What to Wear on Television

Television is one of the most popular mediums for advertising, but it’s also one of the most difficult to navigate. If you’re planning on making a television appearance as part of your company’s marketing strategy, it’s important to know what to wear. It’s also important to know how to dress for the camera, because how you look will impact how people perceive your brand. This article will give you a few tips on what to wear when making a television appearance and how it can affect your brand.

What to Wear on Television

If you’ve ever been on television, you know that there’s a lot of pressure to look good. The lights are bright, and the cameras are right up in your face. This can be especially daunting if you’re not used to being in front of the camera (or, let’s be real—if you’re just not a fan of the way your skin looks on TV).

But don’t worry! We’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll go over some tips for what to wear on television so that you can feel confident, comfortable, and relaxed even when everyone is watching.

When you’re set to appear on TV, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.

First, the outfit you choose should be comfortable and appropriate for your style. Make sure it fits well and isn’t too tight or loose. You don’t want to look like you’re drowning in your clothes or have them hanging off your body in an unflattering way.

Second, make sure that your clothing isn’t distracting or confusing viewers. This means avoiding busy patterns, loud colors, and bold prints—not only because they’re distracting but also because they could be interpreted as a sign of aggression or hostility by some viewers (especially when paired with certain body language). If possible, stick with neutral tones that don’t draw attention away from what you have to say—like navy blue or black dress pants with a white polo shirt or button-down blouse.

Finally, remember that this is not just about what people see on camera—it’s also about how you are perceived by those behind-the-scenes (such as producers/directors). This means being mindful of how much skin shows through clothing (and whether it’s appropriate for the situation), whether hair is messy/unkempt-looking (and

We’ve all been there: you’re getting ready to go on television, and you don’t know what to wear.

It can be tough to keep up with the latest trends and know what looks professional enough for a news anchor or sitcom star, but not so formal that you feel like you can’t relax. And then there are all those other things to think about—what happens if it gets windy? Or if it rains? Or if your dog eats your outfit?

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! We’ve compiled some tips for what to wear depending on whether you’re going on television, hosting an event, or just looking good for the cameras.

Clothes and Colors to AvoidDon’t wear all black or all white. Even though black is slimming, neutral tones like gray or light pastels like lilac or blue are good options. The camera will boost contrast. White is a bad choice because it can be too visually overwhelming and “blind” the viewer.

What To Wear for Photo, TV and Video Appearances
Female talk show host talking to her celebrity guest

If you’re going to be interviewed on television, once you’ve gotten past the butterflies in your stomach, it’s important to think about what you’re going to wear. While the camera may not add 10 pounds, as the adage goes, an outfit that looks flattering in person may not translate well on television. Despite what your instinct might tell you, don’t plan to dress the same way you would for a dress for a business meeting or a conference. Here are a few tips to make sure your television appearance gets you noticed, and in a good way.

Do a Little Research About the Show
If you know what show you’re going to be on and time permits, watch the show to see how the hosts and other guests are dressed. You don’t want to show up for a panel discussion on business issues dressed in a ball gown or a tuxedo. Will you be standing, behind a desk, or seated in a chair? Will you be outside? Learn the specifics before you arrive at the television studio.

Clothes and Colors to Avoid
Avoid wearing stripes or other patterns on air, if at all possible. Striped clothing may create a weird optical effect called a moire pattern, where competing patterns compete with each other for visual dominance.

Don’t wear all black or all white. Even though black is slimming, neutral tones like gray or light pastels like lilac or blue are good options. The camera will boost contrast. White is a bad choice because it can be too visually overwhelming and “blind” the viewer.

One color you should stay away from for a television appearance is green. Many special effects, such as weather and traffic maps, are projected on what’s called a green screen. If you’re wearing green and these effects are being used, you’ll blend into the background. Don’t wear flashy or dangly jewelry, and if you wear contacts or glasses, stick with contacts if you can. Sometimes glasses can reflect the glare from television studio lights.

How to Choose Your On-Camera Outfit
Make sure your clothes are comfortable. Don’t pick a suit you hate to wear because you think it looks great. If you’re uncomfortable, it’ll show on your face and in your body language. Wear knee-length socks if you’re wearing pants. If you don’t, some skin might show when you cross your legs. Apply this same principle to skirts: If it’s too short, it may appear awkward on camera, especially if you’re seated.

Since high-definition televisions are the norm, you’ll want to wear makeup to hide undereye circles or flaws in your complexion. But try to find that happy medium; you don’t want to slather on too much makeup and look like you’re headed for the circus. As with your clothing, stick to neutral, muted shades for eye and lip makeup.

What to Bring to the Television Studio
Bring a couple of different sets of clothes, if possible, or at least a different suit jacket or sweater. It’s a little awkward to show up at the studio wearing the same outfit as the on-air host. Having a backup outfit available is great.

While you don’t want to fuss with hair and makeup too much, it’s not a bad idea to bring a comb or brush for a quick touch-up. And you might want to bring a handkerchief or some tissues. The lights are hot, and chances are good you may sweat a little, especially if you’re nervous.

Bring a bag, or a trusted person, to hold your wallet, cell phone, and car keys. You don’t want anything in your pockets that might create a bulge, or be uncomfortable when you sit down (or worse, a phone that rings in the middle of a shoot).

How to Behave on Camera
It’s OK to be nervous, but try to keep your cool and act naturally. Two common mistakes people make on television are smiling the entire time or freezing up. Remember why you’re there and what you’re planning to say. Take a few deep breaths before the camera starts rolling to help you focus. Use smaller gestures, and ideally, avoid waving your hands or gesticulating at all. If you have to, keep your hands folded tightly in your lap. Assume you’ll be in close-up the whole time because you usually will. And try to avoid touching your face because it looks odd on camera. If time permits, do a practice run the day before and try to eliminate any “ums” and “uhs” from your planned remarks.

As part of your preparation, put on the outfit you plan to wear and have a friend film you while asking questions. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate; a smartphone video will do just fine.

The goal is to let you see how you appear on camera and help you notice things like facial expressions or other features. Some behaviors you’ll want to enhance; others you’ll probably want to tone down.

5 Ways to Dress Up a T-Shirt for Day Looks

  • Throw on a blazer. If you can wear a T-shirt to work, dress it up by putting a blazer over it. …
  • Pair with a skirt. …
  • Wear a button-down over your T-shirt. …
  • Tuck into your shorts. …
  • Play with colors and patterns.

5 Ways to Dress Up a T-Shirt for Day Looks

T-shirt outfits can work well with business casual attire for the office or for hanging out with friends during the day:

Throw on a blazer. If you can wear a T-shirt to work, dress it up by putting a blazer over it. Tuck the shirt into your khakis or chinos, and pair with a nice pair of shoes that are workplace-appropriate.

Pair with a skirt. A T-shirt can bring a comfy but elegant look to your outfit when paired with a midi skirt or pencil skirt. Complete your outfit with flats, wedges, or ankle boots.

Wear a button-down over your T-shirt. For a smart casual look when hanging out with friends or going shopping, tuck a white T-shirt into your jeans and wear a button-down over it.

Tuck into your shorts. For the warmer months, shorts and a tee make for a sensible summer outfit. To upgrade your outfit, tuck the shirt into your shorts using a full or half tuck, exposing your belt, which can act as a fashion piece.

Play with colors and patterns. A plain white tee is an excellent addition to a denim-heavy outfit, such as jeans and a denim jacket. You can create contrast by wearing beige khakis with a colorful T-shirt.
3 Ways to Dress Up a T-Shirt for Evening Looks
A T-shirt will work in many settings in a fashion-forward way for more casual nights out. Consider the following outfit ideas:

Tuck a tee into high-waisted pants. Wear a high-waisted skirt, pair of jeans, or wide-legged pants, and tuck your tee in for a trendier look. Here, you can make the T-shirt the focal point, playing with fun patterns or colors. Baggier T-shirts work better with these outfits so the fabric billows out over the beltline.

Play with a French tuck. A French tuck, or half tuck, is where you tuck in the front part of your shirt into your pants but leave the sides and back hanging out and loose. This trendy, club-ready look can dress up your nightwear with skinny jeans, chinos, or even shorts.

Wear a matching mini skirt and blazer. A matching blazer and skirt set can make for a flashy outfit. If those articles are colorful or patterned, a plain, solid-colored T-shirt underneath can bring the outfit together and create an ensemble for a night out at a cocktail bar or restaurant.

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