If you are speaking in front of 500-plus people, you probably aren’t thinking about what you should wear. But, certain colors do look better on-screen than others. Below are some good fashion video rules, so clients and bosses always look their best projected on those large screens.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR
Hot is a Not: Most of us have a slew of hot colors in our closet: reds, oranges, greens, purples. The unfortunate thing about these colors is that they will never make you look your best on live camera. These colors have a bleeding effect that the camera lens will not compensate for like our own eyes do in person. When video is not the main perception of the audience, as in a live performance, this rule can be forgiven.
Stars and Stripes Belong on the Flag: Ever watch the news and ask yourself, “What the heck is she/he wearing?” Chances are the suit or outfit had some sort of distracting pattern that pulls your attention away from what is being discussed. If you are planning a meeting or conference, the subject of the meeting is what you want people to take away—not how many stars are printed on a woman’s dress (yes, you will be tempted to count).
Avoid Black & White: Solid black and solid white are at absolute ends of the color spectrum. When a camera lens diffuses these, it will pick up on the low base of white and the darker base of black and the result is overexposure for colors worn with black and underexposure for colors worn with white. For ladies who love their classic black suits, have you tried charcoal gray?
SO … WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
True Blue: Simple. Classic. Elegant and shockingly brilliant on live video. There is a reason why presidential addresses always seem to involve a navy blue suit.
Dress Like Switzerland: No, not lederhosen. Neutrality is your friend! Beige, tans, soft pinks and pastels are all good options. These colors fall closer to the middle of the color spectrum and will be less harsh translating to screen.
KELLY KUCERA HAS SPENT MORE THAN 15 YEARS IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY, WHERE SHE BEGAN HER CAREER IN EVENT PRODUCTION AND LATER ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS AT ADAM’S MARK HOTEL. SHE JOINED IMAGE AUDIOVISUALS IN 2011 AND OVERSEES MARKETING AND PRODUCES EVENTS.