As screen and fiction writers, we know clothing can reveal character. We use that principal in our stories.
In screenwriting, we describe what our characters wear only if it is integral in establishing a character trait, setting/world/period, or tone. We’re to leave the exactness of what our characters wear in each scene to the costume designer if, and when, our stories get greenlit for development and production.
In writing fiction, a short story, novella, or novel, we have more latitude in using clothing to reveal character. We have time to describe a character’s lavish hair style, designer suit, Spandex jogging outfit, “downtime” clothing, etc. We know how to sprinkle descriptions in to produce a vivid character image in the minds of our readers.
But, as writers, do we ever consider what we wear in our daily lives, especially when we are out and about in the world beyond our writing space? Or when we take selfies that we ost on social media?
Most of us don’t.
Yet, we should. If we take our writing seriously, and seek to be published, optioned – or have already been published, optioned, etc. – What We Wear Matters!
Our clothing choices can help our hinder our careers.
People can, and do, judge a person by how they appear. This is especially true during a first encounter: during an in person or virtual meet and greet event, a pitch meeting or zoom meeting.
What are you wearing now? Are you at your day job? Or are you at home, writing, chilling on the sofa, doing ordinary things besides writing?
Or are you out and about with others?
It’s when you’re out and abou, in person, or virtually online, that your attire and hair matter. The type of clothing, color choices, shoes, and accessories matter.
Most of us don’t consider how others may perceive us as a person. People who don’t know us, people we just met.
How do you want to be perceived by the outside world as a person and as a writer?
How we dress also affects our mood. It reflects how we feel at that moment in time. Are we tired, bored, or so distracted that we dart out of the house in sweats, with messy or limp hair, in tennis shoes, crocs, flip flops or slipper-shoes?
Are you headed for a writing conference, a Zoom meeting, a book signing, or film festival? Consider what you wear BEFORE you set out or sit down for those kind of events.
Clothing matters in those kinds of settings because who you may encounter may be someone who might be influential in the progress or the stall of your writing career.
What you wear reflects your personality. Your sense of style, or lack of style. Your occupation and lifestyle.
Here are some examples of what to wear and not wear in instances where you may be rubbing elbows or just being seen by people that could help you as a writer.
Attending a Writing Conference:
- Nix the flip flops, ripped blue jeans, jammie pants, unflattering T-shirts, gum chewing.
- Try looking semi-professional, neat hair, stylish attire that is comfortable and a step above “the tossed on blue jeans or lounging clothes in a rush” look.
- Wear comfy shoes – that can’t be mistaken for slippers.
- Wear a small backpack or purse in which you have at least 2 pens, small notebook & plenty of your business cards.
A Book Signing (yours or for an author you admire)
- Again, no flip flops, ripped jeans, sweats, jammie pants and T-shirts.
- Look like you dressed for this event, not like you jumped out of bed or off the sofa to get or sign a book.
- Be causally stylish!
Attending a Film Festival (where your writing may or may not be featured)
- All of the above, but on a more professional level – no suits, but look like your PART of the Festival, not a wannabe, hobbyist dabber. Be YOU the Writer! The Serious Writer.
- Be aware of people around you. Introduce yourself, when that moment arises, SMILE! Be confident and OWN your title as WRITER – even if you haven’t published a story or novel, or sold a script yet.
- Network, asking about and listening to what others say they write – this too reveals character.
- Pass out business cards and talk about your work – but don’t up-stage anyone. Be remembered as that friendly person, who’s writing/wrote that cool story.
Attending a ZOOM Meetings (Pitch Meeting and/or Agent/Manager Discussions)
- These are the meetings where you and your personality must shine, because all eyes will be on you.
- Test the VISUAL you before the meeting.
- Find a background and clothing that enhance your visual image. Shoes don’t matter here, BUT, you ARE affected by HOW you dress, even if all the viewer sees of you is from above your waist.
- Your hair matters. Avoid having limp or wild hair. Unlike an “in-person” meeting, you have the time pre-meeting to setup HOW you will be seen onscreen.
- How you dress, how you hair looks, your demeanor, how you talk, and what you present to these potential industry execs, agents or managers are crucial.
In-Person Pitch Meeting
- Even more crucial than a Zoom Pitch are the in-person meeting. Again all eyes will be on you, even when attention spans wan.
- Again, how you dress, your hair, how calm and confident you appear, how you talk, and what you present to these potential industry execs, agents or managers are can make our break your professional image.
- You can only test how you’ll look visually by practicing your presentation. Record your practice session. Perform it in front of your family and friends. Get their feedback on your “look” and on how you present your material.
- Practicing your presentation, being knowledgeable and comfortable with your story elements will help you gain the confidence you’ll need during the actual meeting.
- Dress for success, but in a comfortable way. Be YOU – but be the Successful, Calm, and Confident you. You were invited to this meeting because those industry ececs, agent or manager WANT to hear about your work.
Remember – Your clothes can help you portray a successful image of you. They can extend your personality and style to those you meet and those whom you meet in passing.
Don’t miss the opportunity to look successful by grabbing clothes and shoes on the fly. Think of your “look” before you step out into the world, or onto the virtual world.
