Choosing the right outfit for your headshots doesn’t have to be stressful — it’s an opportunity to show up as your most confident, polished self. Whether you’re preparing for business branding, a LinkedIn refresh, or personal portraits, what you wear plays a big role in how you’re perceived and how you feel in front of the camera.
At Block Portrait Studios, we’re here to help you look and feel your best. From selecting flattering necklines to choosing sleeve styles that enhance your natural shape, we’ll guide you through each decision so your clothing highlights your personality while aligning with your goals. With the right outfit, your headshots won’t just look professional — they’ll feel like you.
FLATTERING NECKLINE TIPS FOR SMALLER BUSTS
If you have a smaller bust, consider these tips when choosing tops for your headshots:
- Opt for high necklines
Styles like turtlenecks, mock necks, and crew necks draw the eye upward and help create the illusion of a fuller chest and a longer torso. - Choose tops with texture or detail
Ruffles, embellishments, or textured fabrics can add volume and visual interest to the chest area. - Avoid low-cut necklines
Plunging or deep V-neck tops can make the bust appear smaller and disrupt visual balance in your photos. - Aim for balance
High-neck styles help elongate your frame and highlight your face — a great combination for strong, confident headshots.
FLATTERING NECKLINE TIPS FOR FULLER BUSTS
If you have a smaller bust, consider these tips when choosing tops for your headshots:
- Choose boat necklines to balance proportions
The horizontal line of a boat neckline visually broadens the shoulders, helping to balance wider hips and create a more proportional look in photos. - Try slash necklines for a sleek, elongating effect
The diagonal cut of a slash neckline can elongate the neck and add a streamlined feel to your overall appearance. - Create an open, approachable frame
Both boat and slash necklines expose just enough of the upper chest and collarbone to feel open and professional—without revealing too much skin. - Prioritize proper fit
A well-fitting top is key to a polished headshot. Ill-fitting clothing can look distracting or unprofessional on camera, no matter how flattering the neckline.
WHAT ABOUT A V-NECK?
A V-neckline is a flattering choice for broad shoulders, a larger bust, or a shorter neck because it can:
- Elongate and balance your frame
V-necklines draw the eye downward, creating the illusion of a longer neck and a more proportional silhouette. - Create a clean, open look
A moderate V-neck opens up the chest area, helping you appear more approachable while maintaining a professional edge. - Pair seamlessly with professional attire
This neckline works well with structured pieces like blazers and pencil skirts, creating a polished and confident appearance in headshots. - Be mimicked with jewelry
Wearing a high-neck top? Add a long pendant or Y-shaped necklace to create the same vertical visual line and elongating effect as a V-neck.
SLEEVE TYPES TO AVOID
When preparing for professional headshots, it’s best to avoid tops with batwing, grown-on, or dropped shoulder sleeves. These styles tend to look loose or slouchy, which can make your arms and shoulders appear larger and give off a casual, unstructured vibe. For a polished and confident look, choose tops with structured, tailored sleeves—like set-in or inserted sleeves—that create clean lines and a more put-together appearance on camera.
Avoid Batwing Sleeve Style: This style can appear unflattering in photos as it adds width to your midsection.
Verdusa Women’s Batwing Sleeve Knot Side Round Neck Blouse Shirt Top: https://a.co/d/hzofLCc
Avoid Dropped Shoulder Sleeve Style: This style can appear unflattering in photos as it pulls down your shoulders and frame.
BTFBM Solid Color Ribbed Knitted Casual Winter Pullover Sweater: https://a.co/d/hwAQ7pI
JEWELRY TIPS FOR HEADSHOTS
Wearing earrings or bracelets can add subtle visual interest and help create a polished, cohesive look. When selecting jewelry, consider your top’s neckline and choose pieces that complement both its style and color. Avoid bulky or distracting accessories, as they can draw attention away from your face. The right jewelry can also soften high necklines, enhancing balance and flattering your overall appearance in headshots.
LOOK AND FEEL COMFORTABLE FOR HEADSHOTS
Choosing clothing that is both flattering and comfortable is key for great headshots. Stiff or rigid fabrics can feel restrictive and may make you appear tense or awkward on camera. They also tend to create unflattering wrinkles and folds that distract from your overall look. Instead, opt for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, silk, or jersey that drape naturally and move with you. These materials not only enhance comfort but also create a relaxed, flattering silhouette that highlights your best features and helps you look your best in photos.
EXPRESS YOURSELF IN YOUR HEADSHOT
While all of these tips refer to the structure of your clothing, the most important thing to remember when deciding on an outfit for headshots is that it should still represent you and your unique and personal style. So express yourself and show off the style that makes you, you.
Block Portrait Studios is a professional portrait and business branding photography studio dedicated to showcasing professionals and teams through carefully crafted business portraits and headshots. Ready to elevate your brand? Schedule your Discovery Call today to start your personalized portrait experience!
