Dress For Success A Successful TV Appearance; What To Wear On TV

How To Dress For A Television On Camera Interview

By Alacer Video Washington DC Video Production and
Andy Field Washington DC Media Coaching
©2004-2008

You would never create a product without designing an eye-catching package. Yet many executives and first time TV guests don’t give a second thought to what they’ll wear on television. Don’t you make that mistake.

So, how should you dress for TV? Whether it's a live interview on the six o’clock news, an employee training video or a on camera speech you’ll want to come across as someone reputable and reliable.

When you look good, the public will be more receptive to your message and see you as an authority on the message you deliver.
Wearing wild colors, distracting clothing or jewelry will just add confusion and take away from what you want to say. The bottom line – in TV as in life – first impressions count. If a person running for president was on TV discussing economic policy dressed in cut off jeans and a tie-dyed tee shirt – the viewer scratches his head and wonders – what’s wrong with this picture? You may only get one chance to make your point on television.

looking your best helps focus your message Here’s how to do that:
1. Think carefully about what you will wear. Some clothing will look good to the camera and some will distract. The worst on-camera offender - white clothes. You seen this yourself – The on camera interviewee sounds great – but their white shirt or jacket’s washed out in the lighting, the detail is gone, the brightness burns your retina! The reason? A camera doesn’t see light the way your eye does Too much bright to dark contrast and something’s got to give. So either the bright or dark color loses detail. In other words, just because it looks good to your eye does not mean it will look good to the camera. The contrast ratio problem also applies to dark clothing. Pure black and navy blue clothing will loose all detail and appear like a solid dark blob.

Also clothing with fine patterns will cause a moiré (a distracting wavy effect) pattern when seen on TV. Examples of some clothing that my cause this are, Herringbone patterns on a jacket or small check patterns. If in doubt bring several sets of clothing to the video shoot and consult with the director. The best types of clothes to wear are solid colors and pastels.

2. Now that you’ve got clothing nailed down, it’s time to think accessories. These little things you wear can distract from you or even ruin a shoot. Things to avoid include: Shinny jewelry (they could glare and reflect light distracting the viewer from you and your message), Watches that beep, pagers (even ones that are set on vibrate. because even if the viewers can’t hear it you will be distracted), eyeglasses (they can reflect light).

3. Colors: Ever wonder why Presidential Candidates always stand in front of a royal blue curtain background? No it’s not because they had a sale on blue fabric. That color happens to be the most flattering to most skin tones – It literally makes you “pop” out of the background. It’s also a good color to wear close to your skin. A royal blue blouse or shirt will make you look terrific – consider wearing it when the local or national TV news asks for a comment.

Quick Checklist

 -No white or dark clothing
-Several set of clothes so the director has a choice
-No beeping watches
-Pager and cell phone turned off
-Take a comb, makeup, and mirror
-Eyeglasses, if must wear get glare free type or frames with no lenses
-Don’t forget to get a good night sleep before the shoot

Pay attention to the last point in the checklist as well as the clothing tips. Part of looking great is felling great. Don’t try to squeeze in that size too small suit – if it’s uncomfortable – you’ll be too. A good night’s sleep will work wonders for your appearance.

Remember when dressing for TV the camera “sees” things differently than the human eye. Keep it simple, solid colors, pastels, no fine patterns or distracting jewelry.

Also don’t forget if you have any questions call the director or your contact person before the day of the video shoot. They will appreciate it and together you can look your best.

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