We are definitely square in the tornado of uncertain times. And one of the MANY changes we have had to adapt to is working from home specifically holding meetings, giving presentations and just being present via a Zoom call. Zoom has taken on a life of its own and will forever be a burned in our many memories of the year 2020. Kudos to the creators of Zoom but what about the actual users and their personal experiences being thrust into a virtual workday?
This post is about how to be present and presentable while doing business via Zoom or any virtual platform for that matter. Being present has a lot to do with being in the correct mindset to accomplish the tasks and goals to be successful during your virtual workday. One of the ways to be present is to get dressed. Being able to roll out of bed ten minutes before your first Zoom call seems pretty appealing. But at some point the appeal will eventually give way to the truth, you look like you just rolled out of bed. If that comment were made pre-Zoom, you would definitely take a step back and reevaluate your life choices, specifically how you are presenting yourself at work. So, now to the point. How do we make ourselves present and presentable during the age of Zoom?
Commit to making a conscious effort to get up and establish a morning routine similar to the one before the 2020 apocalypse descended upon us. I am sure I don’t need to say brush your teeth and have some coffee (or shake or whatever gets you going) so how about I go straight to what you are wearing. There have been many memes and actually video circulating of folks being caught with not just their pants down but with NO pants! Not acceptable. I am not suggesting you wear stuffy trousers or uncomfortable pencil skirts but something that allows you to be comfortable while ready and prepped to take on your day. And that doesn’t mean pulling whatever you find in your dryer that you threw in the wash and forgot about. What I am suggesting is make an effort to decide what your week’s wardrobe will be. This may entail taking a few items to the dry cleaner so they are nicely pressed. The condition of your clothing translates even on video, actually probably more so. Here are a few suggestions to elevate your Zoom look:
- Don’t wear wrinkled clothing. It just looks like you don’t care and that translates to I don’t care about this meeting and so on and so forth
- Do lean towards brighter pieces or prints, as it makes you look more awake and engaged
- If you are looking to make it simple add a statement piece, for women this can be a statement necklace and for men a collared shirt or a crisp well fitting pull over
- Even changing your eyewear frames to something more colorful or with detail can change how you are perceived or just give your colleagues something new to look at!
- Adding a light weight scarf to a basic tee will also do the trick
- Some basics to remember, be mindful that nothing is too low cut or too fitted, the material isn’t shiny as it will create glare, do stay away from anything that is over the top then it just becomes distracting
If you are still struggling with exactly how to elevate your Zoom presence email us at info@style-me-new.com for a free 30 minute virtual consultation. Style Me New is now offering virtual styling sessions using a robust styling app, Goodpix.
