How to Dress to Impress at LinkedIn, 6 Ways

By: | November 12, 2019 | Tags: , , , |
LinkedIn Photo Examples, 6 tips

Did you know there are times when a blogger’s appearance matters?

Yes! It’s true: In your profile picture.

For example, you should consider the impression you make in your WordPress gravatar, Instagram bio, and your Twitter profile picture.

On Twitter, not having a profile picture is a sign you are not active. If you were serious about using the site, you’d have a profile picture. Therefore, not having one can cost you followers.

Not having a WordPress gravatar can cost you followers as well. Even worse, people can erroneously label you a “spammer” if you don’t have a profile picture.

This post is about how to step up your LinkedIn game by making your LinkedIn profile picture better.

Let’s do that by looking at LinkedIn profile picture examples.

The post examines LinkedIn photo examples from the following celebrities: Ariana Huffington, Jennifer Lopez, and Mark Cuban.

Let’s get started.

Let’s start at the top and learn from the best. Let’s examine LinkedIn pictures from famous LinkedIn users.

Dress to Impress

Janice Wald and James Riddle

Someone once said that you can never be overdressed or overeducated. This might sound easy to pull off, but when it comes to social media sites, things get very confusing.

However, being uninformed is not an excuse to be inappropriately dressed in your profile picture!

Here’s a little guide that will teach you how to dress to impress in your profile picture and look completely at home, no matter how formal and important. Since LinkedIn is a professional organization, you should look professional.

LinkedIn Photo Examples

White Tie

This is the most formal dress code there is and is only reserved for state dinners and award ceremonies.

It’s very hard to pull off and even celebs with all the income and help in the world often make common mistakes.

While men are required to wear tuxedos with a white collared shirt and a bow tie, women have a little more freedom.

What you really want to do is opt for a formal, floor-length gown. You can add some interest to your look with dramatic shoes and bold jewelry. A stunning box clutch can be a perfect finishing touch.

Men can put on their finest cufflinks and a fine watch. 

Black Tie

Jennifer Lopez

This LinkedIn photo example is in Jennifer Lopez’s gallery of LinkedIn photos.

Image Credit

Events with this type of dress code are a little less dressy than white tie, but still very formal. Women can opt for any gown that makes them feel special and beautiful, but make sure to choose something elegant.

Floor-length gowns, knee-length skirts, and shell sets can also work. Finish your look with jewelry in an elegant and formal style.

Today you can find all sorts of fine jewelry for special occasions from dangly earrings to subtle rings and bracelets. If your dress is bold, minimalist jewelry will perfectly balance out your look.

Men can opt for a black tux and bow tie, but if the event is in the summer or on a boat, they can choose a white dinner jacket with their black tuxedo pants. 

Creative Black Tie

This type of dress code is formal but with a nice little twist.

Women can opt for something more fun yet formal like a knee-length dress, satin skirt with a blouse or even tuxedo pants with a silk top. Fun and unique jewelry are more than welcome.

Gents can combine their tuxedo with a few trendy and fun items like a black shirt, colored bow tie, and matching cummerbund or patterned dress socks. 

Semi-Formal

Ariana Huffington

Image Credit


This dress code lies somewhere between formal and casual, depending on whether the event is a day or evening affair and the length of her dress which is not evident in this LinkedIn photo example.

Women can opt for a knee-length cocktail dress, a classic LBD (little black dress), a formal skirt and a top or even something as informal as slacks and blouse.

Men can choose a suit and tie or dress pants with a shirt and jacket. The color should be darker unless the event is in the summer or during the day. 

Cocktail Attire

Cocktail attire should be festive and fun, yet not formal. This gives you a great opportunity to experiment with color, patterns and interesting silhouettes.

Men will look handsome in slim-fit suits or jackets and slacks. Colors and patterns can be bold and playful, accessories as well.

Women have a lot of freedom to play with all sorts of dresses from classic LBDs to open shoulders or creative patterned dresses, skirts and pants.

Whatever you choose, make sure to remember that cocktails equal party, so dress accordingly. 

Casual

Mark Cuban

Image Credit

Mark Cuban is known for being a shrewd business person, owning a sports team, his political criticism of Donald Trump, and starring on the TV show “Shark Tank.”

Do these fit the persona he shows in his LinkedIn profile picture? In his photo, he shows a casual look– casually dressed.

However, the gold basketball trophy is by his side, an important symbol since he’s the owner of a basketball team, the Dallas Mavericks.

LinkedIn Photo Examples: FAQ

What should your LinkedIn photo look like?

Your LinkedIn photo should be 400 x 400 pixels.

Wrapping Up: LinkedIn Photo Examples

Keep these dress code explanations and LinkedIn profile examples in mind the next time you choose your profile picture.

While you can stand out with your accomplishments and your classy behavior, the way you dress will leave a great first impression. 

This post was made possible by the support of our readers.

Readers, please share so other people learn about how to spruce up their LinkedIn pictures by examining these LinkedIn photo examples.

Related Reading

8 Proven Ways to Write LinkedIn Posts That Will Boost Your Influence


  1. Philip Verghese Ariel

    Hi Janice,

    Yet another wonderful share as usual. 🙂

    Yes our dress code speaks volumes, especially when it comes to a platform like LinkedIn.

    As most of them there are professionals. A business sites like this really look for professionals.

    But some dress examples you projected here also talks louder as of their profession.

    It’s really good to follow the respective dress code for the occasion.

    Here I want to make note of a tendency some people shows to project their profile picture as their favorite images like their God’s head, flowers, or their favorite heroes and heroins, nature scenes etc. Of course few here project their company’s logo or product images, what is your take on this Janice?

    Thanks Janice for the timely share.

    Best Regards

    ~ Phil

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Philip,
      Thanks for commenting. You asked:
      “Here I want to make note of a tendency some people shows to project their profile picture as their favorite images like their God’s head, flowers, or their favorite heroes and heroins, nature scenes etc. Of course few here project their company’s logo or product images, what is your take on this Janice?”
      It is hard for me to answer. I am not a religious person, and I don’t have a blog in a religion niche. For this reason, this type of image wouldn’t feel right for me personally. However, when people put themselves out there online especially, they need to do what feels comfortable for them. To each his own.
      Janice

  2. xwish

    Dear yo are really creative.. i am reading your article for first time butt its very informative and helpful for me. i want to get notified as you post any other blog.
    Thanks for sharing your experience.

    • Janice Wald

      I agree this was a creative topic for a blog post! Thanks for writing!
      Janice

  3. Camillekey

    This is so true! I experienced a lot of criticism before when i am just starting with my business and my blogs on social media. But when i learned to create a website i enjoyed posting and showing my clients what do they deserved. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

  4. Camillekey

    This is so true! I experienced a lot of criticism before when i am just starting with my business and my blogs on social media. But when i learned to create a website i enjoyed posting and showing my clients what do they deserved. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Camillekey,
      Did you receive criticism on your outfits in the photos on social media? Is that the advice you gave your clients– to dress to impress in their social media photos?
      Janice

  5. Angel

    Very Well Written and i agree your dress up really matters, and shows up your level and is very necessary to work officially on sites like linkedin

    • Janice Wald

      Hi Angel,
      I appreciate your comments. I am glad you enjoy the way I connected appropriate dress to appropriate dress in your LinkedIn profile picture.
      Thanks for writing.
      Janice

  6. this site

    Wow, i agree that you can never be overdressed or overeducated. This might sound easy to pull off, but when it comes to social media sites, things get very confusing.

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