Style Guide
Virtual meetings are becoming the new norm today, and it has been a part of the big adjustment in the working environment we are used to these days. And since most of us are working in the comfort of our own homes now, we tend to pay minimal attention to how we present ourselves in front of the camera during meetings. Dressing up at home is something we think of as a daunting thing to do because, why would we actually dress up when we are just working at home?
Dressing professionally for a virtual meeting is as important as being dressed for a meeting in person. Though not our whole bodies can be seen, we are creating impressions on how appropriate and professional we are in front of the camera. Our appearances say a lot about us even before we have the chance to speak, so we need to elevate our on-camera presence with how we dress up.
You may think that by just simply putting on any casual blouse or collared shirt, you are already geared up for the meeting. However, there are certain things that you tend to overlook on your outfit — like wearing something that does not blend with your complexion, and it’s being obviously noticed in front of the camera. In this article, you will be guided on how you will be able to look and feel good while still being professional.
Though you may need a wardrobe to revamp after this, worry not because, with lots of great fashion deals out there, you could instantly step up your game in your virtual meeting OOTDs!
Keep it Professional from the Waist Up
Virtual meetings, though held at the comfort of your own home, still call for professional attire. It is a good virtual meeting etiquette to dress in business meeting-appropriate clothing. You can prioritize comfort down below with your sweatpants, pajamas, and comfy slippers, but you should wear a top that is as professional as what you would normally wear in the office.
It would be a great decision for you if you would start investing more in staple pieces of business casual tops like blazers, long-sleeve blouses, and button-up shirts. Bayo has a wide variety of these tops with different colors and designs, and they can definitely make you look professional while still feeling comfortable at home. Plains and Prints, on the other hand, offers great deals that you can avail of to help you step up your virtual meeting ensemble. If you wanted to be a little extra, the tops on their collection can be paired perfectly with blazers. Just put them on over and you are good to go!
Wear Happy-Colored Tops
Adding a little color would not hurt anyone. In fact, the idea of presenting yourself with a pop of color can not only be a great way to boost your mood but can affect others as well since it is the first thing that they notice. For instance, wearing a bright-colored top like red, yellow, or orange, can help brighten and liven things up, adding a little energy to everyone to keep the day going.
Paying attention to color choice is an important factor in choosing what to wear for your virtual meetings. The color should look appealing and should complement your skin, along with working with your background and lighting well. Bright, but not overly bright, and happy-colored tops appear better on screen, and the ones with flattering colors can make you look healthier.
Black and white clothing are staples in our wardrobe, but sometimes they do not blend well on screen with poor lighting and might blend into the background instead. It is better to avoid white-colored tops since it tends to wash out your face too.
Tops with busy prints and patterns are not recommended for virtual meetings as well. Though some with subtle prints work well on camera, bold ones can be a distraction to others and might overpower your features too. If you opt for a top with patterns, make sure that it is just minimal and not too flashy.
Incorporate a Little Accent with Accessories
When you are not confident enough with what you are wearing for the meeting, you can spice things up with statement pieces such as necklaces, bracelets or watches, and earrings. It adds some style and interest to your simple outfit, bringing you confidence and highlighting your professional look.
Big and shiny jewelry might be distracting so it is best to only stick to simple accessories. With just a simple gold necklace or just a small hoop or stud for your earrings, they would be an elegant addition to pull off your outfit. Bracelets, instead of having a stack of them that jingle every time you move your arm, it would be better to resort to a simpler one-layered one that will help to highlight your hand movements during the meeting. Earrings, on the other hand, can stand alone and effortlessly pull your look together. Since they are worn very close to your face, they will stand out and flatter your face on-screen more.
Jewelry can go a long way in helping you look professional while feeling more polished and delighted like you used to. By just simply putting them on along with your simple outfit, it will still create an impression in front of the camera. Remember, wearing accessories is a minimal effort, but it gives off a maximum impact.
Put on a Slight Touch of Makeup and Style Your Hair
For a little more confidence boost during your virtual meetings, applying makeup could work. Though it is not really necessary, looking fresh should always be a part of your look. Also, your camera may give you a washed-out complexion so there is a tendency that you might look pale. With this, it is really better to apply more makeup while still keeping it simple and neutral, to look brighter and enhance your natural features.
Your hairstyle, on the other hand, should always be neat and off your face as much as possible. There’s nothing wrong with throwing your hair into an updo or just letting it do its natural thing by keeping it down, as long as it does not cover your face. And if you wanted your hair to appear natural without putting much effort into it, head over to David’s Salon for free hair treatment. Your hair will not just look healthy, but will definitely make a statement on your virtual agenda!
Never underestimate the power of makeup. You can look more lively and prepped up by just applying powder foundation, putting on some blush on your cheek, and adding a pop of lip color to appear well-rested for your meeting. Makeup is indeed an effort, but you will definitely feel entirely different—in a good way, by being confident on-screen, and that is what matters.
Key Takeaway
At the end of the day, what you wear and how you look should always make you feel good. You can be comfortable, but it should make you feel confident while still looking polished. Of course, we all have outfits, makeup looks, and hairstyles that we feel great in. What you need is to find one that works for you in virtual meetings—feeling comfortable, but without looking too comfortable. Dress like you actually want to be there, like how you would normally dress while you’re in the office.
