Wardrobe Tips: How to Dress on Production Day

Suggestions on how to look your best on camera

1. Don't wear clothing with tight patterns or logos
   Checks, hounds-tooth, or pinstripes cause an optical illusion that can be distracting on video.
2. Busy is bad
   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 white, bright orange, or bright reds. These colors can cause problems on video.
4. For dress shirts, avoid bright white if possible
   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. 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 and Hair
   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.
8. If you'll be wearing a tie, simple is best
   Bring several options. Avoid complex patterns, thin lines, or bright reds and oranges.
9. If you will be wearing a microphone
   Be aware that a lavaliere or lapel microphone will be attached to your clothing. Our mics attach the easiest to collars, suits, and ties. Avoid turtle-necks and low-cut clothing. Keep this in mind when choosing your outfit.
10. To dress for a slimming effect, remember:
    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.
    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—as are clothes that are well tailored rather than too loose or too tight.