What to Wear for a Corporate Headshot: Style Tips for Professionals

Your corporate headshot is more than just a photograph—it’s a representation of your brand and professionalism. Whether you’re a CEO, lawyer, banker, entrepreneur, or creative professional, the colors and styles you choose can have a significant impact on how you are perceived.

At Jeffrey Rosenberg Photography – Corporate Headshots Pro, we believe that color and wardrobe choices are just as important as lighting and composition. With expert color consultancy and professional styling tips, we help you select the best colors and clothing to enhance your presence in front of the camera.

Why Colors Matter in Your Headshot

Color is a powerful tool in photography, setting the tone and shaping first impressions. The wrong color can wash out your complexion or overpower your features, while the right choice can make you look confident, engaging, and professional.

Our color consultancy service ensures that you wear shades that complement your skin tone, hair color, and industry expectations, creating a headshot that aligns with your personal brand.

Best Colors for Professional Headshots

Choosing Colors That Enhance Your Presence

✅ Best Choices:

• Navy Blue & Deep Jewel Tones (Emerald, Burgundy, Teal): Ideal for corporate executives, law professionals, and finance leaders, these colors convey trust, authority, and confidence.
• Charcoal Gray, Dark Blue, and Black: Perfect for a strong, sophisticated, and polished look, especially in legal and high-level executive roles.
• Soft Neutrals (Light Blue, Taupe, Beige): Great for a more approachable yet professional look, commonly used in creative industries and client-facing roles.
• Earth Tones (Olive Green, Rust, Warm Browns): A modern and relaxed approach, often preferred by entrepreneurs and lifestyle brands.

🚫 Colors to Avoid:

• Neon & Overly Bright Colors: Distracting and unprofessional for corporate settings.
• Pure White: Can reflect too much light and wash out your complexion—opt for off-white or light gray instead.
• Loud Patterns & Stripes: These draw attention away from your face and may not photograph well.

The Psychology of Color in Headshots

Understanding the psychological impact of colors helps tailor your look to match the message you want to convey:

🔵 Blue: Trust, professionalism, and calm—great for law, finance, and executive roles.
🔴 Red: Power, passion, and confidence—best for entrepreneurs, public speakers, and creatives.
🟢 Green: Growth, balance, and innovation—ideal for tech startups, wellness professionals, and consultants.
⚫ Black & Gray: Strength, sophistication, and formality—perfect for CEOs, attorneys, and board members.
🟡 Yellow & Orange: Optimism and creativity—works well in marketing, media, and creative industries.

💡 Pro Tip: Need help selecting the right colors? Our expert color consultancy service will guide you in choosing the shades that enhance your best features and reflect your personal brand.

Wardrobe Guide for Men’s Corporate Headshots

✅ What Works Best:
✔ A tailored suit or blazer (navy, gray, charcoal, or deep blue).
✔ Solid-colored dress shirts (light blue, white, or soft pastels).
✔ Ties in classic tones (burgundy, navy, or dark green) or subtle patterns.
✔ Layering: A blazer over an open-collar shirt provides a polished yet relaxed look.

🚫 What to Avoid:
❌ Shiny, reflective fabrics that create glare.
❌ Busy patterns, large plaids, or checks.
❌ Wrinkled or ill-fitting shirts.

💡 Pro Tip: Bring two jacket options to your session—one classic and one with a slight color variation for flexibility.

Wardrobe Guide for Women’s Corporate Headshots

✅ What Works Best:
✔ Tailored blazers or structured blouses in solid, flattering colors.
✔ Necklines: Opt for V-neck, scoop, or boat neck tops—avoid deep plunges.
✔ Minimal jewelry: Small studs, pearls, or delicate necklaces enhance your look without distraction.
✔ Blouses in jewel tones, neutrals, or soft pastels.

🚫 What to Avoid:
❌ Sleeveless tops (unless layered with a blazer).
❌ Flashy or oversized jewelry that draws attention away from your face.
❌ Heavy shimmer or shine in fabrics.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep makeup natural and polished—a light foundation, defined brows, and neutral lipstick create a fresh, professional appearance.

Real-Life Example: How Color Changed a Photoshoot

A financial advisor in NYC initially wore a light gray suit for their corporate headshot. While professional, it didn’t make them stand out. After a quick color analysis, we suggested they switch to navy blue, a color that projected trust and authority. The results were immediate—the new headshots looked more polished and professional, aligning perfectly with their brand.

Similarly, a fitness influencer incorporated green and orange into their wardrobe, symbolizing health and vitality. These colors enhanced the overall energy and engagement of the photos, aligning perfectly with their personal brand.

How Our Color Consultancy Works

When you book a session with Jeffrey Rosenberg Photography – Corporate Headshot Pro, we offer color consultancy as part of our photography services. Here’s how it works:

🎨 Skin Tone Matching:

• Cool undertones? You’ll look best in blues, greens, and purples.
• Warm undertones? Stick to browns, reds, and oranges.
• Neutral undertones? You have a wide variety of flattering options!

📍 Seasonal Considerations:

• Autumn: Warm tones like burnt orange and mustard yellow.
• Winter: Cool colors such as navy and emerald green for contrast.

🖼️ Clothing & Background Coordination:

• Your outfit should harmonize with the backdrop for a cohesive, polished look.

💡 Pro Tip: Not sure what colors work best? Hold up two different colored fabrics near your face—one in a warm tone (like red or orange) and one in a cool tone (like blue or green). The color that brightens your complexion is your best choice!

Final Tips for a Flawless Headshot

📌 Grooming & Hair: Keep it clean and polished—a simple trim or touch-up makes a difference.
📌 Glasses or No Glasses? If you wear them daily, bring non-reflective lenses or remove them briefly for some shots.
📌 Bring Multiple Outfit Options: Having at least two choices gives flexibility in achieving the perfect look.

Book Your Corporate Headshot with Jeffrey Rosenberg Photography – Corporate Headshot Pro

At Jeffrey Rosenberg Photography – Corporate Headshot Pro, we specialize in high-quality, polished headshots tailored to your industry and personal brand. Whether you need an executive portrait, a LinkedIn update, or a full team photoshoot, we ensure you look your best while making a lasting impression.

📅 Schedule your session today!

📍 Jeffrey Rosenberg Photography/Corporate Headshots Pro
📍 20 W 20th St, New York, NY 10011
📞 212.915.0589