How to Dress for an Audition

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methods

1 Picking a Style

2 Completing the Look

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Expert Q&A

Tips and Warnings

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Co-authored by Murisa Harba and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: October 1, 2025

Whether you’re auditioning for a play, a TV show, or a movie, wearing the right clothes is an important part of making a good first impression. Choosing an outfit can be a daunting task, especially if the casting crew hasn’t given you any guidelines. By picking an outfit that you feel comfortable and professional in, you can audition with confidence and nail your role.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Picking a Style

1. 
   1
   Read the audition description to see if there’s a dress code. Some auditions require you to wear certain outfits or types of clothing so you can look the part. Make sure you read the fine print of your audition to see if you need to dress in a certain way when you go in.

   • For example, a dance audition might require you to wear all black.
   • Or, an acting audition might want you to wear a fancy dress to look like your character.
2. 
   2
   Keep your outfit professional. An audition is almost like a job interview, but it isn’t quite as formal. Pick out clothing that you could wear to lunch with your parents and not feel self-conscious about.

   • For example, you could throw on a striped T-shirt, a blazer, and a pair of dark wash jeans.
   • Clothes that are too revealing, like hot pants or thin tank tops, can distract from your audition.
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3. 
   3
   Pick clothes that you feel comfortable in. The most important aspect of your outfit should be your own comfort. Pick out attire that makes you look and feel good so you can bring your best self to the audition.

   • If you feel uncomfortable in your clothes, you’ll probably look uncomfortable during the audition.
   • Try wearing well-fitting jeans or slacks, a fitted V-neck shirt, and a thick belt.
   • Although they’re comfortable, stay away from sweatpants or leggings. Those are a little too casual for an audition.
4. 
   4
   Choose neutral colors that aren’t distracting. Opt for earth tones, like brown, white, navy blue, and gray. Stay away from bold, bright patterns that could distract the casting crew from your performance.

   • Try to wow them with your performance, not your clothing.
   • You could wear a tan dress, black tights, and some brown boots for a comfortable, cute look.
   • Try a pair of dark wash jeans, a navy blue shirt, and some black shoes for a neutral outfit.
5. 
   5
   Wear clothes that don’t hinder your movement. Your audition might require you to walk around the stage or pace while saying your lines. Make sure you wear well-fitting clothing that doesn’t hinder your ability to walk or move around.

   • Try wearing jeans or slacks instead of a short skirt.
   • Throw on a V-neck shirt or a T-shirt instead of a low-cut top.
   • If you are going to a dance audition, wear workout clothes that you can dance in.
6. 
   6
   Pick casual shoes that you can walk in. Running shoes and flip-flops are a little too casual, but stiletto heels or knee-high boots can seem like too much. Opt for a pair of boots or casual tennis shoes to round out your outfit.

   • You can wear a pair of heels if you’re comfortable walking in them, but try going for wedges or kitten heels to seem more laid back.
7. 
   7
   Dress to fit your character, but don’t put on a costume. You can dress for the role you’re going for by putting on clothes that fit the style and time period of your part. However, stay away from putting on a full costume, or it could distract from your performance.

   • For example, if you’re auditioning for the role of a teen in the present, try wearing jeans and a hoodie.
   • If you’re trying to get the role of a lawyer, put on a button-down shirt and some slacks.

   Tip: If you’re trying out for a role set in the past, don’t worry about making your clothes realistic for the time period. Wearing clothes from the middle ages or colonial times will make your outfit seem too much like a costume.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Completing the Look

1. 
   1
   Make sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free. First impressions matter a ton during auditions, and your clothing can say a lot about you. Pick out a fresh outfit that doesn’t have any holes or stains. If your shirt is wrinkled, run an iron over it before you put it on.

   Tip: Check the back of your clothing for spots and stains too. Just because a shirt looks great from the front doesn’t mean it can’t have a tear in the back.
2. 
   2
   Try wearing your outfit at home before the audition. Just like you might rehearse your lines, you can also practice checking out your outfit. Put it on in front of a full-length mirror and see if you like how you look. Say your lines, move around, and try not to adjust your outfit as you do so.

   • You can also have a friend or family member look you over to see if you seem put together and professional.
3. 
   3
   Put on light makeup if you’d like to. Just like your clothing, makeup can distract from your audition if you use too much. Keep your makeup natural with some light foundation, mascara, and blush, if you wear any at all.

   • Light makeup will make you look younger, while heavy makeup can age you.
4. 
   4
   Brush your hair and keep it out of your face. You don’t have to wear a fancy updo, but your hair should look neat and tidy. Give it a brush before you head to your audition and make sure you keep it out of your face so the casting crew can see who you are.

   • If you have short hair, consider adding some styling gel for a sleek look.
   • If you have long bangs, use a bobby pin or a barrette to pin them back.
5. 
   5
   Round out your outfit with some subtle jewelry, if you’d like to. If you feel like your outfit is lacking, throw on some stud earrings, a thin necklace, or a few bracelets. Do not overdo it with a lot of jewelry and try to stay away from large, statement pieces of jewelry that could distract from your audition or your facial expressions.

   • For dance auditions, you may be required to not wear any jewelry at all. Check the audition description to see if you need to remove your jewelry.
   • Long, dangly earrings can make people pay attention to your jewelry rather than your face.
   • Stay away from jewelry that might make noise, like bangles.
6. 
   6
   Avoid bringing props from home. You shouldn’t need any tangible items to elevate your performance and make it great. Even if you think your character would hold a stethoscope, a clipboard, or a mug of coffee, hold off on bringing props. They can distract from your performance and can even seem like a crutch.

   • If the casting crew wants you to use a prop, they’ll provide it for you.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question

  What should you wear to a play audition?

  

  Murisa Harba
  Acting Coach & Dance Instructor

  Murisa Harba is an Acting Coach, Dance Instructor, and the Artistic Director & Owner of About the Works Actors Studio and Take My Lead LA. With over 13 years of experience, she specializes in private ballroom dancing lessons and encouraging actors to creatively tell stories. Murisa holds a BFA in Theatre and a Minor in Dance from Boston University’s College of Fine Arts.

  

  Murisa Harba

  Acting Coach & Dance Instructor

  Expert Answer

  Try to incorporate elements of the character that you're auditioning for into your outfit. For instance, you might wear a blue button-down if you're auditioning for a cop, or you might wear a leather jacket if you're trying out for an edgier role.

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• Question

  If I am a poor woman, do I have a chance to be a K pop idol one day?

  

  Community Answer

  Of course you do!

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• Question

  Can I wear my hair down without doing anything to it?

  

  Hannah Madden

  Community Answer

  As long as your hair isn't in your face and you don't need to adjust it constantly, you can leave it down. Run a brush through it or add some gel just before you audition so you look neat and tidy.

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Tips

• The most important part of your outfit is that you feel comfortable.
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• Pick out your outfit a day before your audition so you have time to adjust it if you need to.
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Warnings

• The outfit you wear is part of your first impression, so it’s important that you look appropriate and professional.
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