Five tips to choose what to wear on TV

You’ve landed a TV interview and now you’re panicking. What on earth should you wear?

Don’t fear. In this article, you’ll learn my top five tips to choose what to wear on TV.

Choosing what to wear for TV used to be part of my every day. As a TV news reporter, I had a crash course in what works and what doesn’t. Some choices I made were winners, while others were clear losers. (Viewers don’t hesitate to voice their opinions!)

The best outfits for TV aid in – not distract from – your interview. Take my advice and use these tips when choosing an outfit for TV:

1. Visually communicate your authority. If you are a physician, wear a lab coat; if you’re a nurse, wear scrubs. What you show and what you say work hand in hand. What you wear can help a viewer take your words more seriously. Determine how you can convey your expertise through your outfit.

2. Dress in solid colors (and leave patterns at home). If you’re a fan of animal prints or herringbone, save those outfits for another day. Prints are not only distracting to the eye but they also sometimes play tricks on the camera. The print can act bouncy like a special effect. You want the viewer to look at and listen to you, not your outfit. Always choose solid colors.

3.Select bright colors. Studio or camera lights have a tendency to wash people out. It’s even more of a problem when participating in an interview via Zoom. Wearing bright colors clues the viewers’ eyes to pay attention. Don’t believe me? Watch what news anchors wear, especially in commercials or promos. They almost always wear bright, crisp (and solid) colors.

4. Choose complimentary jewelry. Your jewelry and accessories should add to the greater whole of your outfit and not distract. While Lady Gaga had the platform to explain the meaning behind the large golden dove brooch she wore for the inauguration, the reality is you don’t have that platform. You’ll just leave people talking about your jewelry and not the topic at hand. Save your conversation pieces for another day.

5. Watch necklines. This applies for both women and men. You don’t have to wear a turtleneck, but make sure you are not revealing too much skin (or hair!) Keep the viewer focused on the topic and not your chest.

If you’re still feeling nervous about your interview, a PR expert can help. From selecting your outfit to conducting practice interviews, a PR expert can help you be calm and confident.

Need a PR expert – stat? I'm here for you.

Hi, I'm Allison Sit, TV reporter turned PR consultant. I help motivated small business owners gain visibility and media exposure for their companies.

Follow me on Instagram at @allisonsitpr.