What to Wear to Your Headshot or Branding Photoshoot in Austin

Interior Designer Headshot in Austin

Whether you’re a creative, entrepreneur, coach, or business professional, a headshot or branding photoshoot is a big step toward elevating your personal brand. If you're planning yours in Austin, you’ve already got a head start—this city’s light, textures, and energy make for stunning backdrops. But now the big question: What should you wear?

Here’s your complete guide to looking polished, comfortable, and like you—with a distinctly Austin flair.

1. Keep It Clean, Elevated, and You

Branding photography for fashion model

Your clothes should reflect your brand identity. Think of your headshot or branding session like a visual handshake—it’s how people will meet you online.

  • Are you a therapist or wellness coach? Soft neutrals and natural textures might feel most aligned.

  • A tech entrepreneur? Go polished but casual—like a tailored blazer over a tee.

  • A creative? Show some personality—color, layers, or a bold print could work.

👗 Pro tip: Choose outfits you actually wear to meet clients or show up online—something that feels like you.

2. Austin Style: Casual Cool Meets Intentional

You don’t need to wear a suit unless that’s your brand. In Austin, relaxed and confident wins. Think:

  • Elevated casual: Clean jeans or trousers with a linen button-down.

  • Modern feminine: Flowy dresses or jumpsuits in solid colors or subtle prints.

  • Creative entrepreneur: Denim jacket, boots, statement earrings, or a wide-brim hat (if it’s your thing).


3. Color Strategy: What Photographs Well

Austin’s light is warm and golden. Certain colors pop beautifully against our limestone, greenery, and wood textures.

Great options:

  • Jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, burgundy)

  • Earth tones (rust, olive, camel, mustard)

  • Creams, off-whites, and soft pastels

  • Black (in moderation—it can be dramatic but less reflective)

🧡 Avoid: bright neons, tiny busy prints, or colors that match your skin tone too closely (you don’t want to look washed out).

4. Textures & Fabrics Matter

Some high quality fabrics always work great such as: cotton, linen, denim, silk or knit add depth without stealing the show.

Shiny fabrics or tight synthetics can be unflattering or reflect oddly in natural light or studio light.

Try on your outfit ahead of time and take a few iPhone test shots in daylight—you’ll quickly see what works.






5. Accessories: Simple + Intentional

The goal is to look like you—but slightly more put-together. A few tips:

  • Keep jewelry minimal unless it’s a signature piece.

  • Scarves, hats, or glasses can work if they reflect your real-life look.

  • Adding a pop of color or fun pattern with your shoes, scarves, hat is a fun idea.







6. Bring Options

Always a good idea to bring 1-3 outfits for some options. Bonus points when you bring an outfit with a jacket/cardigan as you can take photos with jacket on and off for variety.

  1. Polished professional (for LinkedIn, media features, etc.)

  2. Brand-aligned casual (your website or IG bio pic)

  3. Creative/fun (something with more personality or movement)

📸 Don’t forget: Steam or iron your clothes beforehand. Austin humidity will do its thing—be prepared if you have an outdoor photoshoot.

7. Hair + Makeup Tips for Austin’s Climate

  • Keep it natural but polished.

  • Use setting spray or powder—Austin can be humid, and a little prep helps.

  • Consider professional hair and makeup if it’s in your budget—it can really elevate the final result.

Final Thought: Confidence is Key

What really makes a headshot powerful? Comfort. Confidence. Authenticity. If you feel great in your outfit, that’ll shine through more than anything else. Trust your photographer, trust the process, and show up as the version of you you want the world to see.

Ready to capture your personal branding headshots? Let’s chat!

Melissa Bordeau