When you’re invited to appear on television — whether it’s a news program, financial panel, or corporate feature — you’re not just speaking for yourself; you’re representing your company, brand, and professional image during a high-stakes TV appearance.
As a leading provider of media training and presentation coaching in Singapore and Dubai, Oake Media helps executives, founders, and experts prepare for TV interviews. One question we always get is: What should I wear on TV?
Here’s your clear, professional guide on how to dress for television interviews to look confident, credible, and camera-ready.
1. Understand That TV Is a Visual Medium
Television amplifies everything — not just your words, but your appearance, your body language, and your outfit. In a TV interview, the goal is to ensure nothing distracts from your key messages — including your wardrobe. That’s why knowing how to dress for TV interview settings is part of showing up prepared.
During our media training sessions in Singapore, we help clients test and fine-tune their look so they project professionalism, confidence, and authority on screen.
2. Stick to Solid, Medium-to-Dark Colours
Bright white can glare under studio lights, while busy patterns (like small checks or stripes) can create a distracting moiré effect on camera. These choices may undermine your professional appearance and distract from your message.
✅ Best choices: solid jewel tones (blue, burgundy, emerald), navy, grey, or muted earth tones — all considered appropriate attire for those wondering what to wear for a TV interview.
❌ Avoid: Bright colors, pure white, shiny fabrics, bold stripes, or tiny patterns, which tend to stand out harshly or cause visual issues on screen.
For men, a well-tailored jacket in navy or charcoal with a solid or subtly patterned tie works well. For women, a solid-colored blouse or dress with clean lines and minimal embellishment reads best on camera and reinforces a polished TV appearance.
3. Choose Clothes That Fit Perfectly
On TV, ill-fitting clothes can ruin your presence. A jacket that pulls, a shirt that gaps, or trousers that bunch up will all be amplified by the camera — especially under bright TV lights. Whether it’s your first TV interview or a recurring TV appearance, fit is everything.
✅ Get clothes tailored if necessary.
✅ Check how you look sitting down, as many interviews are filmed seated.
4. Keep Accessories Minimal
Big, shiny jewellery or loud accessories can distract viewers and may even cause audio issues if they jangle against your microphone. This is a key consideration in any TV interview outfit, especially when prepping for a high-stakes television appearance.
✅ Stick to simple earrings, a small necklace, or a classic watch.
✅ For glasses, clean the lenses and check for glare under lights.
5. Mind Your Hair and Makeup
Studio lighting can make you look pale or washed out, depending on your skin tone. Even men benefit from a bit of powder to reduce shine, and anyone appearing on camera should consider whether to wear makeup for a more polished look.
✅ Bring blotting papers, translucent powder or a mattifying gel to keep shine to a minimum.
✅ Ensure hair is neatly styled, and avoid extreme hairstyles or colours that may draw attention away from your message.
At Oake Media’s media training programs in Singapore, we help clients do on-camera practice sessions so they know how their look comes across under lights and in front of high-definition cameras.
6. Test Everything in Advance
Before your TV appearance, do a full run-through in your chosen outfit. Sit, stand, gesture, and see how everything feels.
If you’re unsure, bring a backup outfit or ask the producer for dress guidelines — especially if the program has a particular tone (e.g., formal vs. casual business).
Ready to Ace Your Next TV Interview?
Looking great on TV is just one part of media success. To master your message, body language, and on-camera delivery, professional media training is essential.
At Oake Media, we offer specialised media and presentation training in Singapore, helping executives, spokespeople, and founders perform with confidence in TV interviews, press appearances, and public speaking engagements.
Contact us today to book a customised coaching session and make sure you shine in your next media appearance — both in what you say and how you look.
