Dressing for media interviews
The major mistake that most people make is to dress up for media interviews when it isn’t appropriate. Think carefully about how people will perceive you in the form of dress you plan to wear. If you wear a suit what does it say about you? If you appear in jeans and a T shirt what might they think? If you dress formally in an informal situation will the viewer take you seriously?
If you are being interviewed for a press article then there is less need to worry. You should dress normally, although remember that the journalist may bring along a photographer. If the article is a profile of you then the journalist may write a sketch of you, your dress sense and your surroundings; so be aware of this when asking questions before agreeing to the interview.
If you are expecting to go into a studio or a formal office then it is normal to wear a suit for both women and men; unless, of course you never wear a suit i.e. new media or IT people who tend to dress more casually.
If the interview is on your home territory then dress accordingly. You would not wear a suit at home, on the farm or in the middle of a busy factory floor. Instead you would wear clothes that fit the occasion.
The only caveat to that advice is to make sure that you wear clothes that are reasonably smart, neat and tidy. Looking like something that has been dragged through a hedgerow will not look good. But a smart casual jumper at home, clean and tidy farm clothes on the farm and so on makes good sense.
If you find yourself going into studios for a TV interview, or into a newspaper office then the following is the safest approach:
For women
- Trouser suits should be classic, black, navy or neutral colours with minimum frills and patterns, but remember that in some countries women wearing trousers may still not be acceptable. The best materials are wool and silk
- Skirts should be knee length or longer and again conservative colours without being ‘dowdy’
- Blouses should be cotton or silk. Keep the style simple and avoid ‘busy’ patterns and plunging necklines
- Shoes should have medium or small heels (for safety as much as anything), and should match the clothes. Avoid open toes and boots
- Tights, at all times, should be in neutral or dark tones and beware patterns
- Avoid lots of jewellery, especially the sort that jingles and distracts
- Be sensible with what you wear. Short skirts and plunging necklines may be fun but are distracting. Also remember to avoid stripes, bright colours, small checks and red or bright white clothes – all of these can have funny effects on the camera.
For men
- Suits should be dark navy, black, charcoal or grey. Light grey is seen as lightweight and gives the impression that you too might be lightweight. Use plain fabrics or discreet pinstripes and ideally in wool
- Belts or braces should be simple, matching and non-traumatising
- The length of your trousers should not leave lots of crimpled folds around the ankle. The end of the trouser should fall about an inch short of the sole of the shoe
- Shirts should, ideally, be cotton or cotton blends, white or blue are best, avoid ‘pyjama’ tops with large garish stripes or large patterns
- Ties should be silk with solid or simple patterns. Vivid coloured ties are highly entertaining, those with Disney themes or cartoon strips may appeal as a joke but in turn you could be seen as a joke in front of a serious audience.
- Shoes should be conservative, matching the suit, and well polished.
One more note about looking the part; do make sure that you have attended to your personal hygiene. No interviewer appreciates body odour or bad breath.
As a matter of respect to yourself, also make sure that your hair is clean and tidy. Men should have had a shave beforehand. Fingernails should be clean and not too long; cameramen love focussing on your hands in an interview, especially if you use them a lot to express yourself.
There is a big difference between knowing the theory and making it happen. For help in implementing your communications practices email us now.
