What to Wear on a Commercial Audition

So, you have an audition for a national commercial. You're thrilled. You go to the audition and walk out of the room knowing that you nailed it. The only problem is the director who watches the tape the next day thinks you look awful on-camera. Is it just you? Do you really look horrible on-camera? I doubt it. But you might have chosen what would normally be a flattering outfit in person that turned out to not be so flattering on-camera. So what should you wear then exactly?

Well, the number one rule is to dress according to type. You should know what you are type cast for and dress accordingly. But there are a series of rules everyone must follow despite their "type cast wardrobe."

1. No black tops, jackets or sweaters unless specifically told to wear so. Black absorbs light and will make you look sickly.

2. No white tops, jackets or sweaters unless specifically told to wear so. White reflects light and will make you look blinded and blurred.

3. Minimal jewelry is best. Note: If you're playing a tattooed, pierced rocker you might be able to get away with a little more than the rest of us.

4. Hair out of the face. The camera wants to see your face, especially your eyes, not your hair.

5. Less is more when it comes to make-up. Tone it down ladies, they can imagine you with more make-up on, it's more difficult to imagine you with less.

6. No flip flops. This one is hard, especially for LA people because they are so used to wearing flip flops everyday (I'm guilty of this too). But, national commercials are intended for all of middle America too and trust me, they can't walk around in flip flops everyday. Invest in a couple nice pairs of closed-toe shoes.

7. No crazy patterns or designs on your clothing. It distracts from what we should be playing attention to, you.

8. No logos or visible writing. Who wants to hire someone for an Adias commercial when they have Nike written across their chest? And that doesn't mean walk in with Adias clothing either, it will look like you're trying too hard.

9. Neat is always better than messy. Remember you're selling yourself here, how you look will be their first impression of you as a person and employee.

10. Always have more clothes in your car just in case something unforeseen happens or suddenly you're auditioning for another role.

While these may seem like silly little rules that make no sense, trust me, they do. And if you don't believe me ask a friend to videotape you in several different outfits. Watch the tape back. You'll be amazed at how a certain color might look amazing while another makes you look like you need to vomit. Or long sleeves might make you look younger than short sleeves. All of these little things do add up and they could just be the difference between a callback and a "thanks for coming in."