Choosing what to wear for a self tape audition can be confusing. Especially since you plan, film and send the tape without seeing anyone involved in the casting process in person!<\/p>\n
This can feel daunting. You might even can find yourself worrying if wearing the wrong thing will stop you from getting the part. Cut to: you freaking out in front of the wardrobe asking \u201cBut\u2026 what do I wear?!\u201d We\u2019ve already got a great guide on what to wear to an audition<\/a>, but when it comes to a self tape audition don\u2019t fret. We\u2019ve got a great guide below.<\/p>\n While casting directors sometimes have their own preferences and give varying advice, this is one area they mostly agree: actors should not wear a full costume in their self tape.<\/strong> The best way to think about your wardrobe choices is that you should dress to suggest the character, rather than in a costume. After all, you\u2019re not there to play dress up. You\u2019re there to act!<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to remember that the film and television set will have a wardrobe department, so there\u2019s no need to create the wardrobe that the designer will create if you book the job. When auditioning, all you want to do is to give a hint of who the character is with your wardrobe choices.<\/p>\n \u201cGive the essence of the character without giving the exact prototype\u2026 we don\u2019t need you to be the costume designer. But giving the essence certainly helps.\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Casting Director Carmen Aiello<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Ultimately, all that casting are looking for are the visual clues that you belong in this world. Luckily, this can all be done through implication rather than a full-on costume!<\/p>\n While there are no hard and fast rules for what an actor should wear to a self tape audition, there are a few golden rules about what to avoid. We cover off the major no-nos below:<\/p>\n Consider what you would expect the character to wear and try and to align your clothing choices with their world!<\/p>\n Now that we\u2019ve covered what to avoid, let\u2019s get specific around how you can suggest the character through your wardrobe choices. Below are several considerations that will help spark your creativity and nail the character\u2019s essence.<\/p>\n When deciding your wardrobe choice, consider the project. A commercial audition<\/a> for a brand like McDonalds will have a very different feeling than an HBO Crime Drama. Consider the tone and genre of the project while selecting your wardrobe.<\/p>\n For example, a comedic project with larger than life characters might call for bolder colours and more exuberant clothing than something that exists in a gritty underworld, which might have more muted colours and simple clothing.<\/p>\n Pro tip: When auditioning for a commercial casting consider dressing in the colour palette of the brand.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n As we have covered, your clothing choice can indicate your understanding of the part. Subtlety is the key here.<\/strong>\u00a0You can think about the colour and style of the clothing (for example, period dramas have a different feeling to contemporary clothing), and the structure of the fabric. An example of what this would look like in practice is rather than wearing scrubs to play a nurse, you could wear a neutral coloured V-neck top. On the other hand, if you\u2019re auditioning for a white collar role you don\u2019t want to look shabby and unprofessional. Instead, consider wearing business appropriate colours, and playing with more structured clothing.<\/p>\n Finally, once you have thought about the clothing choices, consider additional elements that will suggest the character\u2019s world. This can include things like jewellery and accessories, the grooming practices of the character, and their hair and makeup.<\/p>\n Even for men, jewellery can be a consideration. For characters that are perhaps more in a Russell Brand-type archetype, consider wearing some rings or a small hoop earring.<\/p>\n \u201cI like them to give a hint of the part\u2026 I want to see the actor, not the costume.\u201d<\/em> Casting Director Deirdre Bowen<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Consider how you can style your hair in a way that reflects the character. This includes facial hair! Finally, reflect the character with your makeup choices and remember that it\u2019s not necessary to wear makeup if your character wouldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n Similar to all the other elements of a self tape audition, what you choose to wear will show casting your interpretation of this character<\/a>.\u00a0 When deciding what to wear, the biggest rule is to use your common sense. However, don\u2019t be afraid to make choices that will hint at how you see this character.<\/p>\n Ultimately, you want to imply that you could live in this world through smart and subtle choices. Don\u2019t overcomplicate things. Now, get out there, get dressed, and get that role!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nShould I Wear a Costume in my Self Tape?<\/h2>\n
How To Dress to Suggest The Character<\/h2>\n
\n
Things to Avoid Wearing for Self Tapes<\/h3>\n
\n
![\"Self](\"https:\/\/www.stagemilk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/How-to-Dress-for-A-Self-Tape-1024x488.jpg\")
<\/p>\nHow to Dress to Suggest Character<\/h2>\n
Consider Tone and Genre of The Project<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Subtle Ways to Suggest Character<\/h3>\n
Beyond Wardrobe Choices<\/h3>\n
\n
Final Thoughts on What to Wear<\/h2>\n