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2018 Update: We still stand by this advice for what to wear for a presentation or TV appearance — but you may also want to check out our most recent discussion on what to wear for public speaking. What should you wear when you’re the star of a corporate presentation, or making a TV appearance for something job-related? This can be a bit different than what to wear for a conference or for interview attire, to say the least, and while we’ve talked about HD makeup for video interviews, we’ve never answered this specific question. So I’ve brought back Sally McGraw, the blogger extraordinaire behind Already Pretty, who does regular TV appearances — she’s guest posted before for us on power dressing for yourself, as well as letting us excerpt her book, Already Pretty: Learning to Love Your Body by Learning to Dress it Well. Welcome back, Sal! – Kat. I’m a ham. Happy to admit it. I landed my first lead role in a play at the ripe old age of 10 and have been performing onstage ever since. I may have shifted from drama to music and now to television appearances and lectures, but it’s all performance-related and even after all these years I still get a little jittery every time I walk onstage. So I know from personal experience how important it is to nail my look before the audience begins to applaud or the camera turns my way. I want to be totally focused on my message and avoid fidgeting and fussing with my outfit at all costs. And, of course, I want to look my best. Here are some guidelines to help you look your best before an audience: Back to Top
S3K
Here’s a very important tip: do not wear any green or blue if there will be any greenscreen or bluescreen composition effects (such as a virtual set) applied to the video.
If you wear green in front of a greenscreen, you’ll literally blend into the background.
Susannah
Likewise if you’re giving a talk in a dark auditorium, don’t wear a solid black top. Your torso will blend into the darkness and your head will appear to be floating.
S in Chicago
Remove everything from your pockets. I’m more often on the end of taking photos rather than video, but it’s shocking how often this simple tip is overlooked.
Ellen
I would LOVE to be on TV. I think I would like to get some exposure for my legal carreer, and if I was able to get on to TV, I could advertise the firm. The manageing partner said he is thinking of making a TV ad and if he doe’s, he want’s me to be the lead speaker. YAY!!!
Moonstone
Thanks for this post. Very practical. I am bookmarking it.
Susannah
For big audiences or on-camera appearances, be prepared to wear a wireless microphone. This affects your outfit in several ways:
(1) choose a neckline or lapel that you can clip the mike onto. You don’t want to wear something so light that the weight of the mike causes a wardrobe malfunction (or just messing up the lines of your outfit).
(2) choose clothes with a belt or waistband that you can clip the battery/transmitter pack onto. Again, consider the weight. You don’t want it pulling your skirt/pants down. Or, wear something with a pocket you can tuck the pack into (again, without the weight causing problems).
(3) choose necklaces, brooches, scarves, etc. that won’t snag on the mike.
(4) don’t wear any accessories that jingle or clatter, because the noise will be picked up and amplified.
Andromeda
You beat me to it! :) And I’d add “ask in advance what the a/v situation will be, because lavalier vs podium mic may affect your wardrobe choices”.
Lily-Student
If you’re making a TV appearance with male colleagues, remind them that they may be asked to have make-up applied! Watching my uni friend who plays American Football (big, northern, very muscular) being powdered before we went on University Challenge (A bit like College Bowl, I think – inter-university televised quiz show) was a funny experience…
Jamie
I don’t think that Sally McGraw is an expert on any appropriate attire. I’ve seen her outfits online, and they’re dated and unprofessional. She certainly isn’t Stacy London, who always looks classy and sophisticated. I think that Sally needs a few lessons on “What Not To Wear” on TV.
Tiffany
Has this blogger actually watched her own segments? I think media coaching would help her a great deal. She bobs her head, twitches her shoulders and has a number of nervous mannerisms. Her outfits are sometimes quite odd.
Jamie
I adamantly agree, and that was part of my point. I’ve also watched her TV segments, and she comes across as unconfident and slightly strange. In addition to her “odd outfits,” she doesn’t appear as a credible stylist. I’m an East Coast attorney, and I’d never follow any of her advice. If I did, I’d lose potential clients and perhaps, even my position.
Lizbeth
I’ve seen her segments before, and I think the female anchor who she does the segments with is almost always dressed much better. I’d rather see her version of this article!
Jamie
That’s an excellent idea. I’ve noticed that the anchor tries not to wince, whenever Sally makes a stupid statement. I recently wrote to the station, and suggested that they hire another local stylist. I’d even volunteer my grandmother. Although she’s in her eighties, her sense of style is much more sophisticated than Sally’s.
Chrissy
I have no idea how Sally is an expert in fashion/clothing/dress but most of her outfits have issues with either fit or proportion and this makes me question any advice she gives out.
Jamie
Exactly, Chrissy. Apparently, she’s only a self-purported “expert.” Frankly, I think that most of her readers are women who are clueless about personal appearance. They don’t even know the difference between couture clothing and mass-marketed merchandise for retail. So they’ll believe anyone who projects authority. Sally McGraw is like the style version of “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” There are those of us with discernment, however, who aren’t afraid to state: “She’s wearing odd outfits.”
layered bob
Ohh I know this post is a few days old, but – Kat, please do not let Sally guest post here any more. Her areas of expertise really do not match with what your readers are looking for, and she is especially unqualified to speak on this topic. I’m glad Sally is clear on her own style, but it’s a specific taste that doesn’t translate well for most of us.
Jamie
I agree, layered bob. Sally’s posts aren’t helpful at all, nor does she have any real “expertise.” I actually believe her advice has an adverse effect. With due respect to Kat, I don’t understand why Sally is invited to write here. She has a very unprofessional presentation, and her outfits are outlandish. Her wardrobe is also dowdy and dated. If I showed up in court wearing one of her wacky ensembles, I’d lose my client’s confidence and likely, their case.