Trends That Will Get You Noticed
Tuesday, September 02, 2025 | By: Dorie Howell
Fall into Style: Elevate Your Headshots with These Trends
I’m not going to lie, one of my favorite things about living in Northern Virginia vs. Southern California where I grew up, is actual seasons. Yes, year-round sunshine and pleasant temperatures are all well and good, but nothing takes the place of a couple weeks around October where you hear the crunch of fall leaves, feel the gradual drop in temperatures, and can look forward to being comfortable in new Fall Clothes.
Growing up in Southern California meant that we would see all the great fall trends, but most of them simply were not practical to invest in when the temperature rarely dipped below 65 degrees on the coldest of days. Add to that, beach culture really doesn’t lend itself to the deep browns, burgundys, greens, and reds that are synonymous with fall clothing trends.
But now, I can invest in and actually look forward to building a wardrobe of great Fall pieces that will welcome in those cooler temps and fit my new, healthier body. I am having a blast learning about fashion and creating a new wardrobe that fits my age, profession, size, and attitude. This is the first post that will address fashion, and I hope my insights will help you as you look to update your wardrobe.
Incorporating new trends is fun. This article will help you not only know how to add some of these trends into your wardrobe but also know what to bring to your next headshot session. At Dorie Howell Photography in Northern Virginia (yes, awkward wording for SEO purposes), I believe your headshot should not only reflect your professionalism but also your unique personality. How can you cleverly weave fall fashion into your headshot session, ensuring you look current, confident, and unforgettable? Keep reading. Here are some of this year's big trends in color and style, with suggestions on how to use them for your new headshot or simply around the office.
Embrace the Autumn Palette: Brown is the New Black & Bold Reds
Move over, classic black! This fall, rich browns in all their variations. Warm caramel to deep espresso are taking center stage. Brown offers a softer, more approachable elegance than black, making it perfect for creating a warm and inviting headshot. It brings out the natural color in your cheeks and eyes and is generally more flattering on all skin tones than stark black.
Do: Opt for a tailored brown blazer, a sophisticated brown knit sweater, or a beautiful silk blouse in a muted brown tone. These choices convey warmth, reliability, and modern style.
Avoid: Overly casual brown hoodies or overly textured brown fabrics that might distract from your face. Stick to clean lines and quality materials. This is not the time to break out the teddy bear fleece you love so much. Save that for when you are sitting in front of a campfire.
Red and Burgundy Power:
If you want to make a confident statement, incorporate shades of red or burgundy. These colors exude passion, energy, and leadership.
Do: A sharp blazer in a deep burgundy, a sophisticated red dress (if appropriate for your industry), or even a subtle red accessory like a pocket square or a delicate scarf can add a powerful pop of color.
Avoid: Bright, neon reds that can be too jarring or distracting. Stick to deeper, richer tones for a more professional look. Did you know that certain tones of red, pink, or neon cannot be printed? When a color is so bright and saturated that it cannot be printed, it is called out of gamut. Red can easily be out of gamut. Even if you are only going to use the image online, out-of-gamut colors can lose detail on screens, so choose carefully.
Trending Textures:
Leather, Denim, Camouflage, and Leopard Print
I LOVE a good leopard print. I mean, if I could have my entire closet be leopard or camouflage, I would be the happiest girl. But my leopard print pants or camouflage jeans may not be the best choice for my professional images. Here are some thoughts on how to use them for a professional image.
Leather with Edge:
Leather pieces are making a strong comeback, adding an element of modern sophistication and a touch of edgy confidence.
Do: A well-fitted leather jacket over a classic shirt or blouse can add a contemporary, professional flair. A leather skirt or trousers can also work if styled tastefully and appropriate for your industry. Keep the cut clean and professional.
Avoid: Distressed or overly casual leather pieces. The goal is sleek and refined, not rockstar chic for your headshot. And watch for fake and vegan leather options that are very shiny. Faux leather can look great in person, but too much shine will make it look cheap in your images.
Denim Done Right:
Yes, denim can be professional! When chosen carefully, it can convey approachability and modern style.
Do: A dark-wash, well-fitted denim blazer or a crisp, button-down denim shirt can create a smart-casual look that's perfect for many creative or tech-industry headshots.
Avoid: Faded, ripped, or overly casual denim jeans or jackets. The key is "polished" denim, not "weekend" denim.
Because Denim is such a personal thing, here are my favorites. (not affiliates, just some helpful info if you are interested.)
The Girlfriend Jean by Banana Republic Factory. These have been my die-hard jeans over the past four years. I bought a pair at every weight loss interval, and own a pair in sizes 32-27. They looked and felt great at every size. You can only get them at the BR factory site or stores. They run sales often so don't pay full price.
For my “professional” jeans, I love these by Judy Blue. I own these in the dark wash, and they are great. They sell out quickly, so if you see them available in the dark wash, grab them. But size down. They have great stretch. Normally, I would wear a 7 but in these I wear a 5. (Don't tell me vanity marketing is dead. A size 5?? Yes, please!)
And because I love my camo, here is a link to my favorite camouflage jeans by Vici. They run big, and I had to get 5 inches taken from the length, but I LOVE these jeans. Suitable for corporate settings? Probably not. Awesome for running around town, PTA meetings, sports events, and nights out on the town? Absolutely!
Let's Not Forget the Leopard Print
A Touch of Wild Sophistication: Leopard print, when used sparingly, can add a sophisticated and fashion-forward touch.
Do: A silk scarf with a subtle leopard print, a delicate blouse worn under a solid blazer, or even a pair of statement earrings can add personality without overpowering your image. The goal is an accent, not a full ensemble.
Avoid: Head-to-toe leopard print. This can be distracting and may not translate well in a professional headshot. Less is definitely more with this bold print.
Structured Silhouettes: Cropped Jackets and Wide-Legged Pants
The Cropped Jacket Craze: Cropped jackets are having a moment, offering a fresh, modern silhouette. Have you seen the new cropped trench coats? So cute!
Do: A tailored, cropped blazer or a chic tweed cropped jacket can highlight your waist and add a contemporary touch to your outfit. Pair it with high-waisted trousers or a skirt for a balanced look.
Avoid: Overly bulky or ill-fitting cropped jackets that can disrupt your body’s lines. Ensure the jacket is well-structured and complements your frame.
The Power of Wide-Legged Trousers: Wide-legged pants and trousers are a powerful trend that can create a sophisticated and modern look. I have never been a fan of the skinny silhouette. That was mostly because my legs were not skinny. I couldn’t wear that style, so my choice has always been a good straight leg, hemmed right at the bottom of my heel. That way I could wear it with heels or flats.
This new trend of wide-legged pants is something that I can fully get behind in my casual pants and my professional jeans. (keeping in mind that as a photographer, I don’t have to worry about a corporate dress code.) When paired with a fitted top, they can create a beautifully balanced silhouette. While a full-body shot might not be the focus of a traditional headshot, incorporating them into your outfit can boost your confidence and create a more current, fashion-forward vibe that comes through in your photos.
Do: Choose a well-tailored, wide-legged pant in a classic fabric like wool, tweed, or a heavy crepe. Colors like charcoal gray, navy, or a deep camel work exceptionally well. They pair beautifully with a fitted turtleneck, a silk blouse, or, as mentioned above, a cropped blazer to create a polished and powerful look. Want to wear denim with this silhouette? Choose a darker wash with no distressing. You will be able to wear them for years.
Avoid: Wide-legged pants that are too long and pool on the floor, or those made from overly thin, wrinkle-prone fabrics. The goal is a sharp, clean drape, not a sloppy one.
Side Note: While we are here, if you are on the shorter side, please get your pants hemmed. Nothing ruins a great look than pants that are dragging on the floor as you walk down the hall. I have to hem almost every single pair of pants that I purchase so they hang correctly. (Thanks to my mom for teaching me that at an early age. Hemming pants is not hard once you learn how. Here is a good tutorial on Youtube that shows you how to hem your pants with a sewing machine and without. ) Learning how to do this will not only open your options to the pants you can purchase but also save you so much money.
TRANSPERENCY ALERT!! THE FOLLOWING CONTAINS IMAGES THAT ARE NOT MINE. This was created by Gemini AI based on my prompts and idea. These are not real people but it this does do a great job at showing you how to incorporate these trends into your professional headshot. (Don't you wish all AI content was labeled like this for clarity?)
While I am at it, Yes, Gemini helped me with this blog post, but the prompts, ideas, edits, and a majority of the content are all mine. Notice I said it "helped" me. It didn't do it all for me.
Trends to AVOID for Professional Headshots
While many fall trends can enhance your headshot, some are best left out of a professional context. When aiming for a polished and timeless image, it's wise to steer clear of anything that might be overly distracting or appear too casual for a corporate setting.
Excessive Fur or Shearling:
While luxurious in a fashion context, heavy fur collars or full shearling coats can be too overwhelming for a headshot. They can add unnecessary bulk and draw attention away from your face, which should always be the focal point. Subtle shearling accents on a jacket might be acceptable in some creative fields, but for most professional headshots, it's best to keep the focus on clean lines and professional attire.
Fringe and Tassels:
Leave it to Beyonce and Cowboy Carter for bringing western influences in hard this fall season. Fringe, whether on a jacket, scarf, or accessories, tends to be too playful and can look messy or dated in a professional headshot. It creates a lot of visual noise and can move, potentially blurring during the shot. The same goes for prominent tassels; they can distract from your overall professional image. Keep your look clean, sharp, and uncluttered.
Overly Distressed or Casual Wear:
Even with the rise of business casual, headshots generally require a level of polish. Avoid anything with obvious rips, tears, or excessive fading (even if intentional for fashion). While tailored denim can work, steer clear of overly casual pieces like hoodies, activewear, or graphic tees, no matter how trendy they might be outside the office. Your headshot is an investment in your professional brand, and it should reflect a serious, capable image.
Anything That Doesn't Align with Your Brand:
This is perhaps the most crucial avoidance tip. If a trend, no matter how popular, doesn't genuinely represent your professional persona or the values of your industry, it's best to skip it for your headshot. Authenticity and consistency with your personal brand are paramount.
General Headshot Styling Tips for Fall & Always:
Fit is Key: Regardless of the trend, ensure your clothing fits perfectly. Ill-fitting clothes can make even the most expensive garments look sloppy. If you have to constantly adjust it to get it to lie the way you want, I’m sorry to tell you this, it doesn’t fit well. Do a practice run in your clothes. Put them on and move your arms around and see if the clothes stay where you want them to stay without you fussing at them.
Comfort Matters: Choose outfits you feel comfortable and confident in. Your comfort will translate into natural, relaxed expressions in your photos.
Layer Wisely: Fall is all about layering! This adds dimension and interest to your outfit. Think blazers, cardigans, and stylish scarves.
Minimize Distractions: Avoid busy patterns (unless used as a subtle accent), large logos, or overly flashy jewelry that can detract from your face.
Consider Your Brand: Your headshot should align with your professional brand and industry. While trends are fun, ensure they enhance, rather than clash with, your professional image.
At Dorie Howell Photography in Vienna, VA, (again, blatant SEO wording), we specialize in creating stunning headshots that help you stand out. I am here to guide you through outfit choices and ensure your fall headshot session is a resounding success. Contact me today to book your session, and let's capture your best self this fall!