If you’ve been engrossed in the BBC’s extensive coverage of the Olympics, you might now see Keely Hodgkinson, Adam Peaty, and Alex Yee as if they were old friends.
And then there’s Gabby Logan, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Rebecca Adlington, and others, who have been virtually alongside us, sharing our cheers?
Another competition seems to be unfolding right in the studio. Enter the fashion Olympics, aiming for a flawless appearance daily on television, without overshadowing the athletes’ accomplishments.
It’s not really a contest, but all the presenters face similar challenges, and their handling of these has been nothing short of skillful. No clothing mishaps or viral fashion blunders have occurred, not even a wrinkled shirt – quite the feat given the sweltering conditions at the swimming venues and the Stade de France.
Getting ready for a broadcast isn’t trivial; it demands forethought, coordination, and a deep understanding of what works on camera. Hence, the most stylish presenters always benefit from professional guidance.
“We make sure we’re never caught unprepared,” says Charlotte Handley-Green, long-time stylist for Gabby Logan. “We planned everything two months ahead. I spent an entire day at her place, trying out outfits and snapping photos.”
For Logan, it wasn’t about a vast shopping expedition. “We usually start with her existing wardrobe,” Handley-Green points out. “We revisit and recycle pieces, which is crucial. Over time, we’ve gathered essential items we repeatedly use.”
Among these reused items is an Isabel Marant dress from a recent Wimbledon appearance and a beige Reiss dress Logan describes as “vintage” on her Instagram, though it looks anything but dated. Logan only added one new item for this Paris assignment—a mint green dress from Victoria Beckham, earning high marks for sustainable fashion, proving that television attire can be worn multiple times in today’s era.
For those who are newer to broadcasting, mastering the presenter wardrobe is an ongoing task.
Rebecca Adlington, celebrated for her vibrant, printed dresses from mainstream and independent labels, was prepared by Martine Alexander. “I prepared about 40 outfits, though we needed only nine. She took fourteen in the end,” Alexander shares.
“We always have a couple of extra outfits ready because the BBC might request a last-minute change. Plus, we avoid green to prevent green screen issues. We had to plan for every possible scenario, not knowing the studio setup,” Alexander adds.
A stylist must also think about whether the presenter will sit or stand, how likely a garment is to wrinkle, the on-site temperature, and even what their co-presenter might wear. “We don’t know what their co-presenter will be wearing, but we try to match their style,” says Alexander. In particularly warm settings, like at the swimming venue and Stade de France, she might also add underarm pads to prevent sweat stains.
Generally, presenters avoid wearing black, grey, or navy, which can appear dull on screen. “Bright whites can also cause issues with lighting,” notes Jacqui Akrofi, stylist to former sprinter Jeanette Kwakye. She avoided dressing Kwakye in green and busy prints to prevent them from blending into the background or causing visual disruptions on camera.
However, it’s vital that fashion doesn’t distract from their professional role. “We make sure the outfits aren’t overpowering,” Handley-Green asserts. “[Logan] looks professional but not distracting.”
The collaboration between stylist and client is more effective when they have a longstanding relationship. This is the case for Logan and Adlington. “We understand each other and communicate openly, which really helps,” Alexander remarks.
Effective styling resonates with viewers. When Adlington appeared in a dress from the boutique label Raishma to cover the men’s 4×200 swimming relay, the unexpected surge in orders took the designer by surprise. “We thought there was a glitch on our website,” admits Raishma Islam. Adlington has worn their dresses before, but never with such a dramatic effect.
Adlington’s other choices, including Wyse sandals and a 70s-style dress from Boden worn last week, have nearly sold out.
At the BBC Sports booth in Stade de France, other fashion-forward commentators included Dames Denise Lewis and Jessica Ennis-Hill, maintaining their distinct styles. Lewis opted for structured, block-colored outfits from The Fold and Holland Cooper, while Ennis-Hill chose playful ensembles like a silky red Claudie Pierlot co-ord and a broderie Anglaise lace dress from Sandro, favoring French designers—a polite nod to the hosts.
These styling tips are not exclusive to TV hosts—they can enhance anyone’s wardrobe. Opt for comfortable, non-creasing fabrics, clean lines, and selective prints. Always start by exploring what you already own.
This approach ensures anyone can look their best, whether on-screen or off, without needing a stylist.