What to Wear for Professional Headshots in Charlotte, NC (For Business + Students)

If you’ve been thinking about booking a headshot session, you’re already doing something smart for your future. A professional headshot is one of the fastest ways to upgrade how people perceive you online—whether that’s on LinkedIn, your company website, a speaking bio, or even the “About” page for your own small business. But one question comes up every single time: “What should I wear?”

And honestly… that’s a fair question. Because the outfit you choose for your headshot matters. It affects how confident you feel, how polished you look on camera, and the overall impression your image gives off in the first two seconds someone sees it.

So today I’m breaking down exactly what to wear for professional headshots in Charlotte, NC—plus an extra section for students who need headshots for scholarships, internships, research, grad school, or med school.

Why Your Outfit Matters More Than You Think

Headshots are not just “a nice photo.” They’re a branding tool.

Your clothing communicates:

• your professionalism

• your confidence

• your personality

• your industry and role

• how approachable you seem

And because headshots are usually framed tight (shoulders + face), the wrong neckline, color, or pattern can distract from the one thing that matters most: you.

The #1 Rule: Wear Something That Looks Like You on Your Best Day

If you’re uncomfortable, it shows.

The best headshot outfits are:

• professional but not stiff

• flattering but not trendy

• clean and polished

• aligned with your career goals

If you never wear a blazer in real life, don’t force it. But if a blazer makes you feel powerful and confident? Bring it.

What Colors Photograph Best for Headshots

Color is one of the easiest ways to elevate your images.

Best colors for headshots:

• navy

• charcoal

• black

• cream

• emerald

• deep burgundy

• soft blues

• muted jewel tones

Colors to avoid:

• neon anything

• tiny busy prints

• super bright white (can blow out in photos)

• very pale pastels close to skin tone

• loud patterns that compete with your face

Pro tip: solids photograph best. If you want to add interest, use texture (ribbed knit, tweed, satin) rather than patterns.

What Necklines Look Best on Camera

Necklines matter because they frame your face.

The most flattering options usually are:

• v-necks

• scoop necks

• modest open collars

• structured tops

Avoid necklines that are:

• too tight (high crew necks can feel restrictive on camera)

• overly low cut

• wrinkled or stretched out

Headshot Outfit Ideas (By Industry)

Here are a few simple outfit formulas that always work.

Corporate / Executive

• blazer + blouse

• suit jacket + button-down

• tailored dress + blazer

Small Business Owner / Entrepreneur / Creative Professional

• clean solid top + elevated accessories

• modern blazer + simple jewelry

• polished dress with texture or structure

Real Estate / Finance / Law

• structured blazer

• classic button-down

• neutral colors + crisp styling

What to Wear for Student Headshots (Scholarships, Internships, Research, Grad School + Med School)

Not all professional headshots are for corporate executives. More and more of my clients are high school and college students who need a polished headshot for:

• scholarship applications

• specialty programs + honors programs

• internships + research positions

• LinkedIn + career fairs

• graduate school / professional school applications

• medical school applications

• lab websites and academic profiles

The goal here is simple: look professional, approachable, and credible without looking stiff or like you borrowed a parent’s blazer.

High School Students (Scholarships + Specialty Programs)

For high schoolers, the best styling is “future professional.”

Great outfit options:

• solid color blouse or sweater

• simple dress with sleeves

• button-down shirt

• blazer optional (only if it fits well and feels natural)

Best vibe: confident, polished, age-appropriate.

Avoid graphic tees, loud prints, neon, and anything distracting.

Undergraduates (Internships + Research + Programs)

For college students applying to internships, research positions, or honors programs, your headshot should say:

“I’m capable, reliable, and ready to be taken seriously.”

Best options:

• solid top + blazer

• button-down shirt

• simple professional dress

• sweater over a collared shirt

Pro tip: If they’re applying to labs, healthcare internships, engineering programs, etc., neutrals and classic tones photograph beautifully and feel credible.

Grad School / Med School / Post-Grad Applications

This category needs the strongest “professional credibility” look.

Think: clean, confident, mature, and just a little more formal than undergrad.

Best outfit options:

• blazer + solid blouse

• suit jacket

• button-down + jacket

• professional dress + blazer

These images often end up in online directories and professional bios for years, so it’s worth getting it right.

Final Student Styling Tips

No matter the age or program, what works best is:

• solids over patterns

• minimal distractions

• clean necklines

• well-fitted clothing

• hair groomed and camera-ready

• light makeup (if worn) for polish

And if your student has no idea what to do—trust me, that’s normal. Most students need guidance, and that’s part of what I provide in every session.

What to Bring to Your Headshot Session

I always recommend bringing 2–3 outfit options.

A simple lineup looks like:

1. most professional (blazer/jacket look)

2. less formal but still polished

3. optional personality/brand look

Also bring:

• lint roller

• powder or blotting sheets

• lipstick/gloss for touch-ups

• a brush/comb

• any glasses you regularly wear (clean them!)

Want Help Styling Your Session?

One of the biggest differences between a “quick headshot” and a truly elevated session is that I don’t just take a photo—I guide you through the whole experience.

From outfit feedback to posing and expression coaching, you’ll never be left wondering what to do with your hands or whether your outfit choice was the right one.

If you’re looking for professional headshots in Charlotte, NC, I’d love to help you create images that look polished, confident, and authentically you.