When it comes to Zoom meetings from home during this pandemic, many are tempted to get away with dressing our visible top halves with just our favorite casual top and joggers, or who knows pyjamas. But if you are used to presenting yourself in a certain way to your clients or colleagues in general, it's best to keep close to those standards when attending video conferences, and keeping the more formal suited look for your clients. Your clients and coworkers will continue to see you as the professional that you are, demonstrating a conscious effort to remain focused and subconsciously reminding yourself that you are still at work... just in a different setting. According to a study performed by psychological scientists at Northridge, Columbia and California State University * our clothing has an impact on our thoughts and our ability to think in an abstract manner. It affects not only how others perceive us, but how we perceive ourselves. So like it or not, your appearance says a lot about you before you’ve even had a chance to speak. People make snap judgments, it’s just in our nature...!
So bearing that in mind it's probably wise to avoid any potential embarrassment, and keep your funny print leggings for after 6pm, just in case they're accidentally captured on camera! When it comes to work attire, here are a few tips to help:
Wear a plain, solid color to help bring out the best you. Choose mid-tone colours in pale or dark blue, green, wine, pink, and purple because they are universally flattering. A coloured top (or dress) is better than wearing flesh tones like cream or beige as they will blend your face into your clothes. Avoid wearing tops or shirts that are bright white or very dark to avoid looking like a 'blob' on camera. If you do it's better to add a coloured neck scarf or necklace to break up the silhouette. It's also best to avoid wearing busy patterned or check outfits which will be hard on the viewers' eyes which is a common occurrence on conference calls.
Opt for tops with a higher neckline or boat neckline rather than risky low-cut or tight tops which could be distracting and embarrassing.
To hide any bulges or awkward muffin top, add a darker cardigan, blazer/jacket or scarf to distract the viewers’ eyes from your problem areas and flatter your shape. Be sure to wear the right size under-garments and bra size to avoid bulges. You can check your current bra size by using this quick guide here from Arnotts for bra fitting at home.
Cover any greying hair roots with spray like L’Oreal's Magic Retouch (available in most supermarkets and chemists). Alternatively you can divide your roots into a zig-zag hairline to disguise roots.
Change the light around you so it’s more flattering and not too harsh and people can see you at your best. The best way to do this is to avoid downlight from above and adjusting the window curtains or lamp around you to see the difference.
Finally, to enhance your face in bright Zoom screen light, apply some light make-up, a touch of blusher or bronzing powder to add warmth on cheeks and neck area and for the final touch, a nice neutral lipstick (avoiding bright reds or pinks) that will make you look and feel like a pro!
* source for the psychological study: Forbes
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