What to wear to give a TED talk?

Roxanna

Hi Fabbers!
I've been chosen to give a TEDx talk in May (woo!)

Along with the pressure of just 8 weeks to craft the perfect talk - I have the pressure of what to wear!

I want to look powerful, distinctive and confident.

Below are the first things that come to mind:
1) my Rag and Bone gilet
2) theory Navy Blue pinafore dress
3) my Hugo Boss white sheath(would wear with a moto on top)

Thoughts? Any of these? Something else?

Ps - my talk is on the future of cause marketing and how marketers can partner with charities to advance social missions.

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6 years ago

Dressing

30 replies

Latest reply was from WitchyD

anne

Veteran

So exciting!! I kind of like the first one, and the last one but I'm sure someone more knowledgeable about filming will chime in because that's the perspective you need.

6 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I’m partial to the gilet, but think 2 is very personable. What’s your topic?

6 years ago

Elizabeth P

Veteran

I love that first outfit. It's a bit different, yet totally professional.

Congratulations!

6 years ago

Sisi

Veteran

I like them all but with a preference for nr. 1. Professional but unexpected.

6 years ago

Christina F.

Veteran

I like the first one. I think in a TED talk you want to look very nice, but not too formal - approachable, in other words. The main thing though is that you have to feel like a rock star in whatever you choose.

6 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Christina -- the TED talks I've seen have been pretty informal and I'd definitely go with something that looks polished but not too dressed up. I love the idea of the outfit with the vest -- easy but distinctive and professional. Color can look great on stage and in photos/video, but if you're like me and don't feel your most comfortable in bold colors, I'd stick with what makes you feel the most fab.

But most of all, congratulations! What a wonderful honor and opportunity!

6 years ago

Marilyn

Veteran

How exciting! I LOVE outfit #1.

6 years ago

April

Veteran

Not sure if this is dated advice, but prints usually don't film very well.

And I like the "approachable" advice you received from others.

6 years ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I like the gilet but maybe with a brighter color top. I think if you walk around while speaking, the gilet will move a little in a good way.

6 years ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Also, post the link to your talk when it goes up, please. I am a board member of two nonprofits and I'm sure I'll find the content interesting.

6 years ago

Carla

Veteran

UmmLila got to it before me! The gilet is perfect, but would be nice with a top that reads as brighter. You will be interesting to look at as you speak, but the focus will be on your face and the words you speak. What perfect timing for your new cool 'do!

Congratulations on being chosen. What a fascinating topic, Roxanna!

6 years ago

Anonymous

Congrats-definitely post it for us! I like 1 the most too-you seem very comfortable in it

6 years ago

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I’m a fan of #1 also. And is it possible to find out what background will be behind you? You don’t want to wear the same color as you would disappear a bit, and, at the same time you don’t want to clash.
Would also want to watch your talk, so let us know.

6 years ago

kkards

Veteran

Congratulations! WOW how exciting...

I love #1, but if I remember that gilet is a pretty heavy wool...will it be too warm for May?

6 years ago

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I love outfits #1 and 2 for this purpose. #1 may be a bit warm in May. What I like about these outfits is that they are fairly streamlined, very you, professional. I love the last dress on you, but it wouldn't be my choice for the talk because it has more going on visually (and with the added moto). Congratulations! I would love to see the talk, too.

6 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Ok! Now that’s an interesting topic! Look forward to it!

6 years ago

Vix

Veteran

Hi Roxanna --

Big congrats from me! What a great topic (signed, social marketing past and hopefully future).

I love #1 but will it be too wintry? You have so many great outfits...I think you need to add more here for those of us with terrible memories cough me cough.

Since prints can be a little dicey when photographed, what about one of your "add necklaces to create interest" outfits?

TED talks seem to get filmed from...interesting...angles sometimes, so I'd just test finalists out with a 360 view in mind.

6 years ago

Helena

Veteran

Roxanna, how awesome! These are all gorgeous, I am partial to the first one, only because it looks like the most comfortable, which would be supportive to you when doing a big talk.
Seconding the request to share the video when it's available; my clients are both marketers with an interest in social causes.

6 years ago

Gretchen

Veteran

Congratulations- what an interesting topic!

Since this is TedX, the production standards may be different than Ted...do you have any video from previous TedX in your location?

In general -
- More casual/color rich will read as more approachable. I love the gilet look but understand the seasonal concerns.
- Avoid pattern. Unless you’ve specifically spoken w someone on the AV team and they’ve said it’s ok.
- Make sure you have a waistband or pocket for the mic battery pack. Otherwise you will need to attach to either your neck in back or bra strap (both can be distracting when speaking)
- Love the idea of adding accessories, but be sure you love the outfit without. Depending on the AV equipment you might be asked to remove necklace or earrings.

6 years ago

mtnsofthemoon

Veteran

Congrats! That is super exciting. I also really like #1. I like the gillet and the burgundy monochromatic color. I think you look polished, professional, not too distracting and very, very approachable. Your smile is beautiful!

6 years ago

Roxanna

Veteran

SUCH a smart community you all are; you suggested things I hadn't even thought of. Thank you so much. Not a lot of time now but I will pop by later to answer specifics.

THANK YOU for the good wishes and the wisdom!

6 years ago

Sal

Veteran

How exciting - congratulations!!

I love 1 and 2 for this occasion.

6 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

Comgratulations! What an honor and endorsement of your achievements! I like the first outfit best. I watch TED talks often, and think it provides the perfect amount of pizazz while still placing the primary focus on your face.

6 years ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I hope you will give us the link to your talk! First of all good luck! I would research what films well in terms of color (because I have no idea blue? white?) and also note which speakers looked good to you and what they wore. Because I am pretty sure what looks perfect in this setting is very specific. Also what color will the backdrop be?

6 years ago

RainB

Active Member

No outfit advice but just wanted to say Congratulations and good luck!!

6 years ago

Jane

Veteran

Congratulations! What a super opportunity. How great to be asked. Well done.

I think understanding the background would be helpful. But both 1 and 2 look super to my eye.

6 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Congratulations! So exciting! I say wear the one you feel comfortable in and that feels the most "you."

6 years ago

RobinF

Veteran

Wow, how exciting! I don't have much to add but I do like #1 and would love to see it with a lighter top. Also agree with the advice about what feels most comfortable and you.

6 years ago

Bijou

Veteran

Roxanna, I am so thrilled for you! Congratulations and I will definitely want to see your speech, it sounds like a great topic.

I think you look beautiful in all of these, you light up in outfit #1 and it photographs so well, that would be my choice. You must wear what makes you feel authentically you, because THAT is the person we want to hear from.

6 years ago

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