What to Wear For Television and Video Interviews

According to professional stylists, what you wear in a video or television appearance -- for example, for an interview -- can not only make what you say more believable to your audience, but can also help the camera do its job to create a well-focused video. For this reason, it's quite important to give serious consideration to what you wear.

Tip #1: Invest in Two-Three Video Outfits

Find two new, flattering outfits to keep in your closet for your next online video appearance. From now on, whenever you shop, it would be a great idea for you to keep your eye open for clothing on sale that would look good in photographs or video, keeping these considerations in mind.

What to Wear For Television and Video Interviews

Wear new clothes to look your best. On video or television, you will look best in clothes that are new or almost new. This is because clothes that have been frequently washed or dry cleaned do not look as well as new clothes. Resist the urge to wear your video clothes on other occasions. If you don't have the budget or inclination to reserve an entire outfit, or even a blouse or two, for your video appearances, then just wear the clothes you have that are in best condition.

The confidence that you project when you look great will also have an impact!

Tip #2: Wear New Shoes (or Shoes in Excellent Condition)

While today's video does focus on tight shots, you never know if your full body, including your a view of your shoes, will make it in the final version. To be on the safe side, wear shoes in new or excellent condition. Don't wear your video shoes on the street; keep your video shoes in a shoe bag, and bring them with you to video shoots. The bottom of your shoe may show in a video.

Ladies, closed-toe shoes will look best, as will a shoe with some heel. Well-worn women's shoes have a tendency to curl at the toes. If you can, resist wearing your video-reserved pair except on camera.

Men, if you wear a worn pair of shoes, have your shoes shined, and check the soles (and don't cross your legs and show the bottom of your sole if the soles look worn). Be sure to wear socks that cover your entire calf; knee-length socks are safest.

Tip #3: Wear Clothes That Fit Well

Wear clothes that fit your body. A little too snug is better than baggy, because the camera adds ten pounds and shapeless apparel will make you look heavier and also less polished on camera.

Tip #4: Wear All-Season Clothing

Online video is aired and viewed year-round. Even if you appear on television, it is likely a clip will be placed online for viewing. So, wear something that would look well in all seasons. It would look odd to your audience to see you in a light, sleeveless top if they happen to view your video in December, and viewers will stop watching your video if you wear a heavy cabled sweater and they view your video in the summer.

Tip 5: Adapt a Simple Style for Video

Your best bet is to wear tailored, classic clothes. If that look is not your style, and you prefer a high-fashion or casual look, select clothing that is simple and devoid of pattern to help the camera do its best focusing job.

Men look best in a suit or jacket. But if it's not your style, or you prefer a more casual look, you can also wear a solid colored polo top.

Women, consider wearing pants with a longish hem. In general, they look better on camera than skirts and dresses, especially if you are sitting for an interview. For a more casual or high-fashion look, dark wash jeans are fine. Just be sure your jeans are new and pressed, and consider dressing them up with heels. Do not wear capris or gauchos, and, of course, shorts are out of the question.

If you prefer to wear a skirt or dress, there are special considerations. First, make sure the hemline is well-below the knee. Secondly, about hosiery on film: sometimes it does not look well. You may want to wear flesh colored fishnets instead of hose. Some people can even go bare if they have nice, well-moisturized legs that with sunless tanning or a non-sparkling bronzer. Another option is to wear nice boots that reach the knee.

Tip 6: Wear Microphone-Friendly Clothing

If you are being interviewed, you may wear a lavaliere microphone on your lapel. Therefore, it would be helpful if you would wear a shirt or blouse with a collar or lapel, instead of a turtleneck, for example.. If you prefer to wear another style top, you could also wear a jacket or cardigan onto which you could clip the mic.

Tip 7: Wear Simple Accessories

Avoid wearing dangling earrings, bracelets, and necklaces that may rustle or make noise that could be picked up by sensitive microphones. In general, men and women should remove watches (because the crystal can reflect off of the lights) and wear only one ring per hand. Women may wear one small necklace, and small earrings that are not too shiny. Think matte finishes. Avoid diamond studs or rhinestones. A small pin is fine. Avoid wearing scarves or ties with large scale or intricate patterns.

Tip 8: Avoid Wearing Certain Colors

To help the camera focus properly, avoid sharp contrasts, and opt for solid colored tops and jackets in light to medium shades. If you are dark skinned, don't wear a light colored top. If you are fair skinned, don't wear a dark colored top. It makes it difficult for the camera to operate properly if you do. Also, pay attention to your background. If your background is deeply colored and you are wearing a light colored shirt, the camera may focus on the background instead of you.
Do not wear red, magenta, or fuchsia, which may cause the camera film to flare. Avoid wearing black, dark brown, and dark blue tops, which can interfere with how the camera focuses on nearby shades (generally, you can wear black pants or a skirt, however). Men, do not wear black suits or jackets. Ladies, no black blazers. Men (and ladies), do not wear white shirts (pick blue or pastel instead); it flares. The same applies to any props you may have. Do not use white flip charts, for example. You may need to avoid green (if they are using a green screen; you can check). Light green may be okay.Tip 9: Select the Right Colors

These colors look well for television and video appearances.

Pastels and Medium Tones
Blue, including royal blue Tan Purple, Lavender Gray Wine or Burgundy (works well for ties) Navy (men's suit or jacket -- not too dark)Tip #10: Avoid These Patterns and Fabrics in Clothing for Online Video

The reason why solid colors look best is because certain patterns may cause the camera to blur or produce a moire effect. Reflective fabrics also do not look well in video. Also, do not wear anything with a logo or brand name on it.
Plaid Houndstooth or checks Fine or intricate patterns, e.g. paisley Tweed Polka Dots Stripes (even thin striped dress shirts or pinstripes) Metallics or sparkly fabrics Sequins and rhinestones Any shiny fabric, such as satin or charmeuse Linen (it wrinkles)Tip #11: Bring An Extra Outfit or Two To Your Video Shoot

Ask in advance if you can change at the location, or if you should wear your outfit to the video location or television station. Have at least one change of clothing, even if it is just a different top. If you are appearing on camera with another woman, such as a reporter or host, make sure you find out what she is going to wear, and bring another outfit just in case you are wearing the same color. If you both wear lavender jackets, it will appear oddly on television or on a video!

What to Wear For Television and Video Interviews
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Mary Fletcher Jones is the owner of Fletcher Prince http://www.fletcherprince.com, a Washington, DC area communications firm that specializes in creative and affordable marketing solutions for small business owners and nonprofit organizations. Visit the Fletcher Prince YouTube Channel http://www.YouTube.com/user/FletcherPrince to view videos on how to use social media for your business or nonprofit.