what to wear on TV?

In San Francisco, we have rinky-dink daytime local talk shows. I will be on one of them tomorrow talking about stuff, sitting on the sofa, maybe with a mug of coffee.

What should I wear?

Our PR flack advised something casual, but nice. Like khakis. Bleh.

Advice, something casual yet nice?

Jacket, or no jacket.

I've seen people in fleece and jeans on the show.

Just be careful with patterns -- anything too tight or stripy will strobe like hell. Stick with something solid.

Nice blazer, white shirt sans tie?

AskAndy article about this:

http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/W...Television.htm

Oversized blazer buttoned while sitting down. With USA flag lapel pin and clip-on microphone attached to your tie. Make your hair as big as possible.

That's how the pros do it, but maybe SF can reverse the trend.

if you're sitting on a sofa and they're getting a full body shot, don't forget to wear an awesome socks/shoes combo.

Originally Posted by AB01

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Oversized blazer buttoned while sitting down. With USA flag lapel pin and clip-on microphone attached to your tie. Make your hair as big as possible.

That's how the pros do it, but maybe SF can reverse the trend.

My hair is massive. With your logic, I should keep all three buttons buttoned on the jacket too, eh?

Don't do it like this guy, though.

Originally Posted by CharlestonBows

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Don't do it like this guy, though.

Dude. That sucks.

What channel/time?

Originally Posted by CharlestonBows

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Don't do it like this guy, though.
Which is why one must ALWAYS have a drink or three before going on TV. If you have any chance of being nervous, a few rounds of Scotch (in my case) would calm you right down.

Originally Posted by acidicboy

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if you're sitting on a sofa and they're getting a full body shot, don't forget to wear an awesome socks/shoes combo.


This man couldn't be more right. That would be very fun

Eye on the Bay?

Originally Posted by farfisa23

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My hair is massive. With your logic, I should keep all three buttons buttoned on the jacket too, eh?

After I logged off I knew I forgot that.
Hopefully this topic gets updated with video or stills so all can see how it went.

Grey sports coat or navy blazer - patterned coats are not good for TV - either they drag too much attention, either they give a blurred image;
My favorites in shirts are ginghams or stripes, if you do not wear a tie, a button down, just to avoid the collar flapping around, blue is the safest color - because studio lights are blueish, white will make you look paler than you are;
A nice pocket square;
Very well polished shoes - you are on a couch, sitting, so they will be very visible, I'd opt for something with laces;
As I am not a good friend of the khakis, I'd opt for flannels or cords, but I am in Europe, not Cal;
The whole outfit is what image you want to project - technical, but well dressed, man of the people, etc.
The whole idea is to be at ease and to project the image of knowing what you are talking about (your host won't have, normally, the faintest idea, he/she will follow a script that was prepared by the documentarists, so it will be, a dialogue with a deaf), so it will be important to behave like a knowledgeable and at ease person, but also to stand up comparatively to other guests, past and future.
Good luck and a good show

Only the most subtle of patterns (causes strobing), avoid red (can cause the 'snow' effect), avoid high contrast (difficult to light) and if you are wearing an undershirt and no jacket make sure it's long sleved as the lighting can make it show through. If you have a tendency to sweat, make sure you wear something that will conceal it, it' get's hot under studio lighting. Most importantly make sure you look good; you mother might be watching!

Good luck. Looking forward to hearing how it goes.