What to Wear on Camera

When it comes time to film your first video, or, if you're lucky enough to be interviewed on television, what you wear on camera is vitally important.  As I always say, "Your image is your brand!  This is your opportunity to connect with your audience and let them know who you really are. Color demands our attention, so pay special attention to the colors you wear on camera.

Wearing the right colors on camera will make your:

• Skin look radiant
• Eyes sparkle
• Body look fit and "put-together"
• Image look younger and more energetic

How do you know what colors look best on camera?

Here are some Do's and Don'ts:

DO's:

• Think about what colors look best on you off-camera.  What colors bring you the most compliments?  Is your skin tone warm or cool?  If you'd like help determining your best colors, I offer personal color and style consultations.  Click here.
• Wear colors that connect with your audience.  You don't want to appear harsh and stand-offish.  You want your skin and eyes to appear warm and inviting. 
• As you age, you might not be able to wear the bright colors you wore in your twenties.  Wear softer, more muted colors such as blue-gray, lavender, soft green, or rose.
• Wear solid colored fabrics, as fine patterns create a "Moire Effect" where the pattern appears to be moving on camera.  
• Bring three or four outfits to the studio.  Test the outfits on camera if time permits.
• Wear beautiful colors such as shades of green, lavendar, blue, royal blue, rose, and violet. 
• Wear a color that matches your eye color, and watch your eyes sparkle!  Pay attention to how your skin tone looks in a particular color.
• Pay attention to how your clothes look when you're sitting down.  Make sure it doesn't bunch up around your stomach area.  Does the garment pull?  Do the fabrics look rich?  
• Wear a scarf around your neck or a beautiful necklace to add color and sparkle around your face.

  
DON'Ts:

• Black is a dramatic color, yes, but it's also a harsh color.  If you want to appear warm and friendly, black is not the best choice.  It can make you look tired and older, as it draws in all the light.  It's better to wear a color that reflects light onto your face.
• White competes with your face for light balancing, so your skin may end up looking ghost-like or ashy.  
• Hot colors, such as bright red, hot pink, bright orange and yellow, can create a glowing effect, as the camera sensors have a problem reading them.  They may even make you look bigger than you want to!  Who wants that?  
• Fine patterns in clothing appear to be moving on camera.  Stick with solid colors.