When you’re getting ready to go on camera for a video shoot, appearance matters. You won’t get a second chance to make a first impression. 

Even if your outfit looks great in the mirror, it might not look the same on video. Cameras pick up colors and shapes differently than the human eye. They catch every small detail, which means the wrong outfit could end up looking like an eyesore. 

Here are a few tips to help you decide what to wear on camera—and what to leave in the closet.

1. Find the Image You Want to Portray

Before you start picking out the individual items, you need to consider your overall image. 

Do you want to look polished and professional? Friendly and relaxed? A mix of both? 

Take a moment to consider how you want viewers to see you. Ask yourself: 

• Do your clothes match the tone you’re going for? Is what you’re wearing appropriate for the subject matter? 
• Does your background clash with what you’re wearing? 
• Does everything fit? Are you too hot or cold? Do you feel comfortable in your outfit? 

2. Pick Camera Friendly Colors

The next thing you need to consider is color. 

Use neckties, bowties, or tops to deliver a pop of color. You want color choices that complement the person wearing them—not draw the eye away from them. 

Keep an eye out for camera-friendly colors like rich jewel tones or neutral tones like gray, tan, or pale colors. These colors stand out under professional camera lighting without being too distracting. 

Avoid bright whites, too much black, or intense colors. And above all, never wear green when shooting green screen footage. 

3. Keep It Simple

When putting together an outfit, remember: the simpler the better. 

Only wear a few complementary colors at a time. Stick to solid colors instead of multi-colored or patterned clothing. 

This rule applies to other accessories as well. Don’t wear too much jewelry and keep your makeup light. Bangle bracelets or large, jangly earrings aren’t just visually distracting for the viewer; they can actually pick up background noise over the microphone. 

4. Make Your Look Timeless

Be mindful of the trends incorporated in your clothing choice.

After investing money and effort into a video project, you’ll want to use it for years. So make sure you choose an outfit that will stand the test of time. Avoid any trends that might make your video look dated in a few years’ time. 

5. Stick to Clean Lines

It isn’t just color that defines an outfit. If you’re wearing something baggy, poorly fitting, or too tight, it can look unprofessional on camera. 

Have you ever heard the saying that the camera adds 10 pounds? Wearing clothes that don’t quite fit will only make this worse. Avoid loose clothing, frilly collars, or wide shoulder pads. Aim for clean lines and form fitting clothing. 

What to Wear on Camera: The Takeaway

When picking out what to wear on camera, you might have to reconsider some of your day to day fashion choices. Video doesn’t read the same as real life—and the last thing you want is for your outfit to take away from your message. 

Be sure to keep things simple, stick to the right colors, and wear clothes that fit you right. Above all, you need to feel comfortable, fashionable, and professional while wearing your outfit. If you do it right, that will shine through on video. 

Looking for new video ideas? Take a look at some of our work and see what we can do to help you take your engagement to the next level.