For a stage or panel, clothing must above all work practically with light, camera and microphone. Ask beforehand which type of microphone is used and what the set looks like. Plain fabrics and clear colour contrasts are often easy for the camera, but white, black, shine or patterns are not automatically wrong.
Why a stage asks for something different
On a stage, the audience looks at you from a distance, often under bright light. On a large screen behind you, a close-up appears. Photos are taken and sometimes it is filmed for a replay. A technician must be able to attach a microphone to your clothing. And in a panel you sit for most of the time. An outfit that works perfectly well at the office can be surprisingly awkward in those circumstances. Fortunately, the rules are simple.
Colours and patterns: what works in the light?
| Works well | Better to avoid | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Colours with enough contrast to the set | Colours that blend into the background | Contrast helps keep your silhouette visible |
| Plain fabrics or larger patterns | Very fine, regular patterns | Some fine patterns can cause moiré on camera |
| Matte or shiny fabrics that have been tested beforehand | Untested strong shine | Spotlight can amplify reflections |
| Contrast with the background | Black against a dark set | Your silhouette disappears into the background |
| Small, calm jewellery | Jangling bracelets | The microphone picks up every sound |
Ask the organisation beforehand about the set, lighting and any clothing advice for recording. Enough contrast with the background is usually more important than a specific colour.
The microphone: think of it before you get dressed
Most events work with a small clip microphone and a transmitter. That has consequences for your outfit:
- A place for the clip. A collar, button placket or edge can be handy, but a sound technician can often use other solutions too.
- A place for the transmitter. Ask whether a bodypack is used. It can be attached to a waistband, belt or with a separate pouch; a dress without a waist is therefore not automatically impractical.
- Be careful with lavallière bows and scarves. A bow that falls over the microphone causes rustling. Let the bow hang looser or have the technician attach the microphone just beside the bow.
Looking good while seated
Do a sitting test at home with the complete outfit. Check that buttons do not pull, the trousers stay comfortable and a skirt or dress gives the coverage you prefer. There is no mandatory skirt length for a panel.
Outfits for Women
- Keynote at a conference. The Delphine blouse in shadow blue with the Arabelli trousers in navy. A tailored blouse with a button placket for the clip, high-waist pleated trousers for the transmitter. Two shades of blue that look calm on camera.
- Panel discussion. The Rosamund blouse in light blue with lavallière collar on the same navy trousers. The bow adds a refined detail on screen. Let it hang slightly looser for the microphone.
- Workshop or smaller session. A fine-knit polo with small buttons and smart trousers. Less formal, still with a place for the clip.
You will find more ideas in the Office collection and our blouses.
Outfits for Men
- Keynote. The light blue Hamilton shirt with Italian collar on the black slim-fit Vincent. Light blue often gives good contrast on screen, but test the colour against the actual set. The collar can be a handy spot for a clip microphone.
- Panel with a relaxed atmosphere. The same shirt with the Maximilian cardigan in beige over it, a wool cardigan with a business cut. The cardigan has the calm of a blazer, without the formality. The microphone can go on the edge of the cardigan.
- Informal talk. A knitted polo with buttons and dark trousers. Make sure the polo has a button placket, so the microphone does not have to go in the middle of the knitwear.
Also take a look at Office for Men and our shirts.
Online or hybrid session
For a webinar or hybrid session, it is mainly important that your top has enough contrast with the background and does not create a distracting pattern on camera. Test the outfit beforehand in the actual webcam or studio lighting.
Hair, skin and small details
Spotlight and close-up cameras show small details more strongly. So check beforehand how skin, hair, jewellery and accessories come across under the real light. Whether you use make-up or powder is entirely personal.
Checklist for the evening before
- Outfit tried on completely, also while seated.
- Clothing steamed or ironed, loose threads removed.
- Shoes clean and comfortable, especially if you stand for a long time or walk across the stage.
- A spare top in your bag, in case coffee ends up on your blouse.
- Phone, keys and cards out of your trouser pockets. Full pockets show on camera.
Shop the look
Delphine: tailored blouse with princess seams, shadow blue
Arabelli: high-waist trousers with pleats, navy
Rosamund: lavallière blouse, light blue
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, light blue
Vincent: slim-fit trousers, black
Maximilian: wool cardigan, beige
Frequently asked questions
Which colour is best to wear on a stage?
Mainly choose a colour that contrasts enough with the set. Plain shades are easy for the camera; very fine patterns can sometimes cause moiré.
What should I look out for with a clip microphone?
Ask which microphone system is used. A collar or button placket can be handy for the clip and a waistband for a bodypack, but technicians often have alternative attachments.
Can I wear black as a speaker?
Yes. Just check that black contrasts enough with the set and how it is rendered under the stage lighting.
What do you wear when you are on a panel?
An outfit that stays comfortable while seated and gives enough coverage for your preference. Do the sitting test beforehand and check buttons, hem and trouser length.
