With so many of us using video conferencing apps like Zoom and Skype to communicate with one another due to the effects of COVID-19, our usual fashion and style tips aren’t always applicable anymore, and many of us have experienced seeing ourselves looking less than flattering on the computer screen.
We still want to look great, but what looks amazing in real life and what looks good on Zoom aren’t always the same thing, so what are we to do? You could start by checking out these awesome Zoom grooming tips…
Sort the scenery
Before we even get into personal grooming and styling, it’s important to note that the scenery behind you during your Zoom meetings can have a significant effect on how you look online. That’s why it’s a good idea to spend some time dressing your backdrop.
Perhaps, the thing that will make the greatest amount of difference is the lighting in the room you’re using. If you can light yourself evenly all over, you will look a lot fresher and a lot less sallow, especially if you’re being lit by natural light, So, try and position your laptop or whatever device it is you’re using, close to a window.
Then, maybe tidy your bookshelf and place a few cute knick-knacks around you so that when people log in and see you they will associate you with a positive, tidy space that will instantly make you look better.
Make an effort
A lot of people think that because they are working from home and they won’t be going outside, they don’t need to put the same effort into choosing an outfit, but if you want to look your best you simply cannot afford to enter your Zoom meeting in last night’s crumpled pajamas or those yoga pants that you love to wear when you’re slobbing around. No, if you want to look great on Zoom you need to take the time to pick out a clean, fresh matching outfit. And feel free to be a little bold, add some flair to it with a Hawaiian print. You will be sure to stick out and make a statement.
Focus on the hair and face
Normally when you’re heading out, you spend a lot of time ensuring that your shoes are on point and your pants are pressed. But when you’re Zooming, you don’t need to worry about that stuff, so forget about it and put all that extra time and attention into making sure that your hair is combed and you don’t have to shave everyday, but keep it trimmed.
If you’re a woman, my wife can speak to this, having clean presentable hair and clean moisturized skin is also a must, but you may also want to spend some time doing your makeup too.
Oh, and while we’re on the subject of face, if you wear glasses, you’re going to want to polish them before your next meeting, or if they’re particularly shabby or scratched you may even want to pick up a new pair from Eyeglasses.com. Why? Because Zoom tends to show up scratches and dirt on glasses in a way that just wouldn’t happen in real life and you don’t want your fellow Zoomers to be so focused on your glasses’ grime that they don’t take in what you’re saying. This one I do forget occasionally, but it’s a nice reminder, I mean the point is to see out of them, so if they are dirty, clean them!
Accessorize
When there’s less of your own show, it’s harder for you to make a good impression with your style, but it’s certainly not impossible. Men may add depth to their appearance by sporting a watch, a pin on their shirt, or and toss on a cool hat like a fedora. Ladies can do the same with statement earrings, scarves, and brooches. There’s no need to overdo it, but adding a well-placed accessory or two will certainly help you to look good, and no one who sees you will be able to deny that you’ve made a good effort.
Try a filter
Some video conferencing apps enable you to use filters, and this can be a good way of softening your look and hiding a multitude of sins if you really aren’t happy about the way you look in video calls. However, it’s far more fun to embrace the tech and experiment your look than it is to cover yourself up. After all, if you can’t experiment with new fashion choices and makeup looks now then when can you?
This might be too much of a filter, but also remember to have fun. We may all be stuck at home a lot more often than we would like, but that doesn’t mean we can or should let our appearance slide!
