What to wear on a video call is a request I’ve been getting a lot lately, as so many more people are finding themselves working remotely as we navigate this new reality of living with a pandemic.

people on a video call

In general, dress as you normally would for work, for a lunch date, for a drinks get-together, but here are a few  specifics about what to wear (and what NOT to wear) for video conferences. 

Do’s 

  • Wear clothes that flatter your body shape and that are comfortable/ appropriate : Choose pieces that have some structure and skim the body without clinging.
  • Wear colours that flatter you. This should probably go without saying, but avoid colours that tend to wash you out or don’t flatter your skin tone. Click on the relevant image below for more details.
  • A medium shade of blue or green is almost always a safe bet, as are all jewel tones. 
  • Choose solid, bold colours. 
  • A jacket or blouse with a collar is a good way of making yourself look professional for a business meeting.

  • Wear jewellery that is simple and small or medium-sized, depending on your personal style. Big, shiny statement jewellery can be distracting, but you definitely want to wear something that reflects your personality and helps complete your outfit. Earrings and a necklace are probably all that will show, but if you’ll be wearing headphones, you can eliminate earrings altogether. Click on the relevant image above for more details.

  • A necklace, scarf or brooch can help to draw attention to your face but make sure it’s not too overwhelming. Click on the relevant image above for more details.
  • You can take advantage of the fact that the camera can’t see below your waist by wearing comfortable bottoms and shoes, but your top half should look professional and put-together. However, I would still recommend wearing a dress, skirt or trousers (ie don’t just dress from the waist up – you might have to stand up to get something!)
  • The camera tends to wash people out, so you may need more blush or foundation than you normally wear. 

  • Also, wear a brighter/ stronger lipstick colour. Just click on the relevant image above for more details.
  • If you wear glasses, make sure they have a non-reflective coating.
  • Dress appropriately for the situation ie; I wouldn’t dress the same for a Skype call with friends as for a business video.  

Don’ts

  • Avoid stripes which tend to blur on camera. 
  • Avoid loud and very small patterns, which can distract the attention away from you and what you’re saying. 
  • Don’t wear clothes that you are uncomfortable in : Make sure the clothes you’re wearing don’t bunch up, gape, or reveal too much cleavage once you sit down.
  • If a sweater is too tight, it will create unflattering lumps and bumps when sitting, but if it’s too loose and flowy, it will drape and add visual weight.
  • Don’t wear solid white or black.
  • Don’t wear noisy or jangly bangles or earrings.
  • If wearing a microphone make sure it doesn’t bang on your jewellery.

Have a look at the video below for a brief recap of what to wear on a video call :

And finally, for what to wear on a video call, remember to

what to wear on a video call

1 Respect the key styling rules about body shape, colour and situation

2 Do a final check before going live (lipstick on teeth, messy hair, shiny nose – keep tissues and a hairbrush to hand) 

3 Record yourself talking for a few minutes prior to the call to make sure you look alive, but not too “overdone”.

I hope you find these tips about what to wear on a video call helpful, and you might also enjoy this post on 5 common style mistakes and how to avoid them, or have a look at How to look Elegant and Classy on a budget.