In the realm of video marketing, personalising your message by placing yourself or a company spokesperson in front of the camera often proves to be the most impactful strategy. This approach could be deployed for an awe-inspiring brand video, where you or your CEO articulate your company’s vision directly to the audience in a dynamic and motivational commercial. Alternatively, it could be for an informal FAQ video, where you engage in an enlightening dialogue with your customers from behind a desk on your company’s social platforms.
Either way, before you steel yourself for your grand on-screen debut, one lingering question will undoubtedly crop up: What should I wear?
Contrary to what you might believe, your sartorial choices for a professional video shoot are of immense significance, even if you are not a prominent celebrity or a noted style icon. Even for modestly-scaled productions, there are certain guidelines to abide by when deciphering the perfect ensemble for your video shoot.
To assist you in this endeavour, we present you with a curated selection of video fashion commandments and faux pas to bear in mind as you gear up for your big moment!
Dressing Right for Your Professional Video Shoot
1. Do opt for comfort
As you read from a script or respond to an interview in front of the camera, it is imperative that you radiate confidence and feel poised enough to deliver a stellar performance. Just as you would on any other day, choose an outfit that enhances your self-assurance. The positivity and energy that you project in your video will be much more spontaneous and genuine if you are comfortable in your attire.
However, this doesn’t imply that you should saunter onto the set in jogging bottoms (unless, of course, that aligns with your line of business!). Aim for relaxed sophistication. If your outfit is restrictive, your attention will be diverted towards adjusting minor issues throughout the shoot. Remember, confidence is the key ingredient here!
2. Do opt for cool clothing
Do opt for cool clothing
By cool, we don’t refer to the latest trends or celebrity fashions. We mean temperature cool. Choose clothing that facilitates heat escape. Professional production sets are often swathed in the heat of potent lights. With the advent of LED lights on set, your filming space could quickly transform into a furnace. The last thing you need is for sweat to seep through your outfit or for your makeup to melt away.
As previously stated, comfort and confidence on set are paramount, both of which can be compromised by an uncomfortably warm environment.
3. Do choose attire that aligns with your brand
Do choose attire that aligns with your brand
Brand alignment plays a crucial role in creating and maintaining your company’s image. If you’re filming a professional interview, a pitch video, or any kind of inspiring commercial, it is crucial to visually embody your brand. Ensure that your outfit resonates with the theme of the video. You wouldn’t don a formal suit for an interview at an amusement park, nor would you appear in casual attire for an interview with the mayor.
If you’re conducting a studio interview, traditional broadcast attire such as shirts, ties, skirts, dresses, or pantsuits would be appropriate, unless your profession dictates otherwise. When in doubt, opt for a slightly elevated version of your typical office ensemble.
4. Do try on your outfit prior to the shoot
Imagine the frustration of purchasing a new outfit only to find that it doesn’t fit as envisioned. Clothes can sometimes appear stunning in front of a mirror, but fail to accommodate our active lifestyle. Skirts may be too snug to walk comfortably in, jackets may limit arm mobility, and shoes may seem suitable for anything but walking.
Avoid such wardrobe mishaps by trying on your attire well in advance of the video shoot. Enhance this strategy by conducting a full dress rehearsal. If you’ll be seated in your video, verify that your clothing is sufficiently loose to sit comfortably. Test any
movements you might need to make on camera to ensure your outfit permits the required motion during the interview.
5. Do have a backup outfit on standby
The safest wardrobe strategy for your on-set wardrobe is to have a spare outfit – or several – in case any issues arise with your first choice. Whether the colours clash with the prepped background or you wish to experiment with different looks during multiple takes, it’s always beneficial to have alternatives. Just ensure that you transport your spare options with care to prevent them from wrinkling before you need them.
6. Don’t opt for excessively bright or warm colours
The rules of cinematography dictate that the colours you wear on camera are important. Intense reds, for instance, have a tendency to bleed and could tint nearby objects, including your face, with a reddish hue.
Contrarily, cooler colours such as teal, purple, or coral will enhance the screen’s vibrancy without affecting your appearance.
With regard to patterns, most are troublesome. Large patterns can detract attention from the speaker, whereas smaller patterns can create a visual buzzing effect, as they seem to flutter on screen. This is particularly true for plaids, zig-zags, and thin stripes. Medium-sized patterns are generally the safest bet for video shoots, but as a rule of thumb, aim for a neutral aesthetic.
And remember, refrain from wearing green in front of a green screen, unless you are aspiring for a disembodied ‘floating head’ appearance.
7. Don’t wear colours that clash with your complexion
If you have a pale complexion, steer clear of pure white clothing. White garments can result in a glow effect after the camera operator adjusts the video’s white balance (exposure). Instead, choose a colour that flatters your skin tone, such as a pastel blue, teal, or cobalt.
As a general guideline, avoid wearing colours that closely resemble your skin tone. This can lead to a washed-out effect, obscuring your facial and bodily features, or create an optical illusion of nudity. Even though it is blatantly obvious that you are not, the human subconscious is remarkably good at jumping to conclusions, so it’s safer to dodge such scenarios.
Also, refrain from wearing entirely black outfits. This has less to do with your skin tone, and more with the post-production colour correction process. When the colours are adjusted to your face, your black outfit can appear overly dark, obscuring the details of your attire and reducing your body to an undefined mass.
8. Don’t make any drastic changes the night before
As you would before professional headshots or a wedding, avoid drastic alterations to your appearance on the eve of your on-camera appearance. The video you’re shooting will likely have a long digital shelf-life, so choose a look that you won’t regret in hindsight. This advice also applies to your non-wardrobe appearance – refrain from last-minute haircuts or experimental makeup styles when you’re scheduled to be on camera.
9. Don’t forget to enjoy the experience
Whether you’re filming with external professionals or an in-house video team, there comes a point when you need to inhale deeply, relax, and trust in the expertise of the people behind the camera. After all, ensuring you look your best is their job.
Instead, embrace the experience and inject a dose of fun into it! Let your personality shine through, both in your performance and your outfit choice. If you select attire that makes you feel comfortable and confident, regardless of the circumstances, you’re bound to look fantastic!
