Your headshot is often the first point of visual contact with potential clients, collaborators, and employers. It appears on your website, LinkedIn profile, pitch decks, press kits, and more. But the key to a successful business portrait isn’t just expert lighting or a high-end camera—it’s also what you wear.
At St Louis Business Portraits, we’ve photographed professionals across industries for decades, and we know how wardrobe choices can elevate—or undermine—your image. This guide will help you make intentional, brand-aligned clothing decisions so you feel confident and look your best in front of the lens.
1. Start with Your Audience in Mind
Who will be viewing your headshot? A startup investor? A corporate board? Creative agencies? Your attire should resonate with the expectations of your industry without compromising your authenticity.
Tip:
- Finance, law, or consulting? Lean into formal attire: tailored suits, solid shirts, and muted tones.
- Creative industries or entrepreneurs? A polished smart-casual look (think jackets without ties, clean lines, subtle color) works well.
- Healthcare or education? Clean, friendly, approachable with soft colors and minimal accessories.
2. Choose Solid Colors Over Patterns
Busy prints and patterns can be distracting and don’t always translate well in digital formats. Solid colors create a clean, professional look and ensure that the focus stays on your face.
Tip:
- Jewel tones (like navy, burgundy, emerald) photograph beautifully on most skin tones.
- Avoid stark white or neon unless layered under a jacket or sweater.
- Light pastels work well in soft-lit environments; darker hues are best for dramatic or formal tones.
3. Fit is Everything
Loose or ill-fitting clothing can look sloppy on camera, while overly tight garments may cause discomfort and unnatural posture. Tailored outfits present you as composed and confident.
Tip:
- Do a dress rehearsal: wear your full outfit in advance, sit and stand in it, and check it from all angles in good lighting.
- Steam or iron your clothing before the shoot—wrinkles show more on high-resolution cameras.
4. Keep Accessories Subtle and Purposeful
Accessories should enhance your look, not dominate it. Bold necklaces, oversized watches, or trendy glasses may age your headshot or draw attention away from your expression.
Tip:
- Stick to small, elegant accessories.
- Avoid overly reflective jewelry, which can catch light awkwardly.
- If you wear glasses regularly, bring a clean, non-reflective pair or ask your photographer to adjust lighting to avoid glare.
5. Grooming and Hair Matter—Plan Ahead
Even the best wardrobe can’t make up for a rushed grooming session. Hair, makeup, and facial grooming should be clean, natural, and consistent with your day-to-day professional look.
Tip:
- Schedule any haircut or color touch-ups at least a week before your session.
- For makeup: aim for professional but not overdone. Consider light matte powder to reduce shine.
- Men: trim facial hair neatly or go clean-shaven for a sharper presentation.
6. Bring Options—and Layers
Different looks may work better depending on your setting and background. Layers, such as blazers, sweaters, or scarves, offer flexibility during your shoot and give you more variety in final image selections.
Tip:
- Always bring 2–3 top options, including one neutral and one bold color.
- Coordinate, but don’t match, your outfit with team members if you’re doing a group shoot.
Why Professionals Choose St Louis Business Portraits
At St Louis Business Portraits, we do more than take pictures—we craft brand-aligned portraits that reflect your growth, role, and industry. Our seasoned team brings decades of professional experience to every session, helping you look and feel confident from the first frame.
We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, editing and post-production, and licensed drone pilots for enhanced visual storytelling. Whether you need a classic corporate headshot, a modern executive portrait, or an entire team image refresh, we tailor every shoot to your goals.
Our studio features custom lighting setups, prop staging, and AI-enhanced tools to optimize your imagery. We repurpose your photos and videos across digital and print formats, ensuring visual consistency across all platforms. Our crew handles everything—from private interview studio setup to sound and camera operation—for a seamless, high-quality experience.
Since 1982, St Louis Business Portraits has partnered with companies, marketing agencies, and creative professionals throughout the St. Louis region to deliver headshots and visual content that make a lasting impression.
Ready to look your best?
Let St Louis Business Portraits guide your next professional image refresh. From wardrobe advice to final retouching, we help you present the best version of your evolving professional self.
314-913-5626
stlouisphotos@gmail.com
Mike Haller
Studio – 4501 Mattis Road St Louis, MO 63128
St Louis Business Portraits 