Tristyle is a New York City-based audition and event styling company. Co-founders, Kayla and Elizabeth, have built relationships with a wide range of industry professionals and have experienced major success with their clients. Their mission is to bring actors affordable styling that highlights personal style and inspires confidence in an audition room.
“Come into an audition looking like you walked in off the streets of New York City.” —Cesar Rocha (Telsey + Co.)
After sitting down with Cesar, this became one of our mantras. Actors hear so many different opinions about what the “audition outfit” should be. Let’s get on the same page! There’s an art to combining what you would wear on the “streets of New York City” with the character you are creating in an audition room. We’re here to bridge the gap.
While the outfit is often the last element an actor thinks about, it is casting’s first impression. Your outfit is one of the few things you can actually control. Here are the top fashion don’ts to set you up for success.
1. Don’t have an “audition dress” or “audition outfit” that you pull out of your closet strictly for auditions. Personal style is an advantage and will help someone behind the table understand what you’re bringing into the room. If it’s not something you would wear every day, it will not reflect your personality.
2. If you can’t walk a mile in your shoes, don’t wear them to an audition. Though they make your legs look amazing, four-inch heels are distracting in an audition setting. Casting directors don’t want to worry about you falling down; they’d rather you look and feel grounded.
“The one thing I wish girls knew? Don’t put on crazy high heels for auditions! I don’t want you teetering around. I want you grounded, powerful, and free. Plus, I know you didn’t walk here in them and I know you’re going to change out of them in two minutes.” —Liesl Tommy (Director of Broadway’s “Eclipsed”)
3. Feel free to wear accessories that show personality but don’t distract. For guys and girls, simple jewelry or a fun watch goes a long way. We love accessories, but loud statement pieces in an audition can draw attention to the wrong place. This is your moment to shine and you’re shiny enough!
4. Don’t wear clothes that are too tight or too loose. As an actor, your body is your instrument. Casting wants to see your shape! On the other hand, tight or revealing clothes (when the role doesn’t specifically call for it) can be distracting and even come across as inappropriate.
“Always keep in mind you’re going in front of a room of professionals” —Scotty Anderson (Richard Hicks Casting, Tara Rubin Casting)
5. Don’t wear too much makeup. Your face is unique and your most important asset. Don’t contour it away! Simply put, less is more. Natural-looking makeup should be your go-to. (Google search “Bobbi Brown natural look” for inspiration.) No false lashes unless you’re in drag!
For more on Tristyle, check out @tristylenyc on Instagram for red-carpet looks! And contact Tristyle for audition and event styling at www.tristylenyc.com.
Now that your outfit is ready, get your nerves in check:
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The views expressed in this article are solely that of the individual(s) providing them,
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Backstage or its staff.