Dress for Success On Camera with the Right Wardrobe Colours

Man facing mirror, contemplating his wardrobe choices, and adjusting his cuff before a video shoot

Content Creators, Brands, and Future Video Stars - Let's Talk Wardrobe!

You're about to get in front of the camera, and you're feeling the pressure? It's not just about what you say. It's how you look when you say it. No more generic, "What should I wear on camera?" advice. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of choosing the right attire to rock your video shoots. Below we will cover what the best colours are for a video shoot along with some other items.

Clothing & What to Wear

You know that overwhelming feeling when you're staring at your closet before a video shoot? Yeah, let's tackle that. Forget bright whites which can mess with your whole vibe on camera and might look overexposed if you're not careful, especially when filming outdoors. Stick with solid, rich colours that complement your skin which is something you can own. But, if there's a green screen, leave the green at home, alright?

Dress for Your Market

6 white hangers on a rail with no clothes on them.

Photo by Andrej Lišakov on Unsplash

You're about to hit record, but wait, what are you wearing? Is it just another outfit, or is it a statement that's aligned with your target audience? Let's get into it with some of the points below.

  • Understand Your Audience: Know who you're talking to. Young and hip, corporate and chic, sporty, or casual? Your wardrobe should be a reflection of your target market. Get it right, and you're connecting even before you speak.

  • Wear What Resonates: Promoting a Yoga brand? Think flowy, breathable fabrics and calming colours. Tech crowd? A smart-casual look might hit the mark. Your outfit isn't just clothes. It's a mirror reflecting what your audience loves, expects, and appreciates.

  • Avoid the Bling: Jewellery can be a visual and auditory distraction. That shiny necklace? It might catch the light and pull focus. And don't get started on the subtle noise it can make around your neck, messing with the audio. Less is more. If you want to accessorize, think subtle, non-reflective, and noise-free.

Why does this matter? Because you're not just dressing for the camera. You are dressing for success, connecting with your market in ways that go beyond words. So next time you're picking out that outfit, remember to make it congruent, make it relevant, and make it you.

The Language of Colour in Film

Variety of fabric colours on display in a store

Colours aren't just something you slap on. They have their own unique feelings and language. You want to tell a story? Colours are your words. Warm tones like reds and oranges? They can bring passion, energy. Cool blues and greens? Tranquillity and trust. Don't overdo it and keep the balance. And if you're on camera, pay attention to solid, rich colours. No bright whites or super dark shades. Why? Because they can mess with the camera's exposure, distort your appearance. Choose colours that resonate with your message and your brand. It's not about following a rulebook. It's about understanding what colours convey and making them work for you.

Colours and Skin Tones – A Balanced Approach

In terms of skin tones, we're all different. When you're choosing colours to wear on camera, consider what makes YOU shine. Some colours might enhance your natural glow, while others might not resonate as well. It's not about a one-size-fits-all rule. It's about individuality and authenticity. Do some experimentation, find what feels right for you. Need professional advice? Reach out to a stylist or someone who knows colour theory. Remember, it's not about conforming to stereotypes or generalized guidelines. It's about finding what works for YOU. You can also check out how the psychology of colour impacts viewers.

Stay Away from Patterns

3 different varieties of clothing patterns in colors to avoid when appearing in front of a video camera.

Patterns? Nope, not for video. Stripes, plaids, florals – they can make the audience dizzy! Keep it simple, keep it clean, and keep it real.

Try and Avoid Logos

Unless you're representing another brand (and why would you?), leave the logo-laden threads in the drawer. Show up in something that screams YOU. Be authentic, be real, be YOU.

Other Things to Look Out for

Whether you're the star of the show or the one behind the camera, these details are not just for the person being filmed but are especially crucial to advise on if you're filming someone else. Let's get into it with some additional items below to keep in mind.

  • Groomed hair: Don't be that person adjusting their hair every two seconds. Keep it out of your face and let your words take centre stage.

  • Clean fingernails: Sounds minor? Not on a close-up of your hands and this may ruin your chance to be a hand model so keep them tidy!

  • Nose/Ear Hair: We're not going there. Just make sure it's handled and believe me its something that happens more than you think.

  • Skin foundation: A little shine control goes a long way. Full makeup? Keep it fresh. Some loose powder does the trick. Consider getting some blotting paper which will help to reduce any oily skin. Just having some on you can make a real big difference.

Final Thoughts

Looking fantastic on video is about expressing the right colours, the smart choices, and the attention to those small details that help you look great on screen. This is real advice to help you own the camera and make your next video project something truly special. Want your own personal guide you can share? Download our free PDF guide below. Whether you're a creator, a brand-maker, or a future star, use these insights and make your mark.

Nigel Camp

Filmmaker with a focus on creating imaginative videos and impactful campaigns that deliver great outcomes.

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