How to Dress for Success
We get it: video calls can feel nerve-wracking, even if they're only virtual. You might even stress over what you should wear or whether you need to dress up your bottom half, too (spoiler alert: yes, you should). To make sure you don't accidentally embarrass yourself on camera when you're in an important call, here are 10 outfits to absolutely avoid—and 10 professional looks to rock instead.
1. Fitness Wear
Even if you're just coming from the gym and have no time to shower (in which case, you might want to fix your time management skills), you should still change out of your fitness wear to something better suited for a video call. Sporting a muscle tee and workout shorts or yoga wear isn't going to cut it.
2. Small Patterns & Flashy Colors
Avoid wearing anything patterned to a video call, such as plaid, stripes, or repeating logos. Small patterns, in particular, can appear distorted and moiré, making it uncomfortable for the eyes to look at. You should also avoid flashy colors, such as bright (or neon) yellows and greens that can come off distracting or cause glare.
3. Anything Slouchy
Even if you have what you think is the perfect business casual outfit, anything slightly oversized, slouchy, or not fitted to the body can come off sloppy-looking. This can make you seem unprofessional, so it's best to avoid baggy clothing.
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4. Sheer Tops
Don't wear sheer or see-through tops to a video call. Even if it's a layering piece and you have a shirt underneath, this outfit isn't one that screams professional, so opt for opaque tops. You don't want to be taking any chances, even if it's just a "casual" interview or work call, either.
Stéphanie Guillaume on Unsplash
5. Graphic Tees
Unless you're video calling a friend, don't rock a graphic tee for virtual meetings. Yes—even if the company is generally laid-back. The last thing you'd want is to come off unprofessional, especially if you're meeting someone for the first time, so pick a plain t-shirt instead to make a better first impression.
6. Baseball Cap & Hoodie
Again, even if the company you're interviewing for or the client you're speaking with is laid-back, wearing a baseball cap and hoodie isn't exactly setting the right impression. It should go without saying, but avoid dressing like you're heading to college.
7. Bright Whites & Anything Reflective
You should also consider your background before you choose what to wear. A good rule of thumb is to create visual contrast, so that you're not picking a color that blends or clashes with your surroundings. Another tip to keep in mind is to avoid bright whites, which can wash out your face on camera, and reflective clothing, which can cause glare.
8. Chunky Jewelry (and Lots of Them)
While it's fine to wear jewelry or accessorize your outfit for a video call, you don't want to overdo it. Avoid layering too many pieces together or wearing overly chunky bracelets, rings, and necklaces, which can come off as distracting.
Jose Ricardo Barraza Morachis on Pexels
9. Joggers
Even if it's only your top half that'll be shown on a video call, you don't want to skimp on your bottoms and just throw on some slouchy joggers. When your outfit is complete, that's when you feel put together. Plus, you don't want to get up in the middle of the call and reveal to everyone you were wearing your sleep shorts the whole time.
10. Pajamas
We know—we're sad to be putting pajamas on this side of the list, too. But it's true: you don't want to be wearing your sleepwear to a video call, no matter how laid-back your company culture is or how casual the conversation will be. You still want to maintain an air of professionalism, so even if it's a pain, swap your jammies for a suit.
Now that you know some of the things you shouldn't be wearing to a video call, let's jump into what outfits you can rock instead. Here are our top 10 tips and picks:
1. Solid Colors
Instead of wearing anything patterned or flashy, opt for bold, solid colors, such as black, navy, or dark gray. You also want to keep in mind to avoid shades that might clash with your background or your complexion, so remember to pick something that complements the colors around you instead.
2. Polos
For something that's a bit more professional than a plain t-shirt, you can also wear a polo instead. These are especially great during the warmer seasons, when you might sweat through a suit jacket were you to wear one.
3. Tailored Suit Jacket
Even if you're not a big suit jacket fan, you will always look a little more professional and put together if you wear one. We recommend layering with one if you're wearing something a bit casual underneath, such as a t-shirt. If you're wearing a button-up or a polo, that might suffice on its own.
4. Simple Jewelry
You don't need to forgo all jewelry for a video call; after all, accessories can complement your look and even elevate it! But just remember that less is more, and you want to keep it fairly minimal. A simple watch or ring might be enough to pull your whole look together.
5. Turtlenecks
Having a video call during the colder seasons? Go for a turtleneck! Not only will it keep you warm, but it'll also make you come off professional without you trying too hard to throw an outfit together. As with all shirts, remember to stick to neutral and solid colors.
6. Breathable Fabric
If you're doing a virtual interview, presentation, or a call you know you might be nervous in and sweat through, make sure to pick a breathable outfit. Linen or cotton are the top picks, but some polyester blends and even merino wool can be fairly breathable.
7. Button-Up Shirt
A step-up from the polo is your classic button-up. Just like the suit jacket, you can never go wrong with wearing this to a video call. But again, make sure to choose solid, neutral colors, and avoid anything striped, plaid, or patterned.
8. Tailored Slacks
Remember when we said you should never forget your bottoms? To complement your professional look on top, pair your fit with tailored slacks. This will ensure you feel put together and not only half-dressed, and may help boost your confidence.
9. Dark Jeans
Not a fan of slacks? Jeans are okay, too (it's okay, no one will look that close on camera), but opt for darker washes over lighter shades. The latter might look too casual and laid-back, whereas the former will still look clean and sleek, despite being denim.
10. Pencil Skirt
If pants seem too restricting for you, go for a pencil skirt. These skirts complement almost any outfit, and help make you look and feel more put together. Pair it with a simple blouse or a suit jacket to complete the look.
