Looking the Part: What to Wear on TV

Katie Bird

So you’re going to be on TV—that’s no small accomplishment. Whether you’re a seasoned TV guest or a first-timer, you may feel pressured about articulating your messages clearly and making it through the segment without making any mistakes. While sounding the part is important, looking the part is equally imperative.

Wearing the right ensemble will not only boost your confidence, but it will make a favorable impression on your audience. You may think that herringbone tie looks snazzy in the mirror, but it will appear distorted and create visual distractions for viewers. We’ve taken the guesswork out for you and created a list of wardrobe dos and don’ts:

DO

·         Check with producers about what color background they use. In this instance, you do NOT want to dress to match.

·         Stick to solid colors or large patterns—safe bets are always royal blue, grey, green, purple or pastels.

·         Avoid stripes.

·         Let the makeup folks touch up your face—this well help prevent shine and uneven skin tone (this goes for both women AND men). You will look better under the lights.

·         Wear appropriate accessories.

·         Ensure your socks are tall enough—in case you are seated, you don’t want your skin to show when crossing your legs.

·         Keep your jacket buttoned or slightly open.

 

DON’T

·         Wear black or white. Black may be slimming in reality, but it tends to make you appear heavier on camera since it’s hard to distinguish a distinct form. White shirts may appear too bright under the studio lights.

·         Wear bright red, as it can bleed on-camera. Ladies, this includes your lips. On this note, matte lipsticks are better than glosses.

·         Choose tiny prints, like houndstooth, herringbone or small plaid.

·         Accessorize with noisy or jangly jewelry.

·         Fuss with your hair—use hairspray or clips if necessary.

·         Opt for a low-cut shirt or one that could be unflattering from certain angles.
 



When choosing what to wear, ask yourself, “Will this look distracting on camera?” The last thing you want is for your wardrobe to detract from your messages. Not everyone has a High Definition television, so pick something that will work for all mediums. Most importantly, choose an outfit in which you feel comfortable and confident—this may not be the best time to debut a new look. Also, a helpful hint is to be sure a microphone can easily be clipped to your shirt or jacket. You may also want to check if you will be standing or sitting during your appearance, as that may help determine what you wear.

 

This isn’t Project Runway, so don’t overdo it. A sharp yet simple ensemble will enhance your credibility and make you look as smart as you sound.

 

by Katie Bird