Here are some suggestions for looking your best on camera

Wear an outfit that reflects your position or part in the video. If you’re the CEO, you’ll probably want to wear a suit. If you work in a factory and you’re being videotaped there, you should wear your normal safety gear. If you are an actor, make sure to “dress the part.” If you’re not sure what to wear, bring several outfits and show them to the producer for help choosing the best outfit.

1. Don’t wear clothing with tight patterns

Checks, hounds-tooth or pin stripes cause an optical illusion that looks bad on video. Solid colors are your best bet.

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 bright white, bright orange or bright reds. NO shades of green IF you are doing a green screen shoot. These colors can cause problems on video. If there will be a colored background check with the producer to avoid wearing the same color as the backdrop.

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, like bangles. 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. If it is a high profile shoot, you may want to request a makeup artist and hairstylist be on set. The extra expense is worth it when looking perfect is key.

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. To dress for a slimming effect, remember:

   • Darker colors are slimming; light colors are not.

   • Solid colors are slimming; bold patterns are not.

   • A single color from head to toe (i.e. a suit) is slimming.

   • Vertical lines are slimming; horizontal lines are not. This can apply to pleats as well as prints.

   • The v-neck shape is slimming. This is achieved by the cut of a sportcoat, or the v-neck opening in a shirt or sweater.

   • Single-breasted jackets are more slimming than double-breasted.

   • 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.

As a bonus resource, take a look at this great blog post on the subject our friends at Wistia put together.

Still have questions? Contact us.