How Should I Dress for My LinkedIn Profile Photoshoot?

The short answer: dress for the industry you're in, not for a photoshoot. A finance headshot calls for a tailored suit, tech calls for smart-casual, and creative fields give you room to add personality — here's how to get it right for each.

When you're getting ready to update your professional image, the right outfit can make all the difference. At The Portrait Room, we see clients from every industry, and each one has a unique story to tell through their headshot.

The outfit isn't just about looking good — it's about looking like you. A great headshot should feel instantly recognisable to the people who already know you, and instantly trustworthy to the people who don't. Here's how that plays out across three common categories of clients we photograph.

Finance and banking: tailored and understated

For those in the finance and banking sectors, a perfectly tailored suit in navy, charcoal, or dark grey conveys immediate authority and professionalism. Crisp, light-coloured shirts and subtle, classic ties complete the look without distraction.

The goal here isn't to stand out — it's to look like someone a client would trust with their money. Clean lines, minimal pattern, and a well-fitted jacket do most of the work.

Navy, charcoal, and dark grey — tailored, minimal pattern, subtle ties.

Tech and startups: smart-casual, still sharp

If you work in the technology space or at a startup, the approach is usually much more relaxed. A smart-casual style works best — a clean button-down shirt without a tie, or a high-quality, fine-knit sweater.

This is less about hierarchy and more about approachability. You still want to look put-together, but a full suit can sometimes feel like it's overselling the role. The goal is competence without stiffness.

Button-downs, fine-knit sweaters, and the occasional denim jacket — polished, not corporate.

Creative fields: room for personality

For creative fields like design or marketing, you can express more personality. You might choose a stylish blazer in a nontraditional colour or with unique texture, while still looking polished and professional.

This is where a headshot can do a little more storytelling. A pop of colour or an unexpected texture signals that you think differently — which, in a creative role, is exactly the point.

Colour, texture, and a bit of edge — still polished, just less predictable.

Ultimately, we help you find the look that best represents your professional identity and builds trust with your connections. If you're not sure which category you fall into, or you want to bring a couple of options to try, that's completely normal — most clients do.