SPRUCE-UP FOR ZOOM MEETING

 

 

   Knowing how to fix-up for a video conference creates a great challenge than many of us would have imagined just a year ago. Honestly we have never thought we will be asking ourselves “What to wear on ZOOM”. Point is, unconscious mind associates putting on formal clothing when going to work and is strongly correlated with confidence and productivity, which is why it is critical to maintain a version of your office attire even when working from home. Naturally, when you dress as executive, it rises your own opinion of yourself and your behavior follows the matching of cloths, colours and accessories.

  As your private surrounding is the domain in which you have the sole authority to decide what to wear, as it is a conflict with work but this new situation calls for some changes to professional air. A good rule of thumb is to take things down one level from what you’d typically wear in office, if the environment is less formal. A collared shirt minus the jacket and tie is a perfect example of bringing your look down a notch while still maintaining professionalism. Layer it with sweater or light weight jacket to add more interest and will polish off your look while maintaining comfort. There remain a time and place for your suit and tie and it’s important to know when that is. If it’s standard protocol to knot-up with certain clients or when speaking on panel, in board meeting or to investors then the rule of formality remains the same. Pull a baseline shirt and trousers that would have been acceptable at your office but still comfortable in your private surrounding. Stick with traditional single-breasted business suits in Persian blue, khaki and charcoal with matching trousers, silk or grenadine tie. If you get invited to spur-of-the-moment meetings, then wear a long sleeve dress shirt and slack the jacket on shoulders, popping out half inch shirt sleeve out of jacket with classic cuff-links.

   Extra effort is needed to look professional and accessories do pay off in spades. Since ZOOM is a seated affair, focus on accessories for your arms and torso. Cuff-links are the studs which instantly elevates a simple dress code. Such as dull golden and silver metal studs work well for the zoom meeting, skip any coloured, precious stones as they reflect on lens. Tie is the visual centerpiece of an outfit, especially on camera. Invest on few silk ties with small patterns and stripes in rich, subdued jewel tones. Pocket square is optional but it helps in adding colour which makes your zoom attire interesting. Pocket square are mostly of linen, wool or silk. On zoom silk will work extra and with hand rolled edges sights a neat look. Timepiece can be double edged sword. Fill the space with a slim, understated watch with leather band such as Patek Phillipe, Rolex and Baume & Mercier to complement your office attire.

   Lighting is the key how you will look on camera. The best light source is daylight but too bright and too dim can be unflattering. Ideally face the window with sheer curtains to soften and defuse the light, if daylight is not an option then spot your lens so that the lamp, LED or ring light hits from the front or side and burnish your background as polished as silhouette and illuminates your face. 

   To complete a perfect zoom look, fix your camera directly in line with your eyes, don’t sit to close, keep a distance as it can scare the audience. Look directly into the lens at the top of your screen. Before starting video ensure your surrounding is clutter-free and your room door is at the back of the screen if suddenly someone appears, doesn’t distract meeting. Your surrounding gives the impression that your work-ethic is equally as organized.