Today, a reader question that comes up semi-frequently: what to wear on the news!
So you’ve been contacted by a journalist because you’re awesome, an expert, or doing something very cool. Congratulations! Now, the panic sets in. This is LIVE? There will be a MICROPHONE? What are we wearing!!!
A few camera rules: no stripes, checks, or herringbone! It creates weird waves on camera! The same goes for ribbed fabrics.
Focus your attention on your top, as this is what will most likely be visible. A high-neck shell or blouse minimizes the odds of looking bare due to camera cropping. A crew neck dress also works. Here are a few options:
Ruffle sleeve, lots of power colors available
Polo sweater (I own the ribbed version and it’s sooo cozy)
If they’re filming you in action (teaching, walking around, etc.) consider a blazer over the top (this is similar to my green blazer, but I’m even more excited by the covered buttons!).
Finally, if you haven’t done many interviews, here are a few pieces of advice from the media savvy around me:
-Ask via email what the focus of the interview is. Most budding news articles have a central thesis, and it’s good to know the angle ahead of time. Read some other pieces by the reporter if possible.
-In an email or at the beginning of the phone call, state your full name, title, and department. This stuff gets messed up a lot!!
-If they ask you a question you disagree with, state that clearly and make a “bridging” statement to what you will comment on. It’s also perfectly ok to say “I won’t comment on that.” Sincerely, someone who has been quoted as agreeing with something I never agreed with.
Finally, consider online safety now if you haven’t yet. Being interviewed can bring the weirdos out. It’s easier to clean up your online presence before it becomes an issue. This article is immensely helpful for tackling privacy concerns.
Photos by Free Relief, makeup by Kandice Delgado.
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Your makeup looks amazing! I hope to get to use these tips someday 🙂
1. Stunning makeup! 2. Please please share the details on those shoes! My apologies if they’ve been covered in a previous post, but they’re absolutely perfect.
They are from Nine West!! 🙂