Blending Authority and Approachability in Your Wardrobe

By Marie Feutrier • January 25, 2026

Woman in a polished yet approachable outfit — the kind of wardrobe balance that works for headshots and everyday professional life — Credit: Marie Feutrier

How to dress for your headshot session, and every professional moment after

I recently read something that stuck with me: "Nothing says executive like a quality timepiece." It's a small detail, but it captures something important about professional image, the little things communicate as much as the big ones. (If you're a senior leader preparing for an executive headshot session, those details matter even more.)

Close-up of a watch in a professional headshot — small accessories like this tell people you pay attention to details

But here's where it gets interesting: the old rulebook that dictated suits and ties as the only path to looking professional? It's gone.

The Gates-Jobs Spectrum

Think about Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. Gates, with his classic suits, embodied the formal business culture of the late 20th century. Jobs' black turtleneck and jeans suggested something different, relaxed yet unmistakably intentional. Both commanded respect. Both built empires. Their wardrobes couldn't have been more different.

Steve Jobs presenting at Macworld 2005 in his signature black turtleneck and jeans — proof that authority doesn't require a suit Steve Jobs auf der Macworld in San Francisco

This isn't just fashion history. It's permission.

Permission to find your place on that spectrum between authority and approachability. Permission to dress in a way that actually feels like you, not a costume you're wearing to impress someone else.

Reading the Room (and Your Brand)

The key isn't choosing one end of the spectrum or the other. It's understanding when to dial up authority and when to lead with approachability.

A lawyer meeting clients for the first time? Authority might serve you better. A life coach building trust with someone in a vulnerable moment? Approachability wins.

Most of us need both. And that's where it gets fun.

Simon Sinek has figured this out beautifully. He pairs jeans with button-ups and blazers, professional enough for keynote stages, approachable enough that you'd want to grab coffee with him. It's not accidental. It's strategic.

Simon Sinek in a blazer over a casual button-up — professional enough for a keynote, relaxed enough for coffee Photo by Andrew Dolgin

My Approach (Yes, I Think About This Too)

As a photographer, I spend my days helping people look like themselves, just the best, most intentional version. So what do I wear?

I often pair pleat-front pants with flat shoes for a polished yet comfortable look. Other days, it's trendy ripped jeans matched with an elegant button-up shirt. The balance shifts depending on who I'm photographing and what energy they need from me.

Because here's the thing: your wardrobe isn't just about you. It's about the relationship you're trying to build.

The Details That Tie It Together

Once you've nailed the big pieces: the blazer that fits perfectly, the shirt in a color that works with your skin tone. It's the small details that elevate everything:

A classic watch that catches the light Well-crafted shoes that show you pay attention Thoughtful accessories that hint at personality without screaming for attention

Stylish shoes in a full-length professional portrait — the kind of detail that adds personality without saying a word

These details photograph beautifully, by the way. In a headshot, a simple watch or a well-chosen necklace adds visual interest and tells people something about who you are before you've said a word.

The Question That Changes Everything

When clients ask me "What should I wear for my headshot?", I always flip the question:

What do you want people to feel when they see your photo?

The answer to 'what should I wear?' starts with how you want people to feel when they see your photo

Trustworthy and established? Or innovative and approachable? Warm and creative? Or precise and professional?

Your answer shapes everything: the colors, the fit, the formality level. There's no universal "right" answer, only the right answer for you and the impression you want to make.

Making It Practical

Here's how to start thinking about your own authority-approachability balance:

For more authority: Structured pieces (blazers, tailored pants) Darker colors (navy, charcoal, black) Minimal patterns Classic accessories

Man in a three-piece suit — when you need your headshot to say 'I mean business'

For more approachability: Softer fabrics and relaxed fits Lighter or warmer colors A pop of personality (interesting texture, a signature piece) Visible comfort in what you're wearing

Woman in bright pink for her professional headshot — bold color choices make you memorable and approachable

Branded polo shirt in a professional headshot — casual doesn't have to mean sloppy when the fit is right

The sweet spot for most professionals: A blazer over a casual top Dark jeans with polished shoes One statement piece that sparks conversation Clothes that fit your body, not a mannequin's

Jeans and a blazer — the sweet spot between authority and approachability that works on almost everyone

Your Wardrobe Is Part of Your Brand

This isn't about vanity. It's about intentionality.

Every time you walk into a room, meet a client, or show up on a Zoom call, your clothes are communicating something. You might as well make sure they're saying what you actually want them to say.

I created a worksheet called "Align Your Outfits to Your Brand" to help my clients think through these choices before their sessions. It walks you through identifying your brand values and translating them into wardrobe decisions that actually make sense for your life and goals.

Because the best professional image isn't about looking like someone else. It's about looking like the best version of yourself, authority and approachability in whatever ratio serves you best.

Ready to create headshots that match your professional brand? Let's talk about your session. And if you want the complete checklist—wardrobe, grooming, skincare, and mindset—read my full guide on how to prepare for your professional headshots.

For men looking for specific wardrobe advice — from suits and ties to scrubs and hard hats — read my dedicated guide on what men should wear for professional headshots.

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