So how does one prepare for something like this without freaking out about what to wear? Well I did plenty of that! Fortunately I had a friend who had been on the show who gave me suggestions. The station also gives guidelines. Here’s a summary from both sources.
-no white or neutral. Bright, SOLID colors work best.
-you will filmed from the left side and it’s important to look at who is interviewing you not the camera. (Yikes! My double chin!)
-the camera adds ten pounds–be prepared.
-wearing a jacket makes it easy to clip the mic on the collar and hide it behind the jacket.
So the search began. I watched segments of the show and decided to wear a dress and a jacket. I like dresses, wear them well typically and I think they can be flattering and hide a few pounds.
Easier said than done. My dresses were either too busy, too dressy, too casual and didn’t go with any of the jackets or sweaters. Jackets have to hit at the right spot and not look heavy. It’s also a hard time of the year. Leather jackets seemed too winter-like (again no white or cream) Denim jackets –too ordinary.
Being on TV? What a great excuse to shop! I ordered and bought a few dresses, but none seemed right with a jacket and I could just picture the side view without a jacket–ALL ARM! I will spare you more details of how many combos I tried.
Full disclosure: It is the night before and I’m in a slight panic. NOTHING is working. I’m trying not to have a melt down, and I’m furious at myself for gaining weight back.
I was completely relating to all those women who told me they stare at their closet and can’t figure it out. This is what I do–I HAVE to get it together!
That darn weight thing kept me from several possibilities in my closet and caused me to have to re-order a LARGER size in a dress, pay extra shipping, and track the package continually. (It arrived the afternoon of the taping–too late. This never happens. Thanks Nordstrom for letting me down after my years of faithful employment!)
I tried on several things for my husband and he kept going back to the red jacket which ironically is the perfect dress jacket–short in the back–open in front to show the dress. Alas, no dress to coordinate. Underneath I chose a Cabi top I’ve had for 4 years to provide some texture/interest, denim for contrast vs. black pants. I debated about the jewelry, but went simple as the wrong piece can be too busy. It certainly wasn’t what I thought I’d be doing originally, but honestly it’s ME, and a look that I love and feel comfortable in.
So there you have it. Just keeping it real! Even Personal Stylists have their struggles. I promise to be most empathetic the next time I hear a similar story from a client.
