Get Out of Your Pajamas! 4 Tips for Dressing for Screenwriting Success

I work from my home office and I used to spend the day in my PJ’s. No time (or reason) to change! No one was going to see me (unless I was doing a Skype presentation or coaching session, then I’d be presentable from the waist up, because that’s the only thing that would be on the screen). But then my friend Judy, a successful producer who also has a home office, told me she was always more productive when she changed into “grown up” clothes to work at her desk. I tried it and was pretty amazed how well it worked.

There are not a lot of ‘attire rules’ for screenwriters. You might write in your pajamas all day, skip a shower to finish a rewrite by the deadline, or put on your ‘good yoga pants’ if you plan to write at a coffee shop.

But on those days you have to emerge from your solo writing cave and take a meeting or go to a networking event - appearance matters, and that first impression can have a big impact. Whether you’re pitching to an executive, or having coffee with an indie producer make sure your appearance inspires confidence rather than being dismissed as someone who isn’t competent enough to come to a meeting looking put together.

Of course if you’re the most sought after feature or television writer and quirky as hell, you can ignore these tips, but if not, take a look:

1. Put Yourself in their (expensive) Shoes

When you’re choosing what to wear for a meeting, it can help to put yourself in the shoes of a producer or executive. If the screenwriter you are considering investing in showed up to a meeting wearing a stained t-shirt and flip flops would you view them as a competent professional? Or, if you could smell their aftershave, perfume, or (don’t let this happen!) BO before they’ve even entered the room, would you maybe be inclined to give their writing just a little less consideration? When you’re choosing your outfit and grooming yourself before a meeting, ask yourself, ‘if this person walked into my office, what would my first impression be?’ I have a successful writer friend who hired a stylist to help her put together an interesting, yet professional wardrobe because she was about to go out on a series of pitch meetings. Good move. She looked awesome and authentic and felt great. 

2. Remember You’re Still An Artist

Wearing something to a meeting that makes you look professional is great. But don’t wear a suit. It makes you look like you don’t understand the business. You’re a creative, which means you have a lot of flexibility and freedom to express your personal style and still come across as professional. So have fun! If you have pink hair, own that pink hair (just make sure it’s styled well). I had a client who was a sci-fi geek and wore a Star Trek belt to a meeting. It was the perfect ice breaker and she got the job! Showing your personality through your style can help instantly give a sense of who you are, and help you stand out from the crowd.

3. When in Doubt, Keep it Simple

Even though you are an artist and can let your personality shine, don’t let your outfit be so “out there” that it distracts from you and your work. I’m not saying how you look needs to be overly modest, or boring, you should choose clothes that you feel your best in, but make sure they aren’t such a statement that they overtake the meeting. When in doubt keep it simple: For women, maybe a nice, interesting top and dark jeans (if you like dresses, you can do that, but don’t look like you’re going on a date) with polished and understated hair and makeup. For men, dark jeans or slacks with a collared shirt and neat looking hair (including facial hair) is a good look.

4. Be You Rather than What you THINK they Want You to Be

I know there are screenwriters out there who try to “dress the part” (like wearing goth fashion for a meeting on a vampire show) but in my opinion, it’s not necessary. Same goes for dressing how you think they want you to dress (like wearing high-heels because you think it looks professional when you never wear heels in everyday life). It’s great to take into consideration the style of the company you’re meeting with (like are they young, hip and cool or more conservative?) and adjust your style to reflect that working environment. But aside from those basic considerations don’t try to guess who they want you to be. Just stick with clothes that make you feel comfortable and like the most authentic version of your creative (and professional) self.

How do you dress for success in Hollywood? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!