The color of your wardrobe has a lot to do with your success. As a public speaker and spokesperson, you should know what works and what doesn’t, and what colors say about you.
How you project yourself in a media interview is often as important as what you say. The way you look, dress and move matters. Today, print interviews are accompanied by web content and radio broadcasts are livestreamed. So, there is no escaping being “on camera.
What to wear for a media interview?
1. Look the part
Dress appropriate to the message, the interview setting and the organization you represent. When in doubt, dress formally. It is better to be overdressed than underdressed.
2. Choose colors that suit your skin tone
Skin tones fall into two classifications: cool or warm. Some colors make Caucasian skin look jaundiced but look rich and vibrant on dark skin. Take the time to check your best colors. Chances are these are the ones that dominate your wardrobe, compliment your eye color or just make you look healthy and confident.
3. Understand the psychology of color
While the cut, style, and fit of your clothes are important, the first thing most people will notice is the color, which can have a psychological impact on the person looking at you. So, it’s good to know the basic rules.
Blue: (royal blue, navy) credibility, trust, loyalty, wisdom.
Yellow: (canary, sunflower) bright, positive, future focused.
Red: (tomato, strawberry) power, love, passion.
Green: (spearmint, olive) clean, calming, natural.
Purple: (plum, violet, burgundy) aristocratic, lavish, spiritual.
Orange: (tangerine, marigold) energetic, vitality, productive.
White: (off-white, beige) hygiene, simple, clean.
Brown: (tan, chocolate) warm, serious, official.
Pink: (dusty pink, rose) feminine, soft, approachable.
Gray: (pewter, putty) sophisticated, authoritative.
Make sure there is contrast among suit, shirt and tie, blouses and jackets. Avoid checks, polka dots, chevron and herringbone patterns which can get psychedelic and distorted on camera. Dresses are fine for women; solid colors are better than floral, busy textiles or animal prints.
4. Leave the “bling” at home
Jewelry can be a distraction, avoid anything that moves when you talk or gesture. Women: avoid pendant, dangling or large hoop earrings. And, leave the 8-karat diamond ring at home.
There’s much more to know about wardrobe and color selections. Invest the time to learn what suits you, and, if possible, hire a wardrobe stylist.
Links to Genius
For more on color psychology and color theory, visit the definitive source: Pantone at www.pantone.com. Look for the Pantone Fashion Color Trend Report 2019/2020.
For more on successful speaking and presentation training, visit www.rosemaryravinal.com
