Choosing the right shirt color for your LinkedIn profile photo is an important decision that requires some thought. Your profile photo is often the first impression that connections and potential employers will have of you, so you want to make sure you’re portraying yourself in the best possible light. The color of your shirt can influence people’s perception, so picking a flattering, appropriate shade for your industry and personality is key. In this article, we’ll go over the factors to consider when selecting a shirt color for your LinkedIn photo and provide some recommendations based on your goals, field, and preferences. With some knowledge and preparation, you can pick a shirt color that projects professionalism, competence, and approachability.
Consider Your Industry and Goals
The first thing to think about when choosing a shirt color for LinkedIn is your industry and career goals. Some colors may be more expected or preferred for certain fields. For example:
- Technology: Blues and grays are common in tech
- Healthcare: White coats and scrubs are ubiquitous in medicine
- Business/Finance: Conservative colors like blue, gray, and white are safest
- Creative: More adventurous colors like purple, green, or pink may be appropriate
Think about the norms and standards in your profession. Do people tend to wear mostly muted, neutral colors or is there more flexibility? If you’re hoping to get noticed and stand out, wearing a brighter color could help you do that. However, sticking to traditional colors might make you seem more reliable and risk-averse.
Your goals on LinkedIn should also inform your color choice. If you’re actively job searching, it’s smart to play it safe with a navy blue or white shirt. If you’re more established in your career, you may have more leeway to showcase your personality with a bolder shade. Think about the impression you want to make on the audience you’re trying to reach.
Choose Colors that Complement Your Complexion
Beyond industry and career considerations, your skin tone should guide your shirt color selection. Certain hues will bring out your facial features and make you look vibrant and healthy in your photo. The basics to keep in mind are:
- Cool skin tones (with pink/reddish undertones): Look best in cooler colors like blues, purples, greens.
- Warm skin tones (with yellow/olive undertones): Look best in warmer colors like reds, oranges, yellows.
- Neutral skin tones: Can wear a wide range of colors, but pure white can sometimes wash out neutral complexions.
To figure out your undertones, examine the color of your veins. If they appear blue/purple, you likely have a cool undertone. If your veins look green, you probably have a warm undertone. Neutral skin tones typically have veins that appear blue and green.
Once you identify your undertone, take some trial photos with different colored shirts to see which most flatters your face. The right color will make your skin glow and bring out your eyes. Look for hues that provide enough contrast between your face and shirt without being jarring. Avoid colors that seem to visually compete with your skin.
Choose Your Shirt Style
The style of the shirt also matters for your LinkedIn look. Some recommendations are:
- Button down: Classic and professional. Keep just 1-2 buttons undone.
- Polo: Casual but still put-together. Opt for minimal logos/patterns.
- Plain t-shirt or blouse: No distracting details. Focus stays on face.
- Open collared shirt: Shows just a peek of skin at the neckline.
In general, solids or simple stripes/patterns tend to work best and avoid looking too busy or informal. Make sure the shirt is pressed and wrinkle-free as well. You want to look polished.
Avoid loud prints, novelty graphics, tank tops, ripped/damaged shirts or anything that looks sloppy. There is some room for personal style, but maintain a professional vibe.
Recommended Shirt Colors for LinkedIn Photos
Based on the tips above, here are some shirt colors that tend to work very well for LinkedIn profile photos:
For Men:
- White: Timeless, crisp, and projects confidence
- Light blue: Friendly, intelligent, and calming
- Navy: Classic, professional, and versatile for most men
- Gray: Refined and serious
- Black: Authortative and powerful (may also look a bit harsh)
For Women:
- White: Fresh, light, and open
- Light blue: Non-threatening and upbeat
- Purple: Creative and imaginative
- Green: Relaxed and natural
- Black: Chic and bold
You really can’t go wrong with a crisp white or light blue dress shirt. They have an almost universal appeal. But don’t be afraid to try out some other colors that feel authentic to you. Just stay away from anything too loud, distracting or unprofessional.
Consider Using Color Psychology
To take your shirt color choice to the next level, consider the psychology and symbolism associated with different hues. While reactions are somewhat subjective, research has uncovered some patterns in how people perceive colors:
| Color | Psychological Meaning |
|---|---|
| Blue | Stable, calm, wise, trustworthy |
| White | Pure, clean, fresh, open |
| Black | Powerful, sophisticated, serious |
| Gray | Neutral, practical, refined |
| Red | Passionate, energetic, bold |
| Green | Balanced, natural, tranquil |
| Purple | Imaginative, creative, mystical |
| Yellow | Optimistic, cheerful, playful |
Use this information to consider the impression you want to give based on subtle color associations. For example, a job candidate may wear blue to seem stable and trustworthy. Or a graphic designer could select a purple shirt to highlight their creativity.
Test Different Colors and Get Feedback
It can be hard to judge a shirt color just by looking at it on a hanger. Colors can appear different in photos compared to real life. That’s why it’s wise to take sample pictures with a few top color contender shirts before finalizing your choice.
Have a few people you trust take a look at the photos and give you honest feedback on which color they think looks best on you. They may point out things you can’t easily see on your own. Pay attention to any patterns in peoples’ responses. If 3 out of 4 people prefer you in the royal blue versus the bright red, that’s a telling sign.
Consider testing shirts in different lighting conditions too. Colors can come across distinctly under fluorescent office lighting versus natural daylight. You want a color that holds up well in various settings.
Conclusion
Selecting a shirt color for your LinkedIn profile photo is about balancing professionalism, preference, and psychology. Think about industry norms and career goals, your natural skin tone, and any color symbolism that could work for or against you. Test out a few different hues and get objective feedback. With mindfulness and preparation, you can cultivate the perfect LinkedIn look that showcases you in your best light while remaining authentic. Use your photo color choice to highlight your unique personal brand and leave viewers with exactly the impression you intend.
