends the right message! Here are some tips to help you choose the best hairstyle for your session:

  • Keep it simple
    Less is often more—choose a style that’s easy to maintain and doesn’t rely on heavy styling products.
  • Work with your natural texture
    Not every style suits every hair type. For fine hair, avoid heavy or overly voluminous styles that may look flat on camera. Opt for textured looks with face-framing pieces like soft waves or a relaxed bun. If you have thick or curly hair, embrace volume and height with styles like a soft updo or a half-up topknot to keep things polished yet stylish.

Choosing a hairstyle that feels natural and flattering will help you look confident and approachable in your headshots.

Business quicktake picture taken by Block Portrait Studios in West Saint Paul

WHAT TO WEAR

Clothing plays a crucial role in business headshots—it can either reinforce your message or become a distraction. When choosing what to wear, consider your audience and the purpose of the headshot. Professional attire suits business websites, while creative fields like acting might call for more expressive choices. Avoid clothes that are too tight or too loose, as they can create unflattering shapes.

To highlight your best features, opt for flattering, well-fitting clothing that reflects the image you want to project. Dark, neutral colors like black, gray, and navy are classic and professional, perfect for a serious look. If you want to convey a more creative or approachable vibe, subtle pops of color or patterns can work—but keep it balanced so the focus stays on your face.

Additional tips:

  • Choose wrinkle-free, well-tailored pieces to avoid a sloppy or uncomfortable appearance.

  • Steer clear of busy patterns or anything overly distracting.

  • Stick to timeless styles for a look that won’t feel dated.

  • Add a touch of personality with accessories like a statement necklace, scarf, or bold earrings—just make sure they complement your overall look and professional image.

These choices will help ensure your headshot feels polished, authentic, and memorable.

Professional headshot, man in blue suit, by Block Portrait Studios in Saint Paul studio
Classic black and white portrait of man in Saint Paul Studio by Block Portrait Studios
Saint Paul branding photographer, Block Portrait Studios, saint paul, minnesota
Women in red suit, professional headshot by Block Portrait Studios in Minnesota studio

RELAX & ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE

Relax! The best business headshots capture you looking natural and comfortable. If you’re tense or self-conscious, it will show in the photos. So take a deep breath, smile, and let your true personality come through.

With these tips—keeping it simple, choosing the right clothing, and staying relaxed—you’re set to nail your headshots. The key is to be yourself, let your personality shine, and most importantly, enjoy the process!

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