Working from home is now a long-term reality for many people, owing to the global pandemic. There are many advantages to working from home, which include the time saved from travelling to office and back, the ability to spread out a day’s tasks as per personal convenience, and the opportunity to work while wearing comfortable home clothes. However, for online meetings, it is important to maintain decorum and dress professionally, as you would for a regular meeting in office.
Last week, we covered some basic tips for professional yet subtle makeup applications for Zoom calls, webinars and workshops. In today’s post, we will discuss the basic items for dressing up professionally while staying comfortable.
1.DITCH THE SUITS AND TIES
Though it is indeed important to look professional, working from home gives you the leeway to do away with your formal suits and ties. Even the Delhi High Court has dispensed with black coats for lawyers, when they appear in front of judges to argue cases online. This move will save you some dry-cleaning money and allow you to stay comfortable at home.
2. SHIRTS AND SIMPLE ETHNIC WEAR WORK BEST
Though you can skip the outward layer of professional clothing, it is advisable to wear professional basics like collared shirts and simple ethnic wear, including salwar kameez, kurtis or cotton saris. These silhouettes can be worn for work meetings as well as for performing household chores.
3. WEAR LOOSE AND COMFORTABLE BOTTOMS
The best part of online meetings is that the bottoms are not usually visible. Hence, even if you are dressed professionally on top, you can wear loose and comfortable bottoms. If the bottoms do not match the top you are wearing, make sure not to stand in the middle of the meeting, or turn off the video if you need to get up.
4. TRY NOT TO WEAR PYJAMAS
Even if you are sorely tempted to live in your pyjamas all day, I highly recommend changing your clothes for meetings. Invest in 2-3 black track pants, leggings or similar items of clothing that could pass off as being formal, even if they are not. It will ensure that no fashion faux pas is made by showing your printed pyjamas during a formal meeting. This simple act also forces you to mentally change gears and focus on your professional tasks as opposed to the ‘lounging-at-home’ mindset.
5. SIMPLE & ELEGANT JEWELLERY WORKS WELL
Choose a pair of dainty earrings to compliment your look. Pearl studs, small diamonds and basic metallic hoops work well with any outfit. You can also pair them with an elegant yet unobtrusive necklace to make it look like you put in a lot of effort, even if in reality, you did not.
6. SELECT SUBTLE PATTERNS OR PLEASING COLOURS
Another way to make a statement, is to be mindful of the patterns and colours you choose to wear. A patterned shirt or top of any kind will grab attention in a multi-person call.It may also help you to speak up confidently if you struggle with having your voice heard during busy online sessions. If you are not keen on wearing patterns, then choose a bold colour that is pleasing to the eyes. It is sure to have the same effect as a patterned shirt.
7. CHOOSE A WELL-LIT AREA IN YOUR HOME
The place where you conduct your meetings is as important as your physical appearance. Make sure you sit in a well-lit area of your house and face natural light for the best effect. If your meeting is in the evening or at night, make sure it takes place in a well-lit room. Ensure the disturbances are minimised by turning off noisy appliances, and sit in front of a neutral background such as a plain wall or a shelf of books.
These simple and easy to follow tips will allow you to make a strong impact in any meeting with your colleagues or fellow Zoom call or webinar attendees, while also ensuring that you stay comfortable and relaxed at home.
The writer is a lawyer who pens lifestyle articles on her successful blog www.nooranandchawla.com. She can be found on Instagram @nooranandchawla.