Choosing the right outfit will help you look and feel the part. It will help bring out confidence in your new persona that the outfit will emanate. When you wear an expensive outfit, it shows quality and prestige. Whereas wearing a T-shirt and jeans makes you look too casual and average. The first impression on how directors, agency execs and clients view you is very important and stems from what you choose to wear to an audition.
Tom Ford said it best: “Dressing well is a form of good manners.”
Here is some terminology that most casting directors use to describe the designated audition wardrobe.
Casual: Relaxed environment. Clothing made for socializing comfortably.
Upscale casual: Clothes that are comfortable enough to party in, yet super fashionable.
Outdoorsy: Anything from denim, wool, sweaters, jackets and jeans.
Formal: Tuxedoes for men and evening dresses for women.
Business: Suit and tie for men, pant suit or tailored dress for women.
Trendy: Must be up to date with the latest fashion trends as a casting director is looking for you to wear the latest fad in fashion.
Uniforms/Costumes: Policemen, nurses, doctors, priests, pilots, teacher, firemen etc. This is usually specified in the role your playing.
Work Clothing: Kind of like uniforms. Clothing associated with an occupation.
Sports Wear: Athletic attire i.e. jerseys.
Most of the time the camera will shoot you from the waist up, so put a lot of focus on that part of your wardrobe.
Choose jewel tones (emerald green, topaz, ruby red, sapphire blue, turquoise blue) and rich autumn colours except orange, yellow and gold as those colours dont flatter on TV.
Choose V necks as they are more flattering on camera. Turtle necks make clients wonder why you are hiding your neck and isnt flattering on camera.
Avoid busy patterns, stripes, bright colours, shiny jewelry and logos. They draw attention away from your face. Also, avoid wearing clothes that show too much skin or cleavage unless specific otherwise. It might send the wrong message or be too unflattering.
At the end of the day, you all know your body best and what works for you. These are just tips that can help but if you think something else has been working better for you, then by all means, keep doing it!
Stay tuned for what to wear to a casting call or Go-see for modelling!