People often ask me during training sessions: “But what do you actually wear on the day?” It sounds like a trivial question. It isn’t. An interpreter works in the service of other people’s words. What she wears must inspire trust, suit the context and, above all, never draw attention away from the message.
Here is my golden rule, followed by the dos and don’ts.
The golden rule: one notch above, never centre stage
Dress like the most formally dressed participants in the meeting, no more, no less. If you are interpreting at a board meeting, a suit is a must. For technical training in a factory, smart trousers and a shirt will do, with safety shoes if you are asked to wear them.
The aim is simple: to be seen as a credible professional, but for people to quickly forget you are there. In consecutive or whispered interpreting, you are right next to the speaker, sometimes on stage. People look at you. Better that their eyes simply glide past.
What to do
- Choose neutral colours: navy, grey, black, beige, off-white. They go with everything and stay discreet in photos and videos.
- Opt for comfortable fabrics: you will be sitting in a booth for hours, or standing during a site visit. A jacket that doesn’t crease and trousers that breathe are worth their weight in gold.
- Wear layers: booths are often overheated and conference rooms freezing. A cardigan or jacket you can take off easily solves the problem.
- Think silent shoes: heels clicking on the parquet as you walk to the booth mid-session are heard by everyone.
- Find out about local dress codes: in some countries or settings (religious, diplomatic, military), covered shoulders or longer clothing are expected. Ask your client beforehand.
What to avoid
- Noisy jewellery: jingling bracelets, earrings that rub against the headset. The booth microphone picks up everything, and so do the listeners.
- Rustling fabrics: some synthetic materials make a noise with every movement, and the microphone hears it.
- Strong perfume: a booth is two square metres, and you share it with a colleague for hours.
- Loud patterns and logos: they catch the eye and can be badly received, especially if you are wearing a brand that competes with your client.
- Bulky collars and scarves: they get in the way of the headset and microphone.
The practical details nobody thinks of
Do you have pockets? In consecutive, a spare pen within reach can save the day. Is your bag big enough for a notepad, a bottle of water and your printed glossaries? Do you have a spare outfit if the assignment lasts several days, or if a coffee gets spilt at breakfast?
Finally, the rule still applies to remote interpreting. Even if only your upper body is visible, dressing “for real” helps you get into the right frame of mind. And the camera can switch on when you least expect it.
In short
A good interpreting outfit is sober, comfortable, silent and suited to the context. It won’t win you an assignment on its own, but a poorly chosen outfit can cost you a client’s trust. Just like interpreting itself: when it’s done well, nobody notices.
Organising a multilingual event and wondering how the interpreter will fit in on site? Get in touch: I’ll explain everything, from logistics to dress code.
