What to Wear & How to Present Yourself in a Recital or On Camera
- Lilly Yang
- Sep 3
- 2 min read
Hi fluters! At some point in your flute journey, you’ll likely have the chance to perform—whether it’s in a casual setting for family and friends, at a student concert, or through a recorded performance for an exam submission. When that moment comes, you might find yourself wondering: What should I wear? How should I present myself? In today’s blog post, we’ll cover how to dress and carry yourself with confidence for both live recitals and performance recordings.
A smart-casual outfit strikes a balance between polish and comfort. It can lean slightly casual or quite formal depending on the setting — for example, a daytime concert often calls for a more relaxed look, while an evening performance typically warrants dressier attire.
The most common performance outfit is a black ensemble made from more formal, evening-wear materials. This is a reliable choice that always looks professional. Avoid jeans, t-shirts, activewear, or loungewear, as these won't usually meet performance standards, unless the context is very casual.
Smart-casual options can include:
A well-ironed button-up shirt with tailored trousers
A bright-coloured blouse
A simple dress with clean lines and elegant fabrics
If your performance is being recorded, evening-wear often looks more polished on camera. However, if the venue and event allow for it, bright colours can stand out beautifully on stage and on video, helping you make a memorable impression.
An easy rule of thumb: if it would be appropriate for a wedding guest, it's likely suitable for a concert — particularly one labeled as smart-casual.
When it's time to step on stage, hold your head high and wear a big smile to show your gratitude to the audience for being there. Most importantly, remember to have fun on stage! Happy fluting and see you in the next blog post.
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