What (Not) to Wear for a Video Shoot: The Clothing Saga

Dressing for Success on Camera: Tips for Achieving the Perfect Video Outfit

Your appearance is a critical component of a successful video production. The right outfit can help you convey the right message and make a lasting impression on your audience. On the other hand, the wrong outfit can detract from your content and leave a negative impression. So how do you dress for your upcoming video shoot? In this article, we'll cover what not to wear as well as give you tips for what makes you look your best on camera.

What Not to Wear to a Video Production

1. Solid black or white
   It's best to avoid solid black and white clothing when filming a video. Solid black can look too harsh and create contrast issues, while solid white can create a harsh, blinding effect and wash out the subject. Stick to neutral colors like gray, navy, and beige, or consider wearing a light-colored shirt and dark pants, or vice versa.
2. Bright colors and patterns
   Bright colors and bold patterns can be distracting in a video and take away from the content you're trying to convey. If you're going to be on camera, stick to solid colors that complement your skin tone and don't draw too much attention to your outfit. Neutral colors like black, navy, gray, and beige are usually safe choices.
3. Loud accessories
   Accessories can be a great accent to the perfect outfit, but they should be not distract from the messaging. Try to avoid wearing jewelry that makes a lot of noise or jingles, and avoid hats or scarves unless you've discussed it with your videographer.
4. Clothing that's too tight or too loose
   The way your clothing fits is very important, for comfort and appearance. If your clothes are too tight it can be unflattering and restrict your movements, whereas if it's too loose it can be also be unflattering, distracting, or make you look sloppy.
5. Clothing with branding
   When filming a corporate video, it's good to pay attention to the branding of your clothing. Avoid logos of other companies because they can be distracting and confuse viewers. Try to wear clothing that is unbranded or has your company's logo.

Less is Moiré

You may be thinking... "What is moiré?" Moiré is a visual phenomena that typically happens when filming patterns in clothing with a video camera. Here is a quick breakdown from Wikipedia. To avoid the moiré effect, it's best to avoid clothing with patterns such as pinstripes, herringbone, or small checks (business shirts & suits). If you must wear patterned clothing, make sure the patterns are large and spaced far apart, but it is much easier to just avoid it altogether.

Tips for Dressing Appropriately

1. Consider the context and content of your video
   When dressing for a video shoot, it's important to consider the context and content of your video. What message are you trying to convey? What is the tone of your video? Is it formal or casual? Answering these questions can help you choose the right outfit.
2. Think about lighting
   When it comes to video, lighting is crucial. You want to make sure that you look good on camera and that the video is well-lit. Consider the lighting in the room where you'll be filming and choose an outfit that will complement the lighting rather than clash with it. For example, if the lighting is warm, you may want to choose an outfit in a warm color such as orange or yellow. If the lighting is cool, you may want to choose an outfit in a cool color such as blue or green.

Additionally, it's best to avoid wearing solid black or white. While these colors may look great in person, they can be challenging on camera because they can cause the video to look washed out or create high contrast that can be distracting to the viewer. Instead, opt for neutral colors such as beige, gray, or navy that will look good on camera and won't distract from your message.

Tips for Choosing the Right Outfit

So, what should you wear for a video shoot? Here are some tips to help you choose the right outfit:

• Opt for solid, mid-tone colors: As mentioned above, mid-tone colors such as grays, blues, and greens are a safe bet for avoiding both moiré patterns and harsh contrast.
• Avoid distracting patterns: In addition to avoiding moiré patterns, you should also avoid patterns that are too bold or distracting, such as large florals or bright stripes.
• Consider the setting: Think about the setting of your video shoot and choose clothing that fits with the environment. For example, if you're shooting a corporate video, you may want to opt for a suit or dress shirt and pants.
• Dress comfortably: Finally, make sure that you dress in clothes that you feel comfortable in. If you're not comfortable in what you're wearing, it will show on camera.

So when you're preparing for your video production & deciding what to wear, it's important to consider your whole outfit carefully. You can ensure that the final video looks professional and polished if you avoid these common pitfalls. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to achieving the best visual results for your video.

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