Tips For Styling Your Charlotte Studio Headshot

When it comes to professional headshots, what you wear plays a huge role in how your final images look — and how they connect with your audience. As a Charlotte headshot photographer, I love helping clients style their sessions so their photos feel polished, confident, and on-brand.

Begin Styling Your Charlotte Studio Headshot Session with Your Brand Colors

If your business or personal brand has specific colors, try to incorporate them into your wardrobe! Wearing your branding colors — or complementary tones — helps create a cohesive look between your headshots, your website, and your social media. If your brand palette leans more neutral, we can use your studio background to bring in a coordinating or contrasting color that fits your overall aesthetic beautifully.

Great places for clients to shop for classically styled outfits:

• Stitch Fix
• J.Crew
• Ann Taylor/Loft
• Banana Republic

Don’t Be Afraid of a Pop of Color

While neutrals always photograph well, adding a pop of color can help your headshots stand out and feel full of life. Think bold blazers, a statement blouse, or even a colorful accessory. It’s a simple way to make your portraits eye-catching while staying professional. And this is a truly great idea if you plan to capture at least two styles in your session. Having one traditional style and one more causal and approachable is a great idea for a well rounded photo portfolio.

Avoid Patterns That Distract

Here’s an insider tip: avoid tight checks, plaid, or small pinstripes. There is a reason you will never see a newscaster or tv broadcaster wearing styles like these. These specific patterns can create distortion or a “moiré effect” in-camera, making the fabric look wavy or pixelated in your final images. Solid colors or larger, subtle patterns tend to photograph best and keep the focus on you. Of course for me I prefer solids and adding texture when you can for a pop!

Style Early — and Test Your Look Before Your Charlotte Studio Headshots

Plan your outfit at least one week before your headshot session. This gives you time to make sure everything fits well, feels comfortable, and looks polished. I always recommend wearing your full outfit (accessories and shoes included) ahead of time — stand in front of a mirror or take a quick phone photo to see how it looks together. How it looks in the mirror is how it will look on camera. So if that jacket is a little gaped, the shoulders droop, or the blouse goes a little lower then change it up.

That extra step can save a lot of stress on session day!

Think About How You’ll Use Your Photos

Before booking your session, think about how many photos you’ll need and where you’ll use them. Most professionals benefit from 2–5 strong images, including:

• A hero image for your homepage
• A friendly, approachable portrait for your “About Me” page
• A clean, polished headshot for LinkedIn or email signatures
• A slightly more relaxed option for social media or marketing materials

This variety ensures your online presence feels professional, consistent, and true to your brand.

My basic headshot package even allows for an add on for second photo or one full add on outfit, background, and final image if you want to make sure you have two photos to keep that variety in your headshot final gallery.

Professional Hair & Makeup Make a Difference

Professional hair and makeup can completely elevate your final images. The camera picks up every detail, and makeup that’s balanced for studio lighting ensures your skin tone and features photograph beautifully. If you need recommendations, I’m happy to share trusted Charlotte artists who specialize in headshot-ready looks.

Final Tips from a Charlotte Headshot Photographer

• Choose well-fitted, wrinkle-free clothing — looser, boxy fits can look shapeless in camera.
• Steam or iron your outfit before your session.
• Keep jewelry minimal and timeless.
• Coordinate your wardrobe, background, and brand colors for a cohesive feel.
• Most importantly — wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable!

Your headshot is often the first impression your audience has of you — let’s make sure it reflects your personality, professionalism, and confidence perfectly. Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn, refreshing your website, or building your personal brand, your session is designed to help you shine with ease.

Ready to book your studio headshots: Let’s Chat!