Work from home: Tips to dress for an online meeting

In times of coronavirus, when the world is gradually coming to terms with the 'new normal' and exploring various ways to stay connected, keep working and bringing about some kind of normalcy in life, there's no denying that there has been a paradigm shift in the way 'work is being done' in the COVID-19 pandemic era.

From 'work from home' to 'shooting at home', people from various walks of life actors, media-persons, IT professionals among others, all have been trying to keep the momentum of work life going. And to keep up with it, video calls, online meetings have become an essential part. 

Right from holding business meetings, conducting job interviews, organising conferences to a HR-employee or a manager-employee interaction, everything now relies on video calls. In fact, several actors have admitted to hearing narrations on zoom calls and attending various acting workshops. 

2020 sure has taught us to be more tech-savvy and introduced to new ways us to stay connected and keeping the work going. 

“Due to this global pandemic people are working from home, zoom calls have become the norm to connect with people for official calls. It is very important that people know how to present themselves on such calls that create face value and leave an impression," said deisgner Monisha Jaising.

But oftentimes, we are confused as to how should we dress when attending a virtual meeting, be it for an interview or a formal interaction with a senior in the office. But, don't worry, we've got you covered.  

So, in order to get an insight into how one should dress for an official call, we at DNA spoke to designer Monisha Jaising, Poonam, Founder, White Light Elements, Kainaz, Co-founder,White Light Elements and also got inputs from apparel brand Limeroad. 

Here's a list of things you can keep in mind before you get on to your next official video call:

Opt for neutral colors

Wearing neutral colours will make you look more authentic and trustworthy, more like an expert. It can be a simple shirt or a dress paired with some boho jewelry. Don’t go for shimmer fabrics, instead look for professional fabrics like crepe, matte jersey and polyester knits blouse with a cap sleeve. Focus is more on the top wear cause that’s visible on video calls.

White Shirt can never go wrong

White can never go wrong. It is the only color that can be paired with any dark, pastel or neutral color. It looks the best if paired with some bold earrings. A matte face with a little flush looks better on screen than shiny or pale skin.

Simple plain kurtas paired with leggings 

Kurtas can be perfect for the all-time fashion. It makes you look cooler and professional at a same time. In fact, you can also opt for kurtas with roll-up sleeves, check prints to nail that office video call in style. Wearing a long simple neck piece will go best with the outfit.

Blazer over the polo dress

Fitted blazers with dresses can be a very strong and bold looking outfit. This combination can never go wrong along with some statement earrings.

Opt for solid colors, small prints

Solid colors or small prints on light shades go very well on virtual meetings since it neutralizes the palette. Your dress-code could also depend on your profession. In case you wish for a more formal look, just putting on a jacket or a shrug over a shirt should seal the deal with a pair of studs or simple pearl tops and a sleek nicely done hair-bun. A plain clean look is what one should aim for in formal meetings.

Semi-formals are a go-getter

Wearing something comfortable and semi-formal is the perfect key to a virtual meeting dress-code. Something that provides homely comfort with an elegant semi-formal look such as palazzo pants teamed with a shirt or t-shirt. Keep the styling minimal - dainty accessories can look very classy and chic. A pair of subtle statement earrings or a watch would do the job perfectly and give you the right amount of sharpness in your look. 

Simply pair shirts with joggers or blazer with a cami

Creating a fuss-free formal look has never been so easy. While we are mostly focusing on dressing from the top for a virtual meeting, combining joggers with a formal shirt could do the trick. Also, you could throw a formal blazer over your cami and attend that impromptu video call.

Co-ords

One can never go wrong with co-ords. While it gives a comfortable feel, it looks very elegant. 

T-shirt and vest with fitted joggers

A solid t-shirt with a colour-blocking vest should look great while on a video call. Whiel your t-shirt will be comfortable to wear, the vest will give it a more formal look.