So, you booked your first background role. First of all—congrats. You’re officially part of the business now. You’re getting paid to be on set. And while it might not be a speaking role (yet), don’t underestimate how much you can learn just by being there. This is just how I got started.
Now let’s talk wardrobe—because what you wear on set matters more than you might think.
Unlike audition clothes, which are about suggesting the character, background work often involves dressing for the scene. And yes, sometimes production provides wardrobe. But more often than not, they’ll ask you to “bring options” or wear your own clothes.
Here’s how to show up ready, without overthinking it—or overdressing.
Read the Wardrobe Notes (Carefully)
When you book a background role, you’ll get a call sheet or email that includes wardrobe instructions. This isn’t the time to improvise or bring your favorite Hawaiian shirt “just in case.” Read the notes. Then read them again.
If they say:
-
“Upscale casual,” they mean think country club, not cargo shorts.
-
“Business attire,” they want office-ready, not a blazer over jeans.
-
“1970s casual,” they mean it. Leave your Nikes at home.
They may ask for “options,” which means bring 2–3 variations of the requested look. This doesn’t mean your entire closet. Stick with solid colors, clean lines, and minimal logos or graphics unless told otherwise.
Avoid Logos, Graphics, and Bright Whites
Unless the role specifically calls for it (rare), you want to keep your clothes camera-safe.
That means:
-
No logos or branding—they can’t be used on screen due to copyright.
-
No big graphics—you’re there to blend into the world, not distract.
-
No bright white—it reflects light badly and can be a nightmare for the camera department.
Stick to mid-range solids: navy, gray, olive, burgundy, etc. They photograph well and usually work in a variety of scenes.
Comfort Matters (Even If You’re on Your Feet All Day)
Background work is a lot of “hurry up and wait.” You might be in holding for hours before stepping on set. Or you might be outside in the heat, or standing in heels on concrete for an entire day.
Here’s the truth no one tells you: no one cares if your shoes are name brand—just that they match the scene and don’t squeak.
If you’re wearing “business shoes,” bring inserts.
If they want “casual,” go with comfortable flats or shoes you can stand in all day.
If it’s “period clothing,” be ready to feel slightly ridiculous and wildly uncomfortable—but professional.
Bring Everything in a Garment Bag
I don’t care how minimalist you are—you need a way to carry wardrobe options that doesn’t look like you stuffed them in a backpack next to your leftover Subway sandwich.
Bring a lightweight garment bag with:
-
2–3 outfit options (pressed and ready)
-
Comfortable shoes if you’re arriving in something else
-
A lint roller (seriously)
-
Neutral socks, belts, and accessories as needed
Don’t assume production will have a steamer or a backup pair of pantyhose. Come prepared. It’s the difference between looking like a pro and looking like someone who wandered in from the parking lot.
Stay Neutral, Stay Flexible, Stay Invisible (In the Best Way)
Background work isn’t about standing out—it’s about disappearing into the world they’re filming. Whether it’s a courtroom, a coffee shop, or a 1970s bar scene, your clothes help sell the illusion.
That doesn’t mean you don’t matter. You absolutely do. But you want wardrobe and production to say, “That person gets it,” not “What the hell is that guy wearing?”
Final Thoughts
Showing up on set dressed correctly tells people you’re professional, prepared, and easy to work with. And when you’re just starting out—especially later in life—you want to take every opportunity to make the right impression.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on clothes. You just need a few flexible staples and the good sense to follow instructions. Honestly, that alone will put you ahead of half the crowd.
Oh—and if you’re still figuring all this out and haven’t subscribed yet, I’ve got a free guide that covers the basics: how to get started, what to expect, what you actually need, and how to avoid wasting money on hype.
Grab it here if you haven’t already.
Heads up: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you. Think of it as tossing a tip in the jar so I can keep creating helpful stuff (and maybe upgrade my lighting setup).