Finishing Touches: An Arizona Men’s Guide to Accessories for Professional Headshots

Whether you’re closing deals in downtown Phoenix, innovating in Tempe’s tech corridor, or showcasing luxury homes in Scottsdale, your professional headshot is your digital handshake. Let’s talk about how to accessorize that headshot to perfection, desert style.

Go back to DRESS TO IMPRESS: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR MEN’S PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS

The Power of Accessories for Professional Headshots in Phoenix

Picture this: Two potential company reps, both in sharp suits, both with winning smiles. But one’s got a sleek watch, a perfectly dimpled tie, and glasses that make him look like he could solve world hunger before lunch. The other? Well, let’s just say he looks like he rolled out of bed and grabbed the first tie he saw, and had his child tie it. Which one would you trust with your business?

That, my friends, is the power of accessories. They’re the secret sauce, the cherry on top, the… okay, you get the idea. They can elevate your look from “meh” to “magnificent” faster than you can say “cheese.” But here’s the kicker – they can also send you straight to the “thanks, but no thanks” pile if you get them wrong. So, let’s make sure you’re on the right side of that equation, shall we?

While classic never goes out of style, it’s good to know what’s current. Right now, we’re seeing a lot of minimalist watches, textured ties, and subtle lapel pins. But remember, trends come and go. It’s better to stick with timeless pieces for your professional headshot, unless it’s part of your brand to be trendy – in which case, you’ll just need to get fresh headshots more often, and we’ll be happy to help you with that!

Even here in the Valley of the Sun, where business casual often means golf shirts and khakis, your headshot accessories can really make you stand out. They’re the difference between looking like you just came off the back nine and looking like you’re ready to conquer the boardroom.

The right accessories can say “I mean business” even when it’s 115 degrees outside. The wrong ones? Well, they might say “I’m melting in this heat.” Let’s make sure you’re on the right side of that equation.

Industry-Specific Accessory Advice

• Finance, Law, and Government: Keep it conservative, even here in Arizona. Tie, subtle cufflinks, and a classic watch. Think “trustworthy” rather than “trendy.”
• Corporate Environments: Stick to classic accessories. Tie, tie bar, maybe a pocket square. You want to look polished and professional. If your clients are more west coast, you can be a bit less formal, but if you service clients on the east coast, you probably want to keep it more professional.
• Technology and Startups: You’ve got more leeway here. Skip the tie, opt for a smart casual look with a nice watch or bracelet.
• Real Estate: In our booming housing market, you want to look successful but approachable. Professional attire geared toward the level of professionalism of your target client (investor, first-time home buyer, etc.) along with a warm smile go a long way.
• Creative Fields: This is where you can let your personality shine a bit more. Bow tie? Sure. Funky glasses? Go for it. Just don’t go overboard.
• Tourism and Hospitality: Perhaps show some Arizona pride with a subtle accessory featuring local motifs – think saguaro or sun designs.

Neckwear: To Tie or Not to Tie

Ah, the tie. The quintessential business accessory. But is it always necessary? Let’s break it down.

Ties: If you’re in finance, law, or any traditional corporate gig, a tie is pretty much your uniform. But don’t just slap on any old tie. Choose one that complements your suit and shirt without stealing the show. Solid colors or subtle patterns are your friends here. And for the love of all that is holy, learn to tie a proper dimple. It’s the difference between looking polished and looking like you’re wearing your dad’s hand-me-downs.

Even in our more casual Arizona business culture, a tie can still be a power move. If you’re in finance or law, especially dealing with East Coast clients, don’t shy away from a classic tie. Pro tip: lighter fabrics like silk or linen blends work well in our climate.

Bow Ties: Feeling a bit daring? A bow tie can be a great way to show some personality, especially if you’re in a creative field. Just remember, with great bow tie comes great responsibility. Make sure it suits (pun intended) your industry and personal brand. In creative Phoenix industries or for Scottsdale’s high-end retail scene, a bow tie can add a touch of personality.

Going Tie-less: For you tech guys and startup founders out there, going tie-less can actually be the power move. It says, “I’m successful enough that I don’t need a tie to prove it.” Just make sure your shirt is impeccably pressed and your collar game is strong.

For many Phoenix tech startups or creative agencies, skipping the tie is perfectly acceptable. A crisp, open-collar shirt, with or without a jacket, can look just as professional and much more comfortable in our heat.

If you’ll be sporting a tie for your headshot, check out our complete guide to wearing ties for your professional headshots here.

Suitable (and Not-As-“Suit”able) Accessories

 Pocket Squares: Want to add a touch of sophistication without going overboard? Enter the pocket square. It’s like the garnish on a fancy cocktail – not necessary, but it sure makes things look better. Just remember, it should complement your tie, not match it exactly. A pocket square can add a pop of color or pattern to a suit. Solid white is always safe, but subtle patterns are acceptable too. We’re going for stylish, not “groomsmen at a wedding.” A light, airy pocket square can add a pop of color without adding bulk.

Tie Bars: Nothing says “I’ve got my life together” quite like a well-placed tie bar. It should sit between the third and fourth buttons of your shirt, and never be wider than your tie. It’s a small detail, but it packs a punch. If you’re wearing a tie, a tie bar is a classy touch. Bonus: it’ll keep your tie in place when those monsoon winds kick up. But note that when we’re doing tight crops on a headshot, your tie bar may get cropped out of a closeup.

Necklaces: For professional headshots, necklaces can be a tricky accessory. In formal or conservative industries, it’s generally best to avoid necklaces altogether, as they can be distracting and take focus away from your face. However, for more casual or creative fields, a simple, subtle necklace might work if it complements your outfit and doesn’t clash with your neckline. If you do choose to wear a necklace, pay close attention to its length and how it sits with your shirt or jacket collar. Overall, it’s often safer to skip necklaces in headshots to maintain a clean, professional look that keeps the focus on your face.

Earrings: For more formal or conservative industries, it’s generally best for men to remove earrings for headshots to maintain a traditional professional appearance. However, in creative fields or for personal branding shots that aim to showcase personality, if you wear earrings, then subtle earrings can add a stylish touch and convey a more modern, artistic image. If you plan to wear earrings, opt for simple studs or small hoops rather than something large or distracting. You want people to see your face, not your accessories.

Looking Smart in Eyewear

If you wear glasses, wear them in your headshot! They’re part of your everyday look, so they should be part of your professional image too. Just make sure they’re clean (seriously, give them a good polish) and try to avoid glare. Pro tip: ask your photographer about anti-glare techniques. Many Phoenicians opt for photochromic lenses that darken in the sun – these can work great for headshots too, but let us know ahead of time so we can do special lighting that doesn’t give you the dark glasses look with your indoor headshots under our bright lights.

If you have a few pairs of glasses, you can bring them all along. Blue-light glasses often have some glare, but non-reflective coatings work very well. Either way, we’re good at working with glasses to eliminate glare and let your face shine through.

If you usually wear contacts but are considering glasses for the “smart look,” tread carefully. You want to look like yourself, not like you’re playing dress-up. Stick with what you normally wear.

While we love our shades here in the Valley, keep them out of your professional headshot. But if we’re also doing branding images, that’s a great time to show off your sunglasses!

Hats: To Wear or Not to Wear?

I’m going to be honest here. Generally, hats are not recommended for professional headshots as they can cast shadows on your face and hide your hair, which is an important part of your overall look, and you usually won’t be wearing one to a business meeting. However, there are exceptions where a hat might be appropriate or even beneficial:

1. Brand Identity: If a hat is part of your personal or company brand (e.g., you’re a baseball coach or own a hat company), it can be a defining accessory. A hat with your logo can also work in a more casual headshot.
2. Industry-Specific: For certain professions like chefs (with a toque) or construction managers (with a hard hat), including the appropriate headwear can reinforce your professional image.
3. Artistic or Creative Fields: If you’re in a creative industry, a stylish hat might showcase your personality and style. If you wear hats in the wild, it can be a fun accessory to add to a creative headshot, or as part of your branding images.

If you do opt for a hat, consider these styles:

• Fedora or Trilby: For a classic, sophisticated look 
• Flat Cap: For a more casual, approachable vibe 
• Beanie: For tech or creative industries (use sparingly) 
• Baseball Cap: For sports-related professions or casual brands
• Cowboy Hat: If that’s part of your brand, embrace it!

If you choose to wear a hat, a professional headshot photographer such as Headshot Pros AZ can ensure it doesn’t cast shadows on your face and will prioritize a clear view of your eyes and facial expressions in your headshots. Consider taking some shots both with and without the hat for versatility.

Watches: Timeless Style

A watch can add a touch of class to any outfit. Of course, if we’re just doing quick headshots your watch generally won’t show, but if we add on some branding or portrait style shots, your watch could definitely make an appearance.

For formal looks, go with a classic dress watch – think leather strap and a simple face. If you’re in a more casual industry, a nice dive watch or chronograph can work well. Just remember, in a headshot, less is often more. You don’t want your watch stealing focus from your winning smile. Classic dress watches with leather straps are still popular for formal business settings. For more casual business environments, dive watches or chronographs can work well. Minimalist watches are also trending.

In Phoenix’s business scene, a watch can say a lot. A sleek, minimalist watch works well for tech and creative fields. For more traditional industries, a classic timepiece is still the way to go. Just avoid anything too flashy – we get enough glare from the sun.

Other Accessories to Consider

Outside of what is often shown in headshots, if you’re doing more lifestyle or branding type shots, here are some additional accessories you may want to consider:

1. Belts: If visible, make sure your belt matches the formality of your outfit and matches shoes and other accessories that may appear int the shot. Medium to dark brown or black are classic choices. A quality leather belt works for most Phoenix business settings. Also make sure it fits well. No one wants to see a belt doing overtime to keep your pants up.
2. Cufflinks: For formal industries or when you’re trying to impress those high-end, out-of-state clients, cufflinks add a touch of class. For use on your French cuff shirts, metal cufflinks in silver or gold are appropriate. Just keep them simple and classic.
3. Bags: Leather briefcases or messenger bags are popular for carrying work essentials. Backpacks are becoming more accepted in some business-casual environments.
4. Bracelets: Generally, it’s best to skip bracelets for formal headshots. They can be distracting and often look out of place in a business setting. For more casual headshots and branding photos, it it supports your brand, go ahead and sport that bracelet.
5. Sunglasses: Classic styles like aviators or wayfarers work well. Avoid overly flashy or sporty styles.
6. Wallets: Slim card holders or minimalist wallets are trending over bulky traditional wallets.
7. Scarves: Not really an issue here in Arizona, but for colder weather, a subtle patterned or solid color scarf can complement a business outfit.
8. Socks: Probably won’t be visible in a headshot, but on the off chance they are, make sure they match your pants, not your shoes. And please, no novelty socks in professional shots unless that is part of your brand.
9. Shoes: Just like socks, your shoes are less likely to make an appearance, but if you’re planning on wider branding shots, make sure your shoes match the formality or casualness of your outfit as well as matching the color of your belt, are polished up, and photo ready. Sometimes the bottoms of shoes are also visible in photos as well, so pay attention to your shoe choices.

The key trends seem to be leaning towards minimalism, classic styles, and subtle details rather than flashy accessories. The level of formality can vary depending on the specific workplace culture, with some allowing more casual accessories while others stick to very traditional business attire.

General Tips for Accessorizing in Headshots

Remember, your face should be the star, not your bolo tie (save that for the weekend). Accessories should enhance your look, not dominate it. Keep accessories subtle, avoiding anything too flashy or trendy – you want this headshot to age well. And always, always make sure your accessories match the formality of your outfit. A Mickey Mouse watch doesn’t go with a three-piece suit :-)

Confidence is Your Best Accessory

At the end of the day, accessories are about enhancing your professional image, not defining it. They should be the supporting actors in the blockbuster movie that is your career. Choose pieces that make you feel confident and reflect your personal style, while still maintaining a professional edge.

Remember, the best accessory is always confidence. So whether you’re rocking a power tie or going for a more casual look, wear it with pride. You’ve got this, gentlemen. Now go out there and show the world your best professional self!

And hey, if all else fails, just remember – James Bond never stressed about his accessories, and neither should you. Stay classy, my friends!

via GIFER

Go back to DRESS TO IMPRESS: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR MEN’S PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS

References:
Classy Mens Collection Accessory Guide – https://classymencollection.com/blogs/mens-fashion-guide/mens-accessories-complete-guide
GQ Essentials – https://www.gq.com.au/shopping/best-buys/best-mens-accessories/image-gallery/9ece82b60bfb3922f478c0cb20ed5e74
Real Men Style Accessory Guide – https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/fashionable-mens-accessories/
TrendHim Men’s Accessory Guide – https://www.trendhim.com/articles/2020/top-10-must-have-mens-accessories-march-2024

All headshot images and Bowtie Image © HeadshotProsAZ.com | Tie closeup image, watch closeup image and flat lay accessory image are purchased stock images

Cari Hall, Professional Headshot Photographer

Cari Hall is a professional headshot photographer based in Phoenix, Arizona. Since 2014, she has specialized in corporate headshots, LinkedIn headshots, and personal branding photos that help professionals and companies stand out with confidence. Drawing on more than a decade of experience — and a background in advertising and marketing — Cari brings both technical expertise and brand strategy insight to every session. She is known for creating a stress-free experience, helping even the most camera-shy clients feel comfortable, confident, and authentically themselves.