Look Sharp for Court: A Lawyer's Guide to Headshot Outfits

Start with a Solid Foundation: The Suit

Think of your suit as the frame for your portrait. A cheap frame distracts from the art. Your suit's job is to quietly scream "competent" without making a sound. Stick with navy blue, charcoal grey, or a true, dark black. I once photographed a brilliant tax attorney in a light tan suit; the final shot made him look like he was headed to a garden party, not a deposition. We reshot in charcoal, and his whole demeanor shifted from casual to commanding. A two-button, single-breasted jacket is your safest, most modern bet. If your suit is more than five years old, hold the fabric up to a new one in a store. You'll see the difference in color and weave immediately.

Choose Your Shirt and Tie for Impact

Your shirt is the largest block of color next to your face. It must be pristine. A bright, clean white is the undisputed champion for a reason—it reflects light beautifully onto your skin and conveys crisp professionalism. If white feels too stark, a very light blue can work, but avoid patterns. I tell my clients to bring three freshly pressed shirts to a session; the first one always gets a wrinkle. For ties, width matters. Aim for a tie that is roughly 3 to 3.5 inches at its widest point. This proportion looks right with today's suit lapels. Choose a solid color (burgundy, navy, forest green) or a simple, small-scale pattern like a neat dot or a subtle stripe. Leave the cartoon character and paisley ties at home.

The Devil is in the Details: Fit & Finishing

I can spot a bad fit from across the studio. Shoulder seams should sit right at the edge of your shoulder bone, not drooping down your arm. Jacket sleeves should show about a quarter to a half-inch of your shirt cuff. This isn't just style—it shows you pay attention. Get your suit tailored. It’s the single best $75-$150 investment you can make for this photo. For your final look, check these three spots: your collar should lie flat with no gap, your tie dimple should be centered and sharp, and your pocket square (if you wear one) should be a simple white linen fold, not a puffed-up bouquet.

Avoid These Three Common Lawyer Mistakes

After hundreds of sessions, I see the same errors on repeat. First is the wrinkled shirt. Steaming it in the bathroom before you shoot isn't enough. Get it professionally laundered and carry it on a hanger. Second is the wrong expression. You're not trying to scare the jury. Practice a calm, confident, slight smile in a mirror—the kind you'd use when you know you're right. Third, and this is huge, is wearing dated accessories. A overly skinny tie from 2010 or a wide "power" tie from 1995 will anchor your photo in the past. When in doubt, choose a classic, mid-width silk tie in a solid color.

Final Check: Your Court-Ready Photo Checklist

Run through this list the night before your session.

• Suit: Navy, charcoal, or black. Professionally cleaned and pressed.
• Shirt: Bright white or light blue. Bring two backup options, freshly ironed.
• Tie: Silk, 3-3.5 inches wide. Solid color or minimal pattern. Knot is tight and centered.
• Fit: Shoulder seams sit perfectly. Sleeves show a sliver of shirt cuff.
• Grooming: Haircut is recent (within a week). Face is cleanly shaved or beard is neatly trimmed.
• Mindset: You've practiced your expression. You're ready to look like the authority you are.

Your headshot is often the first impression a client, a judge, or a partner gets. It should tell them you handle details with care. Follow these steps, and you'll walk into that session knowing your clothes are working for you, not against you. That confidence is what the camera will capture best.