What to Wear for Lawyer Headshots (Professional Dress Guide)

What you wear in a lawyer headshot matters more than most people think.

Clients may not consciously analyze your outfit, but they notice whether you look polished, credible, and appropriate for the legal profession. Clothing choices can quietly support trust or quietly weaken it.

This guide breaks down what lawyers should wear for professional headshots, with practical advice you can actually use.

Why Appearance Matters in Lawyer Headshots

Law is a conservative profession. Even in modern practice areas, clients expect lawyers to look put-together and dependable.

Your clothing affects how people perceive:

• competence
• seriousness
• attention to detail

A good outfit keeps the focus on your face while reinforcing professionalism. A bad one distracts or sends mixed signals.

Best Colors and Fabrics for Attorneys

Stick to solid, neutral colors

Solid colors photograph better and age well.

Best choices include:

• navy
• charcoal
• dark gray
• muted blue
• soft white or light gray (for shirts)

These colors work across firm websites, LinkedIn, and legal directories.

Choose structured fabrics

Structured fabrics hold their shape and look clean on camera.

Good options:

• wool blends
• cotton shirts with structure
• tailored blazers

Avoid thin, clingy, or shiny fabrics. They tend to wrinkle, reflect light, or look cheap on camera.

Female Lawyer Headshot Outfit Tips

What works well:

• tailored blazer or structured jacket
• blouse with a simple neckline
• neutral or muted colors
• minimal jewelry

Make sure the outfit fits properly. Overly loose or tight clothing shows up more in photos than in real life.

Avoid deep necklines, bold patterns, or trendy styles that may age quickly.

Male Lawyer Headshot Outfit Tips

What works well:

• dark suit jacket or blazer
• light solid shirt
• optional tie in a muted color

Ties are not mandatory, but if worn, keep them simple. Busy patterns pull attention away from your face.

Make sure collars sit flat, and jackets are wrinkle-free.

What to Avoid in Lawyer Headshots

Some clothing choices consistently hurt professional headshots.

Avoid:

• bold patterns or stripes
• logos or branded clothing
• casual wear like t-shirts or sweaters
• bright or neon colors
• noisy accessories

If you are unsure, choose the more conservative option. Simple almost always wins in legal headshots.

How Outfit Choice Affects Headshot Quality

Even the best lighting and background cannot fix a poor outfit choice.

Clothing affects:

• how light reflects on your face
• whether wrinkles are visible
• how professional the image feels overall

Outfits that work well also pair better with clean, neutral backgrounds, which is especially important for lawyer headshots.

Final Advice Before Your Headshot Session

Lay out your outfit the day before.
Try it on.
Check for wrinkles, fit, and comfort.

If something feels distracting or uncomfortable, it will likely show in the photo.

Your goal is not to look fashionable.
Your goal is to look trustworthy.