Going on camera and not sure what to wear? Wear an outfit that reflects your position or part in the video. If you’re the CEO, you’ll probably want to wear a suit or something that indicates you are more powerful and successful. If you are an actor, make sure to “dress the part.” If you’re not sure what to wear, bring several outfits and show them to the photographer for help choosing the best outfit.
Take a look at my tips for looking your best on camera:
1. STICK TO SOLID COLORS!
Ruby red, teal and sapphire blue are highly saturated colors, so they don’t appear too bright or too muted against most backgrounds, and they look great with almost all skin tones.
2. DON’T WEAR CLOTHING WITH PATTERNS
Don’t wear clothing with medium to large patterns. Checks, houndstooth or pin stripes cause an optical illusion that looks bad on video. Solid colors are your best bet.
Don’t wear clothing with bold patterns or geometric shapes. The audience will watch your clothes instead of you.
3. COLORS TO AVOID
Avoid wearing bright white, bright orange or bright reds. NO shades of green IF you are doing a green screen shoot. These colors can cause problems on video. If there will be a colored background check with the producer to avoid wearing the same color as the backdrop.
4. DRESS SHIRTS
Again, avoid bright white! Solid-color shirts are best: blue, beige, off-white, etc. If you wear a bright white shirt or blouse, make sure to wear a darker jacket over it.
5. JEWELRY
Watch out for jewelry that reflects light or makes noise, like bangles. Also, don’t get nervous and play with the jewelry or tap your ring on a table. The microphone will pick up this noise.
6. EYEGLASSES
Wear them if you need them to see or if that is how people will recognize you. If your lenses are very shiny, the crew may adjust their position to avoid unwanted reflections.
7. MAKEUP
Wear makeup to cover up blemishes and reduce perspiration. You may want to bring a handkerchief or tissues to dab perspiration during breaks. Women should avoid vivid red lipstick or lip gloss; stick to softer tones and dab lips with a little powder. If it is a high profile shoot, you may want to request a makeup artist and hairstylist be on set. The extra expense is worth it when looking perfect is key.
8. TIES
If you’re planning to wear a tie, bring several options. Avoid complex patterns, thin lines, or bright reds and oranges.
9. DRESS TO LOOK SLIMMER
1. Darker colors are slimming; light colors are not.
2. Solid colors are slimming; bold patterns are not.
3. A single color from head to toe (i.e. a suit) is slimming.
4. Vertical lines are slimming; horizontal lines are not. This can apply to pleats as well as prints.
5. The v-neck shape is slimming. This is achieved by the cut of a sport coat, or the v-neck opening in a shirt or sweater. Make sure that if you wear a v-neck, cleavage is not showing.
6. Single-breasted jackets are more slimming than double-breasted.
7. If you’ll be standing for a full-length shot, high heels are slimming, especially nude tones.
8. Always wear clothes that are well tailored rather than too loose or too tight.
(For more in-depth tips on looking slimmer, check out my blog post!)
