The Journalist’s Uniform

Journalism isn’t like working at McDonald’s. Every day that I cover a story finds me in a different outfit. If I’m at a conference, I’m in a suit and flats. If it’s an evening reception or dinner, it’s a cocktail dress and heels.

Other times I’m out at a rally in the freezing cold or blazing sun. Then it’s sneakers to provide my battered feet with comfort, and weather-appropriate casual wear.

I find that wearing the event-appropriate gear allows me better access to comingle with those people I want to speak to. Here’s an example. There’s a political conference every winter I like to attend in Washington, DC. During the banquet dinners, I get to clink wine glasses with the crème at a table, while the so-called “real” reporters – all dressed in jeans and t-shirts – have to stand at the back of the room with their camera equipment, drinking tap water out of styrofoam cups. Which of us has it better? I get to exchange business cards and go for drinks with interview-worthy people, and the “real” media are shunned from many of the events – and most certainly not welcome at the after-hours festivities.

Whether you’re covering a press conference, a convention, a sit-down dinner for 500 or a riot – dress appropriately. Comfort, functionality (My evening bag is exactly big enough to hold camera, Blackberry and credit cards. No more, no less!) and a degree of stealth (you get further if you look like you belong in the room) are all things to be considered when getting ready for an event.