If you’ve landed a TV interview, congratulations! 

Maybe you did it by attending my masterclass 5 Simple Steps to Getting Featured in the Media. If you haven’t checked it out yet, click here. 

Once you book the interview, there are so many questions I get from my clients. Many of them have to do with media training… and part of that is what to wear.

7 Tips on What to Wear for a TV Interview

First of all, don’t think you need to always dress what is stereotypically professional. 

For example, if you are in the fitness industry and booked a segment to talk about creating a workout routine from home or with your kids, then you’re going to want to rock your Lulu Lemons for your television appearance. It would just look silly to see you in a black suit like you’re at a job interview.

If you’re a chef and you’re cooking, it’s a good idea to wear an apron.

With that said, there are some things to keep in mind to appear your best on TV, because remember, you are going to repurpose this TV appearance to get more PR from your PR. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, then listen to this podcast episode from my podcast, Become a Media Maven, called 35 Things to do AFTER you Earn Media Coverage.

Now, let’s get to my top tips so the next time you visit a TV station, you’re making the best choices when it comes to dress code.

1. Wear Solid Colors

For a video interview, solid colors are best. I don’t know how many dresses I’ve accumulated over the years working as a TV reporter and anchor that is either one solid color or with minimal color blocking. 

This is one of my favorite solid color dresses on Amazon. It is just $33, comes in a bunch of different colors, and is flattering on many body types.

2. Stay Away from Small Patterns

Something with a lot of patterns that can be very distracting to the eye – both in person, but especially on TV. If you wear patterns, you want to veer toward large patterns instead of small prints and patterns. 

For example, if you wear a dress or a shirt with stripes, the smaller and closer together those stripes are, the more it’ll look like you’re trying to hypnotize viewers in the audience.

If you like patterns, this dress shirt on Amazon is perfect for TV. It’s only $26 and comes in a variety of colors and styles. Plus, who doesn’t love a puffy sleeve?!

3. Wear Bright Colors

You want to keep your skin tone in mind when choosing colors, but generally speaking, wear bright colors. If you choose neutrals, you won’t pop on the screen. Jewel tones work well on camera. I love bright reds and love to play with other bold colors in front of the camera.

I once wore a dress with two colors and one of the colors was a tan and light beige hue… and I looked naked in some places. If you wear green and stand at a green screen, you will also disappear, so be mindful of that when chatting with a producer about your segment beforehand.

These shirts on Amazon are great for bringing a pop of color to TV. At $23 each, I’d buy a couple in different colors. I’m also obsessed with the neckline on these.

4. Remember your Accessories

Depending on what you’re TV interview is for, you may accessorize more or less. For example, if your expertise and subject matter are about art, then dangly earrings, bold colorful studs, a statement necklace, or bold patterns may fit.

This is my favorite “goes with everything necklace” on Amazon. The best part? It’s only $12! 

If you’re tackling a more serious topic in a video shoot, then you may want to stick to the basics in a crisp white shirt and grey suit with the focus on you and what you’re saying.

Another accessory you may get is a lapel microphone. For this reason, you want to make sure the neckline of your outfit isn’t very low. (You also don’t want to show too much skin.) A high-scoop neckline or a button-down shirt is perfect for microphone placement.

5. Wear Matte Makeup

No, you don’t need to hire a makeup artist. Many of us in news don’t even use them. I did my own make up 99% of the time in my 10 years working as a full-time TV reporter and anchor.

However, you do want to stay away from shimmer or glitter. They just don’t translate well on camera. Matte makeup works best… and yes men, this means you need to powder the shine off your face too. Don’t worry about the color. Translucent is perfect for this!

To combat shine, this loose power on Amazon for just $6 is a great thing to keep in your purse.

If you’re not one to wear a lot, then the musts are powder to decrease a shiny face, mascara so we can actually see your eyelashes through the camera lens, and lipstick so your lips don’t blend in with the rest of your face.

6. Turn Around

Because you won’t know where you’re sitting, standing, or what the camera angle will be, make sure you look good from all angles. 

You can still show your unique style, but want to be prepared when the camera starts rolling from any place in the studio or on location. (So if it’s windy, dresses and skirts can be tricky. Trust me. Been there and done that!)

7. Be You

With all that said, please keep your unique style. You have been invited to be interviewed for a reason, so it’s a safe bet to stay true to yourself – your outfit, your hair, your makeup, and even your body language. 

If you have a smart-casual approach, then let that come through in your appearance. If you only wear light pastels or black clothing, then do that because that’s you! Your physical appearance is part of your brand and you want it to be recognizable in the majority of interviews you do.

For example, Christain Siriano always wears black. He became a household name by using black in Project Runway all the time. It’s his thing.

Another example is Sara Blakely. She wears Spanx and carries her red backpack everywhere. 

Oprah likes to accessorize with fun glasses. 

For Lisa Vanderpump, there is always something pink in view.

For me, it’s a lot of red because that’s my brand color at Media Maven. I also love a puffy sleeve!

First impressions in media interviews are important, so you want to make sure you look your best under those studio lights as you make your important points in the segment!

What’s your thing?

Find me on Instagram at @ChristinaAllDay and let me know what you’re wearing for your next television interviews. If you’re still waiting to book your first TV interview, then click here to find out how in my masterclass 5 Simple Steps to Getting Featured in the Media. Good luck!