Windy Woods Digital Solutions

Working from home has become a new normal for many people, especially since the pandemic has forced companies to switch to remote work. And while working in your PJs or sweatpants may seem like a great idea, it’s essential to remember that you’re still at work, even if you’re not in a traditional office setting. What you wear can impact your mindset and productivity, and it can also affect how others perceive you in virtual meetings. So, what should you wear at a virtual office to maintain a professional look and feel? We got you covered with these three main tips.

1. Get Dressed for Work

First and foremost, even if you’re working from home, you should dress for work. Just because no one can see you doesn’t mean you should wear pajamas or sweatpants. When you dress professionally, you feel more professional and productive. You don’t have to wear a suit but aim for something comfortable and work-appropriate. Avoid anything that’s too revealing or distracting, like graphic tees or loud patterns. Remember, your appearance can affect your confidence, which can impact your work quality.

2. Do an Outfit Check

Before your first meeting of the day, take a few minutes to do an outfit check. You’d be surprised how different what you see in the mirror looks when reflected back from your webcam. Set up a Zoom meeting with yourself to check how you look on camera. You can see if there are any lighting or background issues, and you can adjust your outfit if necessary. For example, avoid wearing big earrings or necklaces that may cause a glare on your webcam. Doing an outfit check may seem trivial, but it can prevent awkward moments during meetings and help you look more put together.

3. Pay Attention to Your Upper Half

When it comes to virtual meetings, what matters most is your upper half. That’s because most people will only see your shoulders and above, so you want to make sure that area looks professional. People are typically a bit more casual at home, but on camera, we tend to look even more casual if we are not careful, and on video, people are hyper-focused on just a smaller part of your outfit. That pretty cardigan might look like a robe on a camera. Or a crew neck might look too much like a t-shirt. Consider the right neckline for that professional look.

Even though you’re not in a traditional office, you should still dress professionally when working from home. Dressing professionally can boost your confidence and productivity, and it can also help you make a good impression during virtual meetings. Remember to do an outfit check, pay attention to your upper half, and avoid distracting clothing. With these tips in mind, you can create a professional virtual office look that will impress your colleagues and help you stay motivated.