Regardless of when the global pandemic finally ends, the fact is that covid-19 changed the way we communicate, perhaps forever. Instead of always rushing to the office for a big meeting, it’s likely that a lot of companies will rely on remote work and long-distance calls and meetings because they are simply more practical.
This is all well and practical, but it raises a question – what on earth do we wear for all these video calls? Pants seem a little optional, and the camera does strange things to our appearance. It seems like no matter what we put on, we look a little shabby.
So, let’s solve this issue. If you want to look stylish and professional on all your conference calls, here are some things that can help.
Set up a backdrop
The background can become a part of your style if you choose it carefully. Think about what kind of an impression you want to give – perhaps you could set up your desk in front of a big bookshelf. This can be incredibly visually appealing and give you an aura of elegant intellectualism. If not a bookshelf, then maybe a simple white wall with a few tasteful paintings behind you, or maybe a potted plant and a sleek armchair.
Just be careful about how many details you add. Too many, and you’ll make it all look cluttered and messy.
Wear brighter colours
Depending on the source of light in the room and the quality of your camera, dark clothes can be a little tricky to pull off because they tend to look like a big block of solid colour. They erase any shape you might have, which is really no way to stand out. If you want people to focus on you, choose bright colours such as blue, which will naturally draw attention.
Avoid busy patterns
While it’s good to draw attention, you don’t want to make people’s eyes hurt with a complicated, busy geometrical patterns. Wearing clothing with prints is actually a great idea for video calls, but do try to pick delicate florals and gentle patterns that are easy on the eyes. You can find plenty of online stores with lovely women’s clothing in Australia, so choose a piece that looks stylish and feminine.
If you’re still not sure what kind of patterns to avoid, then thing the ‘70s style. Screaming bright, clashing patterns that both hurt your eyes and are impossible to look away from. Distracting, loud fabrics that make you look tacky.
Do your makeup
Makeup is as much a part of your style as clothing is, and good makeup can really turn you into a stylish professional during a Zoom call. Since cameras tend to flatten our features and make us look a little washed out, using good foundation with a little bit of blush and bronzer can return some of that much-needed warmth to your face. While you don’t need anything heavy on the eyes, a little bit of eyeliner and mascara will give you enough depth to make your features stand out, and a good nude pink lipstick will look both professional and elegant.
Make sure your nails are neat
Your hands might not be in focus, but if your nails are chipped and your skin all dry and cracking, the camera will pick it up. It’s a good idea to keep your nails neat and your hands soft and well-cared for, and you can add a nice nude nail polish to complete the picture.
A person who takes good care of their hands will give off an aura of someone is ready to invest in themselves. Besides, now that we’re mostly stuck at home, we can learn how to do our own manicure perfectly.
Add a few accessories
Accessories can add a lot of visual interest to any outfit, and this is especially true when it comes to video calls. Simply changing up a few accessories each day can make a single outfit look wildly different, and now’s a good time to experiment with scarves, statement necklaces, and brooches.
Small and delicate jewellery can still look pretty good, but it can get a little lost in the rest of your outfit. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t wear it, just that you have the freedom to wear bigger pieces that can stand out more during calls.
Stop slouching
The most elegant and professional outfit in the world won’t look good if worn by a person who keeps slouching. Keep your back straight, your shoulders pulled back, and your chin high, and don’t lounge back into your chair. It simply looks messy.
Set up your camera angle
While the nature of a conference call makes it necessary to set up your camera so it faces you directly, try experimenting with the height and the exact angle of it. Aim to position it somewhere at eye level, as anything that’s too high or too low can make you look awkward and distort your features.
There you have it, a few tips that will make you look great in any kind of conference call. Now that you know all this, you can really stand out at work by always appearing stylish and professional.
