Video is a medium that has become more and more popular, from Facebook Live, Skype, Instagram videos, Messenger Video to video conferencing and webinars all part of daily life it seems. With our smart phones in our hands we can make a video so easily. It’s often worthwhile to consider if you’re making a video for a business purpose just how you want to be perceived, and what will come across best on camera. So inspired by this question I’ve put together some videos to assist you in choosing the right clothes to have the best presence.
Can you make some videos on how to dress for videos! I’m thinking of doing some short informational videos, it would be great to hear what advice you have!
I’ve made a couple of short videos to help you decide what to wear when you’re making your next YouTube or short video. These tips will also help you when dressing for a video conference call too. Anytime you need to have a presence on screen!
What to Consider in Your Video
Who is your audience? Is it corporate and business orientated? If so then wear more structured clothing.
If you want to appear more friendly and approachable, wear softer fabrics.
What’s in the background? Is is distracting from you?
How to Choose Colour and Pattern for Your Video
Colours to Choose for Video
Make sure the colours flatter you and don’t take attention away from your face. The right colours will make you look alive and vibrant, the wrong ones will make you look tired and inefficient.
Knowing which colours suits you really helps (this is why I recommend everyone have a personal colour analysis as it gives you a palette to build your wardrobe around, where everything makes you look good, you can get my professional opinion on your colours with my 7 Steps to Style program).
Patterns in Video
Patterns can be worn in video, but avoid stripes as they strobe and shimmer. Before you choose to wear a pattern do a check and record some footage with yourself in the pattern and notice if it seems to come alive and move!
Also be aware of the scale of the pattern. A large scale pattern can overwhelm you, this will tend to make you look less authoritative.
Great illustrations! I like the magic trick with layered scarfs in the second video; pretty funny, too.
Unrelated question: if I lived closer to you, I’d want to be trained by you. Seeing as I’m in the northern US however, it’s a bit too far … Are there any image specialists who give courses that you can recommend? Thanks in advance.
Thanks Olga – blinding flash of genius that scarf trick!
Hi Imogen,
I have been reading your blog for several months now. I am getting ready to turn 54 and feel that it is time I make some changes. When starting on this “self improvement” adventure, my husband was a bit concerned. I told him that when women reach their 50s, they can either fix what needs to be fixed, or slip into old age. Thanks to your wonderful blog (which I have passed along to many), I can honestly say that I am well on my way to looking younger and feeling more vibrant. I have looked at several other sites and yours is by far the best of all. Your pictures and videos make your site much more valuable to those of us who seek your advice. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with all of us. I’ve bought your books and hope that you publish more. Each time I download one, I can’t stop reading it until its done! Keep up the great work!
Lisa, thanks so much for your comment – I’m really really touched and moved by it. Sometimes in cyberspace you put information out there and it can be hard to ever gauge if it’s what people want or a waste of time. I will endeavor to keep up the content for you!
Great video Imogen! I have to do sone training videos today and your relaxed approach and messages on focus are a great tip
Thanks!
Thanks Grant – but remember, don’t wear a striped shirt, wear solids, much easier.
Having filmed people for broadcast, one mistake I often saw is that people wear thin stripes (think a man’s dress shirt). These stripes look fine in real life, but on film make you look as if your body is vibrating. Something to keep in mind when choosing patterns.
Very true – some patterns really don’t work on TV!
I love that second video! As Tall & slim anon said, it’s very illustrative and funny!
Thanks Sandy – easier to do scarves than try and keep changing my clothes!
Hi Imogen, I too would come to you for style help. I’m an H after losing a lot of weight. I was formerly an O. I do need help in putting things together. Can you recommend someone in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. I have enjoyed your videos and books so much. I can see I need someone to point me to the right places. The right salon, the right alterationist the right way that clothes need to be fixed for me so that I know what to look for in the future. Someone to help me put it all together because I can’t at the moment. Well, let’s say ‘not yet’. Loved the Dance of the 7 Veils, I mean scarves.
I’ll ask around my contacts in Canada and see if I can find you some local help.
No puc viure sense els teus articles i vídeos. Són una font d’inspiració i m’alegren el dia.
Moltes gràcies
I can’t live without your articles and videos. They are a source of inspiration and make me happy.
Thank you so much
Thanks so much!