Dumb (but important) question about dress sense

Lisa Lane-Collins

Lisa Lane-Collins

Sophomore
Dec 9, 2012
270
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16
Adelaide, Australia
So, quietly hoping this is an ok question to ask on this forum,

I've been getting some work in a relatively prestigious venue - holds about 500, gets everything from lucky local bands and rising stars to fading stars (no doubt somewhat to do with the size of the city I live in and low attendance rates to gigs). We get acts like The Whitlams, and Tony Childs, Roriguez is playing in the next couple of weeks (apparently he's some kind of big deal), I've enjoyed watching bands like Gomez, The Vines and Augie March there. Anyway, I ramble, I'm just trying to put the space on context. The gigs I get are never big names but I'd like to be landing some of those jobs in the future.

The reason I am posting is because the other day one of the owners advised me if I wanted to continue getting venue work, I needed to dress more sharp. This stressed me out a bit as I've already thought of that and put some thought into what I'm wearing while I'm there. (In winter, no worries, dress pants or black jeans and a black shirt, or tshirt with docs). I struggle in Summer though cos all the easy 'sharp' clothes are not conducive to comfort on a 30 degree day. The day the owner approached me I was wearing black shorts and a black singlet top (and thongs, probably Not the best choice). I asked her for some advice, and asked if what I was wearing was ok and she said it was but that the last time I was in I was wearing clothes that were faded (I think I know the pants she means and am disappointed they don't make the grade).

I Just don't have an eye for this stuff and am wondering if anyone has any advice for improving my dress sense? (Yes I googled this and found Lots of advice for men, in offices, and theatre techs, who are advised to Never wear shorts - but 30 degree days, with no air con, they Has to be some compromise surely).

Point of annoyance, the venue tech always wears super casual wear (and has apparently been asked to avoid black). I guess his clothes are all new and shiny? I don't think I can pull off Not black sharp dressing as I have quite long dreadlocks (gotta dress extra non descript to compensate for that).

Bah, dressing is hard.
 
Re: Dumb (but important) question about dress sense

Lisa,

Just to give you an idea I wear a Dickies work shirt (long- or short-sleeved, depending on climate) and Dickies work pants. I wear company polos for load-in/load-out and setup. It's not just a matter of "looking good" for the client, etc., it's also about your safety and comfort that directly impacts your ability to do your job. That being said, it's good to find out how dressed up you're expected to be.

I have found that a polo shirt (made with a moisture-wicking fabric) works very well to keep me cool during events that involve higher temperatures. It may also prove helpful to look into similar undergarments and socks - neither gig butt nor chafing are fun. I wear SmartWool socks year-round, and they keep my feet very happy - event with 18+ hour shifts, multiple days in-a-row.

Also, I have always considered closed-toe shoes (preferably with some form of safety toe…steel or otherwise) mandatory footwear on show site. Flip-flops (or "thongs", as you call them) are a big no-no. Sneakers can be fine…many here like Ecco for their comfort; I wear Redwing 6" work boots, but probably would opt for a lighter-weight shoe when running an outdoor show in warm weather.
 
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Re: Dumb (but important) question about dress sense

I would have thought that black shorts and a black shortsleeved cotton shirt would be accepted in most situations, but there are probably occasions where you need to go for the long trousers.
Not wearing black is quite a strange request in my book, but how hard can it be to find a pair of grey trousers and a grey shirt? A quick tour of any KMart or whatever should have you fitted out in no time without spending a fortune, think neutral and semi-formal office style, and you should be allright. If you avoid jeans and tanktops and keep the colours fairly neutral, few if any will complain. Tattoos, piercings, dreadlocks and whatever else that might offend some people (stuff like boobs and bottoms?) should be hidden or made less obvious.
 
Re: Dumb (but important) question about dress sense

It is a pretty vague request you received to dress more "sharp". If it was a direct employer you could easily ask more specific questions on dress code. It definitely sounds a little strange that the house tech gets to dress casual and you are held to a different standard. There is something to be said though about "new and shiny" as you put it. Maybe a pair of new black slacks might do the trick.
 
Re: Dumb (but important) question about dress sense

When in doubt, dress conservatively. Faded pants may be considered a fashion statement, or "too casual" if faded from use. You want to look professional, and mostly blend into the background, never be a distraction to the audience. Thus the popular sound person's black on black uniform.

Listening to your customers, as long as they give consistent advice, should be fine. The customer is always right, even when they are wrong. :-)

JR
 
Re: Dumb (but important) question about dress sense

I never wear black clothes on a gig unless I'm doing changeovers on stage or it's a corporate event where I need a suit or similar.

Many of my customers prefer that, some of them have said that they like a sound guy wearing something else than the usual black shirt and jeans after I started doing it.

If in doubt, I'll ask what they prefer or try to match their level/style.
 
Re: Dumb (but important) question about dress sense

Hi Lisa,
That is interesting that they don't want black. I would say what ever works for the vibe of the club but I would lean toward conservative and professional in that situation. A club situation is a little different than remote sound as far as dress. I have worked in rooms where my long ponytail (at the time) and a tie dye shirt and jeans was appropiate for the vibe. I have also worked in rooms where a shirt and tie was correct for the vibe. In this business you will find how you present yourself will affect in a big way how people treat you. One of my favorite teachings from my business mentor is, "In Business Perception Is Everything."
 
Re: Dumb (but important) question about dress sense

Personally I have a set of black cotton t-shirts (about 5 or 6) that are faded for 3-4 of them and 2 that look almost new. The new ones come out for indoor gigs while the others come out for outdoor gigs. I also have a couple pair of black BDU pants. (the pockets help me a whole lot since most of the time I go straight from show to the out. (grabbing mics is easier when your pockets can hold 4 SM58's each.) I've worn a suit once for a corporate gig but I didn't have to worry about loading in or out without being able to change.
 
Re: Dumb (but important) question about dress sense

I have worked all kinds of gigs from rodeos to formal dinners so it really depends.But I usually have 2 sets of clothes.The ones I wear to set up and tear down and then another set to wear for the actual job. And those depend on the occassion.But for the formal jobs it is usually dress pants and a coat and tie.
 
Re: Dumb (but important) question about dress sense

My rule of thumb has always been to dress better than and so as not to be confused with artists and attendees.
 
Re: Dumb (but important) question about dress sense

I would ask your employer for clarification. "Sharp" can span a pretty wide continuum.

My work wear usually looks like the following, going from most casual to most formal:
Black cotton t-shirt (white if out in the sun and black isn't being mandated) and EMT pants/shorts -> Black polo/golf shirt and EMT pants -> Dress pants, shoes, and button down shirt. ->Full suit.

Shoes are ALWAYS closed-toed. I enjoy EMT/uniform pants, as they are designed to both look presentable, as well as to take a good amount of wear and tear. Usually if something starts to look worn or faded, it gets bumped down to "most casual" status. I sometimes will start the day with one set and upgrade to another for showtime, depending on the gig. To help combat the heat, a trick I've seen one of my friends do during hot weather is to soak a bandana in cold water and then tie it around her neck. Ultimately, I find it helpful to think of what one wears to work as a uniform. It's clothing that is both functional, but also conveys "I'm here to work." YMMV.
 
Re: Dumb (but important) question about dress sense

Jordan Wolf said:
Just to give you an idea I wear a Dickies work shirt (long- or short-sleeved, depending on climate) and Dickies work pants. I wear company polos for load-in/load-out and setup. It's not just a matter of "looking good" for the client, etc., it's also about your safety and comfort that directly impacts your ability to do your job. That being said, it's good to find out how dressed up you're expected to be.
Click to expand...

I really wish I could fit my legs into Dickies work pants. I have to buy black khakis and I replace them way to often.
 
Re: Dumb (but important) question about dress sense

Matt,

Dickies make various versions of their pants…I typically wear the "standard" ones, but they fit me well. The comfort fit style might be an easier fit if the "regular" ones are too snug.

I had to try different sizes to figure out which ones worked for me.
 
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