Have You Thought About This?

May 14

The first time I was an associate producer was on a TV movie that took place in a women’s prison. I was a little nervous on set — it was my first time in that role — but I tried to act like I knew what I was doing (which worked about half the time). One day we were short on extras and the 2nd AD asked if anyone wanted to volunteer. I’m a big ham, so I said sure. I headed to the wardrobe trailer, excited to see what I was going to be dressed in to look like an inmate. When I got there the wardrobe person looked me up and down and said, you’re fine with what you’re wearing. I was disappointed… and mortified.

The next day — and every day I’ve been on set since — I still dress casually and comfortably, but I make sure I look put together and confident. That small shift toward a more “I know what I’m doing” vibe made a big difference. I felt more grounded, and people started treating me differently — in ways that were subtle but very real.

That experience stuck with me. And while this post isn’t about what to wear on set, it is about how you show up — literally. Sure, “what to wear to a meeting” isn’t the most high-stakes blog topic I’ve written about. It isn’t the most important part of a meeting either. But it is part of how you present yourself — and in an industry where first impressions carry more weight than people like to admit, how you show up sets the tone before you ever open your mouth.

So whether you’re heading into a general, a pitch, a showrunner meeting, or it’s your first day in the room — here are a few no-stress, Hollywood-specific tips on what to wear so you can walk in (or log on) to your next meeting looking like the version of yourself that already belongs there.

Of course, if you’re the most in-demand writer who’s making seven figures per script, feel free to ignore these tips. A ‘top tier’ writer could show up to a meeting in a wrinkled t-shirt, backwards cap, and rundown sneakers and no one would bat an eye. But if you’re not quite there yet, you still need to be intentional about how you present yourself.

Here are a few things to consider before your next meeting:

1. Put yourself in their (designer) shoes

Before you pick an outfit for a meeting, try flipping perspectives for a moment. Imagine you’re the exec or producer on the other side of the table and the screenwriter you’re considering investing in shows up in a stained t-shirt and flip-flops. Would you think, “This person’s got their act together”? Or maybe their cologne, perfume, or (don’t let this happen!) BO enters the room before they do. (I know that sounds absurd, but I’ve been in meetings where the writer was sweating so much, their BO was overwhelming and distracting.) Think that might subconsciously affect how seriously you take them and their script? Your outfit and grooming are part of the story you’re telling. I know an upper level writer who, ahead of a big round of important pitch meetings, hired a stylist to help her find clothes that felt sharp but still felt like her. It paid off — she looked awesome, felt great, and it showed. Now, you don’t need to pay for a stylist, but you get the point. Being thoughtful and deliberate ahead of time can go a long way.

2. Hollywood Style = laid-back vibes with professional drive

Think, “I’m a chill creative who totally has it together.” Looking polished is great, but skip the suit (unless you’re interviewing at CAA). Overdressing can read like you don’t understand the industry. You’re a writer, which means you have a lot of flexibility and freedom to express your personal style and still come across as a total pro. So have fun with it! If you have purple hair, own that purple hair (just make sure it’s clean and styled well). Wearing something that sparks conversation can be a smart move. I once had a client who was deep into sci-fi and wore a Star Trek belt to a meeting — it ended up being the perfect ice breaker and she got the job! Your version of a ‘conversation starter’ might be a standout piece of jewelry, killer shoes, or a quirky bag. Showing a bit of personality through your wardrobe gives people a sense of who you are right out of the gate — which is great, as long as it’s intentional. That said…

3. When in doubt, keep it clean and simple

Yes, you’re an artist, and yes, your personality should come through — but not to the point where your outfit distracts from you and your work. I’m not saying you need to be overly modest or dull things down, but you do want to make sure your look isn’t shouting louder than your pitch. When in doubt, aim for casual-chic: something clean, put-together, and just a little bit elevated. Some basics that almost always work are:

Well-fitting jeans or slacks
A crisp tee, cool button-down, or a top with a bit of texture or interest (layer on a sweater or jacket if it’s cold or if you want a little more polish)
Clean, comfortable shoes that say “creative pro,” not “I just finished a hike”
Dresses? Totally fine — just think “smart casual,” not “cocktail hour”

And don’t be afraid to add a memorable touch: like a unique pair of earrings or pop of color. Interesting accessories and bright tones tend to make you more memorable (again, just make sure they’re not so loud they do all the talking).

4. Present yourself like you give a damn

Like it or not, those first few seconds in the room do matter. So, here’s the basic checklist before you walk out the door:

Shower (yes, this gets its own line — don’t be that person)
Haircut (a good one is worth the investment — it can change how you feel)
Nails? Trimmed and clean (people notice more than you think)
Skip the perfume/cologne (most in-person meetings happen in small rooms and some folks are scent-sensitive and that could be an inadvertent strike against you)
Check for stains, wrinkles (sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised)
Avoid controversial political or religious slogans (these are strange times, and not everyone shares the same POV —or wants to talk about it in a meeting. It’s not about hiding who you are; it’s about keeping the focus on your work).

5. Comfort Is Confidence

The best outfit is the one that lets you focus on your ideas and connect with the person in front of you — not your waistband, your blisters, or whether your shirt is clinging in weird places. If you’re racing between meetings, wear shoes that can keep up. If you sweat when you’re nervous, maybe don’t wear grey. If a certain piece of clothing makes you feel self-conscious, skip it. Looking great doesn’t have to mean being uncomfortable. When you’re at ease, it shows—and that’s what really makes an impression.

6. Zoom-specific style tips

Dressing for Zoom is a little different than dressing for an in-person meeting — but it still matters. Here are a few quick pointers to keep in mind:

Lose the sweatpants. Sure, they can’t see you below the waist. But remember, how you dress impacts how you feel. Showing up in “real pants” can help you bring confident, focused, professional energy to the call. (I have a successful client who swears by this.)
Go for bright colors. A brightly colored top not only makes you pop on screen, it can subconsciously help keep their attention on you while you’re talking.
Avoid anything distracting around your face. That means no oversized earrings that steal focus (like jangling every time you speak) or hats that keep your face in shadow.
Consider your background. It’s not technically part of your outfit — but it is part of your esthetic. No need to get too fancy or curated — but do keep it clean, uncluttered, and maybe include one interesting object (like a framed poster or cool knickknack) that reflects a bit of personality and might even be a great source of conversation.

7. Be You (Just the put together version)

I know some screenwriters like 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 a blazer because you think it looks professional when you’d never wear one in everyday life). Writers aren’t expected to be fashionistas (although if you are, rock it), the goal is to feel like you — just the polished, meeting-ready version. So if you’ve got a signature piece that makes you feel like a boss — like a favorite vintage jacket, or a lucky necklace — go for it. If bold colors hype you up, great. If minimalism is your thing, own it. Just make sure it all says: I’m confident. I care. I belong here.

Screenwriting is a strange, wonderful business where the vibe might seem casual, but the stakes are real. While you and your writing are what truly matter, dressing the part helps people take you seriously, helps you feel more confident and can help people remember you.

I once met a writer client who swore we had met before. I had absolutely zero memory of her, and told her that wasn’t a good sign. She had come from the corporate world and was buttoned up with navy pants and a blazer — nothing about it was memorable or said, “creative”. We worked on it, and now she only wears bright colors and bold jewelry. No one forgets her, and she’s been staffed for 3 seasons in a row.

It might sound silly to worry about your appearance when what you’re selling is your brain. But this is a competitive business. If a great haircut or memorable accessory gives you even a slight edge — why not take it?

So, steam that shirt, wear the thing that makes you feel like a badass, and walk into that meeting as the best version of yourself.

You’ve got this.

What are your ‘screenwriter style tips’ for an important meeting? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!

For more industry info and tips check out these additional resources:

For the ultimate guide to pitching a TV show that sells, check out my e-book, The Ultimate Guide to a Killer Pitch

To learn how to create your “personal logline” read my free e-book, Tell Your Story in 60 Seconds.

For my in-depth video course on breaking into the business go to: Carole Kirschner’s Hollywood Boot Camp.

And you can find my book, Hollywood Game Plan on Amazon or at Michael Wiese Productions (MWP).

Carole Kirschner