Choosing the right outfit for a public speaking engagement is about more than just looking good - it's about feeling confident and making a strong first impression.
As a female speaker, your attire can significantly impact how your audience perceives you and your message.
There are two big reasons you want to get your outfit right:
Confidence: The right outfit will make you feel great, boosting your confidence on stage.
First Impression: Your appearance will give the audience an instant visual impression.
So, let's dive into some tips for choosing the perfect public speaking outfit.
Consider Your Audience and Event
Before selecting your outfit, think about:
Who is your audience? What industry are they in?
What's the formality level of the event?
Is it a daytime or evening event?
Where is the event being held?
Knowing this information is key to helping you select the right outfit that will support your personal brand image.
Practical Considerations
Here are a couple of quick practical things to consider when choosing what to wear:
What color is the backdrop on stage? If it's black, don't wear black because you'll disappear. Same with white. It's fine to blend in with the background if it's a colou r - see Michelle Obama's block blue outfit with a blue background as an example.
Do you tend to sweat? Then avoid silk & satin, they're completely unforgiving. Polyester can be sweaty too. Opt for natural fabrics like cotton that let your skin breathe.
Connect with Your Audience
It's vital to resonate with the audience, to make them feel connected to you and really engage with them. This is where it's incredibly important to dress for the industry you're speaking to. If it's a room full of entrepreneurs, they're likely going to be in smart casual attire rather than full-on suits. If you're talking to corporate lawyers, maybe a suit would be more appropriate.
As of 2024, dress codes have relaxed a lot since the pandemic, but the suit hasn't entirely gone away. Check the dress code and culture of the organization you're speaking to.
Consider Your Personal Brand
How do you want to come across? 'Dress for success' still holds true today. If you want to look like an expert, you need to look pristine - well-groomed hair and nails, with a crisp shirt and smart shoes. It's always good to look slightly better than the audience. Don't wear anything 5 years old or older - it's likely to look dated.
Ensure Comfort
Make sure your clothes are comfortable, both literally and metaphorically. Your shoes shouldn't give you a blister, and you should feel relaxed in what you're wearing.
If you're comfortable in sky-high Louboutins and a boldly patterned dress, go for it. The point is to be authentically yourself. The audience will pick up on that inner alignment, and you'll radiate authenticity which in turn connects with the audience.
Dress to Impress
To make a visual impact, wear something smart and polished. 'Smart' doesn't mean you HAVE to dress classically or wear a suit. There are many ways to dress professionally and be taken seriously. If you look overly formal in a non-formal environment, it can make you appear like you've somehow missed the mark.
"What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language." —Miuccia Prada
Style personality at work is far more accepted than it used to be. We're dressing more comfortably and casually since the pandemic, but you should still look professional.
Remember, cultivating your brand and your style is an important part of being the whole package. When you look good, you feel good. This increases your confidence and can help you look like a leader, influencing others more easily.
By following these guidelines, you'll be able to choose an outfit that not only looks great but also helps you feel confident and professional on stage.
Your clothing should complement your message, not distract from it. When you feel good in what you're wearing, it shows in your delivery and helps you connect with your audience. So choose wisely, and get ready to shine in the spotlight!
I hope this has been helpful! If you need extra help with building the perfect outfit for your next speaking engagement, I would be more than happy to help you with personal styling. Book your free consultation here 🤗
If you want to look great on stage as a professional speaker, grab the free resource here.