If you are wondering what to wear for corporate headshots NYC-style, the honest answer is simpler than most people expect: wear what makes you look like yourself on your best workday, then refine it for the camera. I photograph professionals and teams across New York City, in my studio in the Financial District or on location, and these are the guidelines I share with clients before we meet.
Start with how your headshot will be used
A headshot for LinkedIn, a law firm bio, a speaker page and a personal brand website can all look slightly different. Before you open your closet, think about where the image will live and who will see it. A finance or legal profile usually calls for a jacket and a quieter palette. A creative, tech or wellness brand can carry more color and texture. If you are part of a team shoot, ask whether your company has a dress code for headshots so the whole team looks consistent on the website.
Colors that work on camera
- Solid, mid-to-deep tones are the safest choice: navy, charcoal, deep green, burgundy, camel, soft blue. They keep attention on your face.
- Black and white both work, but think about contrast. Black can be striking against a light background; bright white can pull attention from your face, so I often suggest ivory or a soft off-white instead.
- Avoid small, busy patterns like tight stripes, small checks and tiny houndstooth. They can shimmer on screen. A subtle texture, like a knit or a matte wool, reads beautifully.
- Pick a color you love on yourself. If people compliment you every time you wear a certain blue, bring it.
Fit matters more than brand
Corporate headshots NYC clients book are usually framed from the chest or waist up, so the shoulders, collar and neckline do most of the work. A jacket that fits through the shoulders looks sharper than an expensive one that does not. Press or steam everything the night before. Check that collars sit flat and that shirts do not pull at the buttons when you sit down.
For suits and jackets
- A well-fitted jacket in a solid color is timeless for professional headshots NYC firms use for years.
- Bring a tie option or two if you usually wear one, plus the same look without a tie, so you have both.
- Choose a shirt in a lighter tone than the jacket for gentle contrast around the face.
For dresses, blouses and knits
- Necklines that frame the face, such as a V-neck, boat neck or a structured collar, tend to photograph well.
- Sleeves or a light layer often look more polished in a close crop than sleeveless tops.
- Keep jewelry simple: one statement piece, or small earrings, rather than several competing accents.
Bring options, not your whole closet
Bring two or three outfits that you already feel good in, and let me help you choose once we see them in the light. The number of looks depends on your session. My Quick One session ($375) is 30 minutes with one look, ideal for a fast LinkedIn headshot update. Quick Two ($425) gives you 60 minutes and up to three outfits, so you can cover a formal look, a more relaxed look and something in between. All session details are on my individual sessions pricing page.
Grooming and hair
- Get a haircut about a week before, not the day before, so it has time to settle.
- Bring a comb, a small brush or hair ties, and blotting papers. Studio lights and a New York commute do not always cooperate.
- If you want professional help, I offer hair and makeup as an add-on for $300.
- Glasses are welcome if you wear them daily. Clean them well; I will adjust the light to manage reflections.
Team headshots: keep it consistent
For team headshots NYC companies commission for their websites, consistency is everything. I usually recommend sharing a simple guide with the team: jackets or no jackets, a color family to stay within, and no logos or large patterns. Per-person pricing drops as the group grows, from $375 per person for the first four people to $200 per person for groups of 21 or more, and everyone receives one finished, edited image, with additional edited images at $30 each. You can see the full breakdown on my corporate and team pricing page.
What not to worry about
If you worry that you are not photogenic, know that the biggest difference comes from direction, not wardrobe. During the session I guide posture, angles and expression, and we review images together as we go, so you will see what works in real time. Your job is to show up rested, comfortable and dressed in something that feels like you.
Quick checklist for the night before
- Two or three pressed outfits in solid colors, hung, not folded
- A jacket or layer, plus a tie option if relevant
- Simple jewelry and clean glasses
- Comb, hair ties, blotting papers, lip balm
- A good night's sleep and water in the morning
Book your session
If you are looking for an NYC headshot photographer for yourself or your team, take a look at my corporate headshots portfolio and my full NYC photography pricing. Sessions can be in my studio at 25 Broad St in the Financial District, or on location at your office (a flat $125 travel fee applies anywhere in the five boroughs). Email me at lena@lenadi.com and tell me how you plan to use your headshots. I will suggest the right session and what to bring. You can also Text me or reach me on WhatsApp.