A LinkedIn headshot is an important part of establishing your professional brand on LinkedIn. As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so it’s critical that your headshot presents you in the best possible light.
While there’s no one definitive answer for what a woman should wear for a LinkedIn photo, there are some general guidelines to follow based on best practices. The goal is to look polished, professional and approachable – not distracting. You want the focus to be on you and your facial expression, not your outfit.
Some quick tips: stick with neutrals and solids over prints, keep accessories minimal, and style your hair neatly. Business attire is not required – a nice blouse or sweater is just fine. Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel confident and like your best self!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore in detail:
What is the purpose of a LinkedIn headshot?
Your LinkedIn headshot serves as your first impression and personal brand on the platform. It appears alongside your name and in various spots on your profile. A professional headshot shows you are serious about your career and personal brand.
Specifically, a quality headshot:
- Puts a face to your name, conveying approachability and building trust.
- Reflects your professionalism and personal brand.
- Makes your profile stand out in search results.
- Shows you are credible and established in your industry.
In short, your photo is your chance to make a strong visual impact and show viewers who you are as a professional.
Key factors for women’s LinkedIn photos
When deciding what to wear for your LinkedIn headshot, keep these key factors in mind:
Professionalism
You want to look polished, credible and established in your industry. Avoid anything too trendy, revealing, provocative or casual.
Approachability
You want to appear friendly and relatable while still professional. Warm smiles and good eye contact make a difference.
Confidence
Wear something that makes you feel empowered and confident. This will come through in the photo.
Authenticity
Dress in a way that reflects your personal brand and personality. The photo should capture the real you.
Simplicity
Avoid bold patterns or loud accessories that distract from your face. Keep the focus on you.
Fit
Make sure your outfit flatters your body type and fits well. Proper tailoring is key.
Cohesiveness
Coordinate your hairstyle, makeup and outfit for a polished, pulled-together look.
Top tips for nailing your look
Here are some top tips to look your best in your LinkedIn photo as a woman:
Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns
Solids are classic, sophisticated and don’t distract. If you wear a pattern, choose something simple. Medium to darker tones tend to work best.
Pick collared or crew neck tops
Collared shirts project professionalism. Crew neck sweaters or blouses also look polished. Scoop or v-necks can be okay but avoid plunging necklines.
Add a blazer or cardigan
Blazers instantly pull a look together. Cardigans can also add polish over a blouse or dress.
Skip the accessories
Less is more when it comes to accessories. Small earrings are fine but avoid statement necklaces or chunky bracelets that draw the eye.
Style your hair neatly
Make sure your hair is clean and styled off your face. Sleek blowouts, loose curls, or updos all photograph nicely.
Apply professional makeup
Subtle, neutral makeup helps you look awake and approachable. Add mascara and lipstick/gloss for a pulled together effect.
Iron or steam clothes
Remove any visible wrinkles or lint/pilling for a crisp, polished effect. Proper clothing care is key.
What to wear: top, bottom, shoes
Let’s break down what to wear from head to toe:
Tops
- Collared shirts
- Crew neck or boatneck sweaters
- Blouses (plain or subtly patterned)
- Camisoles with a blazer or cardigan on top
- Avoid spaghetti straps without a coverup
Bottoms
- Trousers or ankle pants
- Pencil skirts (knee length or longer)
- A-line or pleated skirts
- Avoid miniskirts
Shoes
- Close-toed pumps or flats
- Pointed-toe is a flattering shape
- Neutral colors (black, nude, gray, brown)
- 1-3 inch heels
- Avoid open-toed shoes
General guidelines
- Solid colors or subtle patterns work best
- Darker tones (black, navy, gray) are slimming
- Proper fit is essential – not too tight or revealing
- Minimal accessories
- Neat, professional hairstyle and makeup
What to avoid wearing in your LinkedIn photo
There are some types of outfits you’ll want to stay away from for your LinkedIn headshot:
Anything too casual
Avoid t-shirts, jeans, shorts, sweats, and anything too casual.
Revealing or low cut tops
Deep v-necks, tank tops, halter tops, and anything too tight or revealing is not suitable.
Bold patterns or distracting prints
Steer clear of large floral prints, zigzags, stripes, polka dots, and other loud patterns.
Trendy or flashy fashion
Don’t wear anything that might go out of style quickly or seems like a fashion fad.
Athletic wear
Unless you work in an athletic field, exercise clothes don’t project professionalism.
Miniskirts or short dresses
Stick to a length at or below the knees. Nothing too short.
See-through fabrics
Sheer or mesh fabrics can appear overly sexy. Save them for evenings out.
Costume-like accessories
Avoid giant sequins or jewelry, feathers, funky hats, and loud pieces.
Examples of ideal LinkedIn looks
Here are some examples of outfits that would work very well for a woman’s LinkedIn headshot:
1. Black blazer, silk camisole, small earrings
– Black blazers are versatile and instantly pull a look together.
– Pair with a basic camisole in a coordinating color. Black, gray, white, or blush work well.
– Small pearl or gold stud earrings add polish but don’t distract.
2. Navy sheath dress, tan pumps
– A sheath dress with minimal details is professional.
– Navy is a sophisticated neutral that photographs well.
– Tan pointed pumps elongate the legs.
3. Charcoal trousers, white button-up, black loafers
– Crisp black loafers and ironed trousers project authority.
– A basic white button-up tucked in keeps the look sharp.
– Charcoal gray reads as authoritative and stylish.
4. Hunter green crewneck, black trousers, nude heels
– Hunter green is a rich neutral that makes a statement.
– Pair with sleek black trousers and heels for contrast.
– A crewneck sweater is office-appropriate.
5. Gray sheath dress, black blazer, pearl earrings
– A form-fitting sheath is elegant and sophisticated.
– Throw a black blazer on top for a professional touch.
– Pearl studs add a feminine accent.
Tips for different industries & roles
While the overall guidelines apply across the board, you may tailor your look slightly based on your industry and role:
Corporate
Stick to suits, blazers, button-ups, and conservative looks. Dark neutral colors read authoritative.
Creative
You have more leeway to showcase your unique style. But avoid anything too edgy or avant-garde.
Tech
Casual tops like sweaters or blouses are likely fine. Just keep accessories minimal.
Healthcare
Conservative looks in light, friendly colors (white, blue) convey trustworthiness.
Education
Warm colors and smiles photograph well. Cardigans and blazers work for most educators.
Finance
Err on the formal side with suits and conservative looks. Soft blues project calmness.
Sales & client-facing roles
You want to look approachable yet polished. A brightly colored blouse contrasts with dark bottoms.
Background & styling tips
A few additional tips for styling and background:
Solid backdrop
Opt for a solid neutral wall if shooting at home. A professional shoot usually includes a branded backdrop.
No busy backgrounds
Watch out for cluttered backgrounds that distract. Plants or bookshelves work if neat and minimal.
Natural lighting
Shoot near a bright window for attractive lighting on your face. Avoid shadows.
Sit up straight!
Good posture projects confidence. Sit up tall with shoulders back.
Fresh neutral manicure
If hands will show, make sure nails are neatly groomed. Nude tones photograph well.
Minimal glare on glasses
Position glasses low on nose, tilt head up slightly, and position lighting to reduce glare. Or remove glasses.
Photo ideas to get inspired
Here are some inspiring examples of professional LinkedIn photos featuring stylish outfits on women:
| Photo | What Works |
|---|---|
 |
Black blazer, cream blouse, minimal jewelry |
 |
Crisp blue blouse, big smile, great lighting |
 |
Gray sheath dress, simple necklace, pro makeup |
Do’s and don’ts summary
Here’s a quick recap of the dos and don’ts for women’s LinkedIn outfits:
Do
- Wear solids, subtle patterns, and dark neutral colors
- Choose blazers, cardigans, blouses, sweaters, trousers, dresses
- Pick flattering necklines like crew, boatneck, collared
- Add only minimal, professional makeup and accessories
- Iron clothing and style hair neatly
- Smile warmly!
Don’t
- Wear prints, fabrics, or accessories that distract
- Choose low-cut, strappy, or revealing styles
- Go overboard with bold makeup or trendy looks
- Show cleavage, miniskirts, or too much skin
- Wear sloppy hairstyles or wrinkled clothes
Conclusion
Your LinkedIn headshot conveys the professional brand image you want to establish. For women, the keys are looking polished, credible, and approachable by choosing the right outfit.
Stick to office-appropriate tops, bottoms, and accessories in dark or neutral colors. Avoid anything overly flirty, casual, revealing or sloppy. Dress in clothes that make you feel confident and powerful. With some careful preparation and styling, your photo will help you make the stellar first impression you want!