Dressing for Virtual Meetings

Online meeting coming up – what do you wear, what needs to be considered? What should you think about when dressing for virtual meetings?

It’s suddenly a new work world out there, and you have to be on camera from your computer involved in a virtual meeting.  Whether its one-on-one or a group meeting, here are some ideas to help you plan and project the image that will get you the results you want.

You want others input and conversation.

You may be doing a coaching session, counseling, leading meeting, or just wanting to encourage others to participate, what should you wear? Low-intensity colors (shaded gray, grayed pink, dusty blue, beige, tan) are effortless and non-threatening. When you wear visually less attention-getting colors, it’s easier for others to stay focused and feel comfortable chiming in with ideas.

Don’t lose your audience.

If you’re announcing good news, high profits, or groundbreaking progress made by your team, high-intensity colors will help you deliver that news. Find ways to wear small to medium doses of cobalt blue, raspberry, or lemon yellow. Brighter colors will help you deliver your announcement and cheer your peers on.

 

Wear your position of authority on your sleeve.

There are times when you need to command a little more attention or have everyone know you’re the one in charge. At times like this, wear pieces that have high contrast in colors. Your message will be transmitting signals of authority well before you open your mouth. Examples of high contrast colors are black and white; midnight navy and ivory; deep burgundy and frosted blue.

 

You’re on a deadline and don’t want to be interrupted.

Parts of work can be very interactive while other parts of work need fixed attention, preferably with no interruptions. Send a let-me-get-this-done message through your clothes by wearing smooth, tightly woven fabrics in darker, neutral colors. Keep your work outfit looking quiet with a smooth finished suit or blazer. Women can wear a crisp button up blouse and jacket in a menswear fabric.

 

Engage people in conversation and win them over in a friendly way.

It’s important to appear approachable. Your clothing choices do that for you. You look friendly and approachable when you wear a jacket or pants in nubby fabrics like corduroy or thick tweed. Instead of wearing a fine-knit sweater, wear one that’s looser and cozy looking.

 

You probably have a lot on your plate and don’t have time to learn the skill set of shaping your message with your clothing choices. That’s okay; you don’t have to. I’m here to help. I’ll manage this part of your work life, so you enter every business situation feeling confident about your appearance.  And the best part – this can be done in person or virtually.

 

Call or email me today – I can help! jill@www.jillswanson.com  507—250-2030