What to Wear for Your LinkedIn Headshot

Boston business portraits, Boston Medical Professionals, corporate headshots, headshots

A headshot prep guide for professionals in Boston, from colors to confidence.

Not sure what to wear for your headshot? Start here.

Let’s be honest, LinkedIn is your first impression before you even speak. And your headshot? It’s the handshake, the confidence, the clarity.

Whether you’re in tech, healthcare, finance, or the creative world, what you wear in your headshot makes a statement. When you work with a Boston headshot photographer who understands how color, tone, and presence work together, you don’t just get a picture. You get strategy. And when you’re working with me, you’re not just getting a photo. You’re getting a strategic image that speaks before you do.

This guide breaks down what to wear based on your skin tone, industry, and the energy you want to give off. Because when you look confident, people believe in what you bring to the table.

If you’re not sure what to expect during your session, I break it all down right here.

Woman in white blouse with styled waves, timeless professional headshot by Boston photographer

Skin Tone: Pick Colors That Pop (Without Overpowering)

For deeper skin tones (rich browns, warm undertones):

Go for jewel tones like emerald, plum, cobalt blue, or mustard. These bring out your glow on camera without washing you out.

Pro Tip: Avoid super bright whites unless layered under a blazer. Off-whites, creams, and earthy tones work better with natural lighting.

For medium/olive skin tones:

You’ve got flexibility—forest green, burgundy, and navy are winners. Just steer clear of neons or anything too pastel, which can mute your features on camera.

For lighter skin tones:

Stick with mid-tone blues, charcoal, and soft warm tones like blush, rust, or olive. Avoid colors that are too close to your skin tone—they can make you look washed out.

Not Sure If You’re Warm, Cool, or Neutral Toned? Here’s How to Tell.

Knowing your undertone makes choosing the right colors way easier. Here’s how to figure it out in under two minutes:

1. Check Your Veins (Seriously).

Look at the veins on your wrist in natural light.

  • Blue or purple veins? You’re likely cool-toned.
  • Green or olive veins? You’re probably warm-toned.
  • Can’t tell? You’re likely neutral—which means more flexibility.

2. Silver vs. Gold Jewelry Test

What looks better on you?

  • Silver flatters cool tones.
  • Gold flatters warm tones.
  • If you look good in both—hello, neutral balance.

3. White vs. Off-White Clothing

Hold a pure white tee next to your face, then an off-white or cream one.

  • White looks better? You’re probably cool.
  • Cream looks better? You lean warm.
  • If they both look solid, again—neutral.

Professional woman in pink blazer smiling confidently, taken by Boston headshot photographer

What to Wear by Profession

Corporate (Finance, Law, Admin, Tech Execs):

Clean lines. Blazer or structured top. No bold patterns. Think trustworthy and polished, not flashy.

Pro Tip: Go with a crisp navy or charcoal jacket over a light shirt. No distractions, let them see you.

Creative (Marketing, Design, Art, Startups):

You’ve got room to play. Texture (like knits or soft denim), subtle patterns, or bold solid colors work well. Just don’t go full festival gear, keep it elevated.

Healthcare, Nonprofits, Education:

Corporate man in suit and gold tie smiling confidently, headshot by Boston photographer

Professional with approachability. Try softer tones, minimal jewelry, and something you’d wear to a meeting, not a conference.

Pro Tip: Add one piece that shows personality glasses, or a statement color without being loud.

Tech (Engineers, PMs, Analysts):

You don’t need a suit, but a clean button-down or well-fitted knit works great. Avoid overly casual (hoodies, company tees with faded logos).

What Energy Do You Want to Give?

  • Leadership → Structured jacket, rich tones, confident posture.
  • Approachable → Soft fabrics, warm tones, slight smile.
  • Creative/Modern → Texture, bold-but-clean color, relaxed neckline.
  • Grounded/Professional → Neutral tones, layered look, timeless fit.

📸 Final Notes Before You Step In Front of the Camera

  • ✅ Quick LinkedIn Headshot Prep Checklist
  • 👕 Wear colors that flatter your undertone
  • 🚫 Avoid busy patterns or large logos
  • 👔 Choose pieces that match your profession and vibe
  • 👗 Bring 2 outfit options—we’ll pick what works best
  • 💧 Stay hydrated and get some rest the night before
  • Iron or steam your clothes. Wrinkles show.
  • Avoid large logos or heavy jewelry—they age photos fast.
  • If in doubt, bring 2 outfits to your session. I’ll help you choose.
  • Hydrate + sleep the night before. It makes a real difference.

A strong headshot doesn’t just look good, it works. It should reflect how you want to be seen when people Google you, invite you to speak, or scroll LinkedIn looking for someone they can trust.

Woman in neutral taupe blazer with arms crossed, photographed by Boston headshot photographer
Woman with natural curls in burgundy turtleneck smiling, studio headshot in Boston
Woman in mustard yellow blouse with locs, warm and approachable headshot in Boston
Woman in sleeveless white top with patterned scarf, modern headshot by Boston headshot photographer
Smiling woman in denim jacket and glasses, relaxed professional headshot in Boston

When we shoot together, I guide you through all of this so you don’t have to overthink it. But if you’ve made it this far, good. That means you care. And that’s already showing up well.

Ready to elevate your first impression? Book your headshot today!

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