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Reel Wear: Journalist Jade Jackson advises on fashion for news anchors



With the world of media booming, it’s a must that journalists standout on camera with not only their performance but their fashion sense. While skill, talent, and being able to draw viewers into the story you’re telling is a part of the job, news anchors also have to be on their A game while on air.


Jade Jackson, news anchor at the City of Denton and news editor at The Dentonite in Texas, Jackson has created a guide of her own on the do’s and don’ts of what to wear on air called Reel Wear.



Women often are judged on what they’re wearing. It takes time, energy, and most importantly money to keep oneself up. Below Jackson gives her advice on how to dress professionally on air to shine brightly as a news anchor.


Check out the interview below:


1) What are some do’s and don’ts that women reporters need to know about fashion for a news anchor position?

You never wear stripes on air, and polka dots are a no. Bright colors are necessary depending on the mood of what your newscast is talking about that day. If you wouldn’t wear it to church, I wouldn’t wear it on air.

There’s a difference between what you wear for news and what you wear for entertainment. Keep it very professional or casual professional, but at the same time have your style and be comfortable.


2) Why do you think dressing for a news anchor position isn’t talked about at colleges specifically in the media department?

I don’t know. I think we ought to. At least for me at the University of North Texas, it’s always been, look what they wear on air and copy it. When it comes to fashion, we don’t talk about style because it’s news, but fashion is very important. At least discussing it would be vital, as a workshop class for sure.


3) What makeup trends do people need to be aware of while on air?

Natural is the best policy. You don’t want to wear too much makeup, but wear makeup that can already enhance your beautiful self. If you’re in college, go to your nearby drugstore for makeup. It’s a start because even men wear makeup on air and are completely lost.


4) How do you feel about women wearing their natural hair on air?

I think it’s beautiful. I wish people were bold enough to go against the status quo of what they deem is professional. For Black women or any other natural hair women, they should be comfortable in wearing their natural hair if that’s who you are. If somebody is distracted because your hair is different from theirs, that says more about them than about you.


5) What places would you recommend for people to shop at?

Your nearest thrift store. I just got a job at a thrift store, and I have been thriving. I go to work, but then I’m also shopping on the side. I also shop at H & M, and Ross. Ross is excellent too because they have discounted prices. J.C. Penney also has professional dresses for college students. You don’t always have to have the best type of clothing or have the most expensive clothes on air, just do your job.


6) What are some do’s and don’ts for shoes?

Depending on how hard you’re working, you don’t necessarily need heels unless they’re going to show your feet on air. There are a lot of news reporters that are wearing sneakers, wearing boots, or comfortable shoes because if they’re going to be showing your top half, then most people adjust.


7) What are some do’s and don’ts for men on what to wear as a news anchor?

Those reporting out there in the field, in a snowstorm, no one’s going to want to see you in a suit. Casual is the best policy, but if you’re going to wear a suit, make it comfortable and professional.



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