By Debbie Mitchell
One of the most popular questions I am asked regularly is..."What should I wear on television?" In an earlier guest post I touched on on-air grooming tips. Well this past weekend the Los Angeles Times featured a piece on the fashion style of Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly who discussed what she likes to wear on-air. As we enter the warmer season it is the perfect time for me to answer the above question again.
Always remember the anchor or talent will be well groomed. They have stylists, hair and makeup people who make sure they look picture perfect for the camera. Megyn Kelly who is blond with blue eyes says she prefers to wear black, white or navy colors and stays away from hot pink or bright reds. Kelly does not like too many accessories like, the trendy statement necklace, on-air since it can be distracting.
A talent should never be distracting, all eyes and ears should be on the story. As a television guest the dress code rules are slightly different. I always tell my guests to dress up and think about the fact that millions of people will see them for the first time in the minutes they are on camera. They should ask themselves what impression do they want to make for viewers.
In the Los Angeles Times article, Gwen Marder, Kelly's stylist of 12 years, says she prefers pops of bright and solid colors on talent.
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| Megyn Kelly, Fox News |
She says and I agree that "people react in such a visceral way to color. It's stimulating and pretty to look at on television." Well, this spring and summer fashion must-haves include lots of bold colors, floral and prints. I always tell guests wear bright colors but DO NOT wear stripes, loud prints or polka dots on camera. The patterns may scramble and appear too busy to a viewer's eyes.
Unless you have incredibly toned arms do not wear sleeveless. The camera does add extra pounds and your arms and everything else will look a little heavier. So if you need to hit the gym to prepare for the interview it is OK. The studio is usually cold, to accommodate the equipment, so have a jacket or sweater on hand. Add a belt it is also a good way to look slimmer and trimmer if you cannot get to the gym..
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| Robin Roberts, ABC News |
As for accessories a guest can keep them simple or wear a tasteful statement necklace. Don't wear an armful of bracelets, rings or dangling earrings. In this case less is more and you reduce the chance of interfering your accessories interfering with your microphone and audio.
The camera sees everything. Ladies, wear makeup that compliments your complexion. Makeup artist Travis Culberson's tips for on-air beauty includes applying an even foundation, using lots of mascara, and if you can adding lashes, along with a lip color that pops.
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| Matt Lauer, NBC News |
Men have it a lot easier. When it comes to hair and makeup they only require a little powder and minimum hair styling (unless it is a makeover show). I advise guys to wear a a nice clean, pressed shirt with a jacket and slacks. And finally, ladies and gentlemen DO NOT wear blue jeans, sneakers, flip flops or shorts to an interview unless it is specific to the segment. To be on the safe side always ask the producer before you arrive to the studio what is the most suitable attire. For more on on-air grooming check out the related post below.
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How many times do we look at people on TV and sa "what was she/he thinking?" when it comes to styling. Great tips here Deb and thanks for the link love.
ReplyDeleteAnd I always try to think about this, "Where are they going to clip the microphone?"
ReplyDeleteTurtle necks look nice on camera but the sound tech will take one look and think, "Oh great!" They have to clip on the mike in front somehow or clip on the neck and wind the mike cord under the turtle neck fold over....you get the picture. Also it's hard to mike a sheath dress b/c the mic's batter pack has to clip on somewhere and it might have to be your bra under the dress. Jackets, blouse and skirt or pants are a good idea.
You might be nervous enough without creating a 'problem solving' moment for the sound techs. (":