I was talking to a friend, who is establishing herself as a speaker.
She was eagerly waiting for the feedback from a more seasoned speaker on a keynote she had just delivered.
She was shocked to hear that the biggest criticism was... about her outfit and not her keynote.
She didn't come across as professional, considering she aims for corporate as her primary audience.
Below are 3 tips which will help you navigate easily avoidable clothes-related mistakes on stage:
1. Wearing a button-up shirt?
Make sure it's not gaping, even slightly. The camera picks up and exaggerates everything.
Sometimes, it might look fine from the front, but if the camera shows you close-up, from the side, it might show even a tiny gap. Wear a thin skin-tone cami underneath if needed.
Other things you can do: Add poppers between the buttons or use double-sided tape.
This is a crucial aspect of how to dress on stage, especially when considering what not to wear on stage for speaking engagements.
2. Check the length of your skirt
Remember, the skirt looks much shorter and shows much more of your leg and beyond if you are on a raised stage.
So test your skirt length at home to make sure it's appropriate and imagine what level of exposure you will be OK with.
Do you need to wear tights? What kind of tights? If you are wearing tights, best to bring a spare pair with you.
You don't want to find yourself with a hole in your tights minutes before you go on.
This is one of the most common clothes-related mistakes on stage that can easily be avoided with proper planning.
3. Consider your footwear/socks/tights
Your footwear is also on show. So make sure you are happy with what's on your feet.
Even if you are wearing long trousers, your ankles might still show.
Wearing socks or tights? Make sure they are the right ones to go with the rest of your outfit. When planning your stage outfits, don't overlook this crucial detail.
The right footwear can make a significant difference in your overall appearance and comfort level while speaking.
Bonus tip: Make sure your underwear lines don't show.
You want your audience's focus to be on your talk and your outfit to support your message. Here are 3 tips to avoid your panty and bra lines from showing:
Wear seamless underwear, it's specifically designed to hide underwear from showing
Use skin-tone underwear
Make sure the fabric of your outfit is substantial and is not thin jersey
By paying attention to these details, you can avoid common clothes problems and ensure that your appearance enhances rather than distracts from your message.
Remember, knowing what to wear on stage when speaking is just as important as knowing your content.
I hope these tips are useful. What else would you add here?
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