Your headshot should look like you on a sharp day. The right outfit helps people read you fast: confident, credible, approachable. Use this simple playbook and tailor it to your role.

---

Basics That Always Work

Fit first

Tailored beats trendy. Shoulders sit right, sleeves hit the wrist, no pulling at buttons, no sagging fabric. If it bunches or gapes, skip it. Sit down in the outfit to check how it behaves.

Easy, flattering colors

Solid mid-tones win: navy, charcoal, forest, burgundy, deep teal, camel. Pure white can glare. Neons cast color on skin. Black is fine if the background contrasts and fabric is matte.

Keep prints quiet

Micro-prints or low-contrast patterns are okay. Loud checks, big florals, and visible logos pull focus.

Matte > shiny

Glossy fabrics reflect light and spotlight wrinkles. Choose knits, ponte, fine wool, quality cotton blends. Light texture adds depth on camera.

Necklines and layers

V-necks, clean crews, collars, or a modest scoop frame the face. A structured jacket adds polish and helps posture. If you skip a jacket, pick a top with shape and a defined neckline.

Accessories

Minimal and intentional. One watch. Small studs. A simple pendant or pocket square. Match metals to buttons/belt buckle. Avoid noisy or oversized pieces.

Shoes (for full-body or seated branding)

Clean, simple, and aligned with your outfit level. Polished leather for formal. Minimal sneakers for smart-casual. No heavy logos.

Grooming

Tame flyaways. Matte down shine (T-zone). Clean lenses. Line up beards. Nails neat. Natural, camera-ready makeup over heavy glam. Chapstick helps.

Glasses

Bring two options if you have them. Anti-glare helps. Slightly lower the ear pieces or tilt frames a hair to reduce reflections. Clean lenses right before shooting.

Bring list

Two to three tops, one jacket, neutral undershirt, lint roller, wrinkle spray, powder/blot papers, lip balm, comb/brush, collar stays, stain wipes, backup accessories, and a garment bag.

---

What to Wear by Industry

Corporate & Finance

Classic and steady.

• Navy or charcoal suit, light-blue or white shirt
• Subtle tie or open collar; tie width matches lapel width
• Black or brown leather belt/shoes to match

Law & Government

Authority with calm.

• Dark suit or structured dress + blazer
• Pale shirt, small-scale patterns only
• Understated jewelry; keep it timeless

Tech & Startups

Modern and relaxed.

• Knit blazer + premium tee or oxford with rolled sleeves
• Muted blues, greens, earth tones
• Clean sneakers okay for branding frames; swap to dress shoes for headshots if needed

Healthcare & Wellness

Clean and welcoming.

• Soft blues, sage, sand
• Lab coat over a tailored top if relevant
• Avoid stark all-white on white backdrops

Real Estate & Sales

Polished with personality.

• Fitted blazer + rich accent color (emerald, cobalt, wine)
• Pocket square or simple pendant
• Consistent look across team boosts trust

Creative, Media, Marketing

Distinct but intentional.

• Black, charcoal, olive, tan in mixed textures
• Statement jacket or subtle print
• Editorial, not costume

Hospitality, Food & Beverage

Neat and friendly.

• Crisp chef coat or tailored button-down for brand visuals
• Managers: blazer over knit in warm tones
• Everything spotless

Education & Nonprofit

Approachable and dependable.

• Cardigan or blazer over a simple top
• Jewel tones and mid-neutrals
• Low-key patterns only

Fitness, Sports, Coaching

Energetic and professional.

• Fitted polos or performance tops + zip jacket
• Solid, saturated colors
• Avoid neon shine and overly tight pieces

Trades, Construction, Industrial

Practical and capable.

• Clean work shirt or branded polo
• Hi-vis only if central to your role
• Skip reflective strips for tight headshots

Faith & Community Leadership

Respectful and warm.

• Dark suit or refined dress
• Cultural garments with clean tailoring welcome
• Simple accessories

---

Color tips by skin tone

• Light: navy, emerald, burgundy, cobalt; avoid near-white pastels
• Medium/tan: deep teal, olive, charcoal, maroon; avoid colors close to your skin tone
• Deep: jewel tones, camel, ivory, rich navy; avoid ashy grays

Quick test: Hold the outfit near your face in natural light. If your eyes look brighter and your skin looks even, it’s a yes.

---

Match the background

• Mid-tone studio backdrops flatter most outfits
• Dark background → choose mid-to-light clothing for separation
• Color walls → pick complementary solids, not exact matches

---

Houston heat notes

Breathable but structured: lightweight wool blends, ponte, quality cottons. Bring a spare top to swap if needed. Keep the jacket off between shots; we’ll cool you under studio AC at The RCM Studios.

---

Inclusive styling

• Natural hair: define shape, add light hold, matte the scalp
• Head coverings: solid, structured fabrics, avoid high shine
• Gender-expansive looks: choose lines that affirm your silhouette and message; fit first for everyone

---

Common mistakes

Too tight or too loose. Big logos and loud prints. Shiny fabrics and clanky jewelry. Wrinkles and visible undershirts. Matching the backdrop color exactly.

---

What editing can fix

Strays, minor lint, small wrinkles, light shine, tiny distractions.
What it can’t: poor fit, heavy wrinkles, lens glare, see-through fabrics, neon color cast.

---

Dress for your audience

Ask: who needs to trust me and why? CFOs, founders, educators, trainers, and artists signal different cues. Lead with clarity. Add personality second.

---

Posing and wardrobe

Jackets support open chest and confident angles. Soft knits read friendly. Long necklaces can swing; keep them short or secure. Tall collars can crowd the jawline in three-quarter poses. Sit/stand test your outfit so hems and collars behave.

---

Team headshots: keep it consistent

• Palette: 2–3 base colors + 1–2 accents
• Levels: formal, business-smart, smart-casual
• Clear do/don’t examples with photos
• Staggered scheduling and a prep checklist (we’ll supply this at The RCM Studios)
• Remote staff: ship the same backdrop or book a traveling setup for consistency

---

Quick packing list

Two tops (neutral + richer color), one jacket, small accessories, lint roller, wrinkle spray, powder/blot papers, lip balm, comb/brush, clean glasses, collar stays, stain wipes, garment bag.

---

Bottom line

Choose great fit, matte fabrics, and solid mid-tones. Layer when possible. Keep accessories simple. Then tune the look to your role and audience. If you want a pre-session wardrobe check, The RCM Studios includes styling guidance so you arrive ready and leave with headshots you can use everywhere.

---

FAQs

1) Can I wear black?
Yes. Make sure the background contrasts and the fabric is matte. Add texture or a light layer for separation.

2) Is white okay?
Layer it under a jacket or choose off-white/ivory to reduce glare.

3) Are bright colors allowed?
One saturated piece works if everything else stays neutral.

4) Do I need makeup?
Not required. “Natural, camera-ready” helps with shine and even tone.

5) How many outfits should I bring?
Two to three looks cover most needs: one neutral, one richer color, and a jacket. At The RCM Studios we’ll pick the best combo on set.