Help with video taping: what to wear?? - YouLookFab Forum

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Help with video taping: what to wear??

Joy

Veteran

Tomorrow afternoon or evening I've been asked to play a preschool director in a short video. The background will be black. I don't know what to wear. Would a false plain black/white Glen plaid pencil skirt work with a BB white shirt and low heeled pumps? Maybe a scarf? It doesn't help that we are scheduled for record lows..like actual temperatures of -26F. Should I stick to classic pieces? What colors? Will nude stockings show up shiny?
Any thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.

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19 replies

Latest reply was from shiny

April

Veteran

Hi Joy -- plaids or any geometric print can do really crazy things on video, so it might be better to go with a solid or a floral skirt. Also when I've done teleconference video, the recommendation is usually to avoid black or white. (Sorry, I realize I've just found problems with your whole outfit. Yikes.)

Apparently color is better on tape -- maybe a solid-color dress, or a colorful print that doesn't have a lot of straight lines, would be easiest? Do you have something like that?

April

Veteran

BTW, I was a preschool teacher for many years and I can tell you that my directors were not particularly dressy, mainly because they were in and out of classrooms with lots of little painty hands and runny noses all around them. I think a sweater on top would be realistic for that role, especially if it's going to be cold.

shiny

Veteran

What April said! No prints, no stripes, no plaid, etc. And no white. Also no shiny metal jewelry (pearls are okay).

Makeup: you'll want to use a heavier touch. Darker lipstick than you might usually wear. Bring powder or blotter.

Liz

Veteran

If there's a chance you might be sitting on kid-sized chairs or stooping down to child level, etc., trousers might be less troublesome than a skirt.

Angie_T

I was a TV producer for 25 years and will join in by saying no white, no black and no small print. It's hard to light black, and the details will disappear on video. White will make the lens open up and videographers are always bothered by that. And small, high contrast print makes the camera go wonky.

I personally like it when talent wears bright colors as it draws the eye. But most of the talent I worked with was in a news/information/sports type show, not a scripted piece. However, I peeked at your blog and you are too stunning to fade into the background! I say stand out.

Another thought is a chambray shirt with a bright scarf. Although that may not work with the plaid skirt. I have several teacher friends and they don't dress as conservatively as the teachers did back in the day.

I just googled "fashion blog teacher" as a image search and was rewarded with some interesting images.

Something else that might work is to bring a couple of different choices for the top and ask the producer's opinion.

Anonymous

If lighting will be bright (as it is with being on TV), be sure to wear makeup so you won't look washed out on camera. Don't wear any colors that wash you out and make you look like you need a pint of blood.

Joy

Veteran

Oh, thank you so much! This is exactly the type of information I needed. I will be standing ( I think) in one place to say my piece. This will probably be shown on a big screen in local churches, so something colorful sounds like a good idea. I'm now thinking of one of my bright Halogen pencil skirts in coral or turquoise. I'll try some outfits tonight or tomorrow.

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

Joy, you're getting some great advice here and I agree that not wearing patterns, black, white or red. You look lovely in so many colors and as Angie_T suggested, a bright color would look spectacular with your good looks and pretty hair. I'm thinking a rich vibrant blue, bright pink, coral, any color that makes you feel great.

Regarding nylons, will you be seated or walking in the shot? If you're cold, you may want to opt for a pair of nice slacks. Also, take several options with you which will give you and your producer a few ways to go.

You'll be great!

Anonymous

Oh yes, the bright color sounds lovely. I'm not sure if the background is actually black, or if they're creating it with a green screen. I just know you can't wear any shade of green or turquoise if they're using a green screen because the clothing disappears on camera, lol! You're going to do great Joy. Definitely wear pants and/or a sweater if it's too cold, although the lights might warm it up a bit for taping.

Joy

Veteran

My problem is that most of my nice things in bright colors are for summer, but I may have to pull something out. Most of my pants are jeans, which I don't think would work for this, and patterned.
I may need to brave the streets to go shopping! ( no school yet tomorrow due to the cold and foot of snow we just had. Hundreds of accidents)
Vicki, thank you for the additional information.

Joy

Veteran

It sounds like I should take some choices. Claire, I was only told that the background would be black. I'm wondering about the Halogen yellow raisin or deep blue pencil skirt but am at a loss as to what to wear on top that isn't a print or black or white. I imagine dark brown doesn't show well. What about a light or midtone grey?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I was going to suggest grey and a colour. And I do think white works well as an accent colour. Good luck. xo

Joy

Veteran

Angie, that is a relief. I think I can manage grey and a color.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You are going to look and be fabulous, beautiful lady.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Joy, this is so exciting! Will you show us some possible outfits in the morning?

You're going to shine!!

Lantana

Veteran

Such fun! I look forward to seeing your final choice.

Lucy

Veteran

I've only done a little bit of TV, so I think others probably know more! But I agree with no black and no small patterns, and I was told no stripes because it will be weird!

Also, I had a problem once when I wore a dress (my default!) because there was no where to hang the mike box. No proper waist band! So the sound guy spent a great deal of the day with his hand around my underwear! Appalling embarrassing for both him and me - I don't know who was redder!!!

Best of luck with it, you will be great

Joy

Veteran

Oh, Lucy, thank you for letting me know. I will definitely be sporting a waistband!

shiny

Veteran

Might be a good idea to bring a couple of outfit choices to the set, so if what you're wearing doesn't work you can swap out. Rather than have someone with their hand up your skirt! Yikes!