You'd never turn up to the office wearing a Glastonbury t-shirt, so it probably isn’t sensible now.
A recent client conversation inspired my thinking on the challenges around what to wear when working from home. Research (following the introduction of dress down days) suggests what we wear has an impact on our attitude, productivity and output but how do we dress as professionals if we have multiple roles to fulfil in any given day?
For part 1 of this blog (part 2 next week) I sought out professional Style Consultant, Maggie Killick, for some practical advice on this. We agreed that a shift in mindset is required to be able to juggle and move effectively between different roles at home (parent, teacher, professional, cook, etc.) and Maggie’s advice is that “a quick and easy way to delineate between roles is to change what you wear”. I am old enough that my thinking went straight to Mr Ben and the notion of diving into a closet, to emerge in a teacher outfit one minute, chef’s whites the next, then a suit, etc.! Apparently, it doesn’t have to be difficult but if you want to create the right impression, it is important to remember the ‘W’ part of WFH; you’d never turn up to the office wearing a Glastonbury t-shirt, so it probably isn’t sensible now. Here are Maggie’s top tips.
“What you wear sends a clear signal to you (and, more importantly, those around you) that you are shifting from ‘at home’ to ‘professional’ mode. Whilst we may feel it would be more efficient to find that ONE outfit that ticks all boxes – in reality, this doesn’t exist, but the good news is, getting it right is relatively easy and will help you look, feel, and perform better.
So how do we do it?
Preparation
Spend 5 minutes in the evening choosing the following day’s ‘work outfit’. This will make a huge difference to how your day will start. Preferably, as I have advised many clients, choose 3 or 4 work tops/shirts (see advice on styles below) hang them in the room you have your meeting in (out of sight obviously). If you can, take 5–15 minutes before your meeting to change your top, shift your mind-set and prepare you for what is ahead. If possible designate certain chunks of the day for meetings and try and have at least a 10–15 minute gap between each one.
Choice of clothing
Think about (and test) what clothing looks good on camera: checks, stripes and small patterns should be avoided: opt for solid neutral/bold colours that suit your complexion.
Collars frame the face, so a shirt collar is a great choice for men and women. For men there is a more limited choice (cut-away; straight point and button down). If you have a wide face, counterbalance this with a straight-point collar; conversely if you have a long-thin face choose a more cutaway style. Many women find cotton shirts quite constricting. If so, opt for a softer material which has more of a drape to it. Alternatively, V-neck and straight necklines are universally flattering whereas round and high necklines can often make you look square and bulky, particularly if you have a large bust.
Whilst no one will see what you are wearing on your bottom half, it is important to feel good in what you are wearing. I recommend wide leg trousers or culotte style for women and chinos (for men) as opposed to jeans which can often feel uncomfortable.
Avoid loose knitwear, sportswear, sweatshirts, t-shirts etc. These items do little for your posture on camera and often give the impression that the meeting is interrupting a leisurely day off.
As we adjust to this new way of working, our moods and emotions will be less predictable. Wear a favourite piece, even if no one can see it, eg. fabulous shoes, perfume/aftershave, watch etc. Wearing something you love has been proven to boost both confidence and mood.
Grooming tips
Now that we are all on camera, grooming, or lack of it, has never been so obvious. Here are some quick wins in terms of how your skin and hair can look its best – whatever the day brings.
Women
Unfortunately, webcams can often wash you out, to counteract this wear a little more foundation than usual.
Give your face some definition on-screen – blusher is the quickest and easiest way to do this.
Lipstick will help you look polished – even a subtle shade will make a difference to your overall look.
Dry shampoo is a godsend and will give your hair extra body if needed.
Experiment wearing hair up which will elongate your neckline (remember – no one will see the back!). If you have short hair – try sleeking the sides back for a more polished look.
Avoid obvious hair accessories (eg. headbands, scarves etc.) if it is not your usual style. They will just be distracting and make you feel self-conscious.
Men
There are great male moisturisers that even out skin-tone and give a healthy glow – hugely beneficial in front of a camera.
If you have facial hair remember to maintain it. Keep it trimmed and use beard oil and other taming products if necessary.
Keep hair looking professional and avoid experimenting with a new, non-professional, look at this time. People are reassured by seeing professionalism – wherever they are working.
Using equipment to flatter
Using a filter
Zoom has a face softening filter called “touch up your appearance” that will put the camera into a softer focus. It is very subtle but definitely makes a difference.
Lighting
Light in front, not behind or underneath. If you are in a room with natural light, face towards it. This will ensure that light falls on your face. If not, use a desk lamp (with a soft light) and place it behind and above the lens in your screen – this will shape your face and give you the most flattering glow.
Never sit with your back to a window during an on-line meeting unless you also have light on the front of your face to balance things out: a backlit shot is not a good shot, and neither is being lit from underneath.
Camera angles
Your eye line matters – look up not down! Remember, if you are looking down at your camera, the person you are calling is looking up at you. You need to be looking slightly up at the web camera – elevate your screen so that the lens is just equal to your hair line. You will not only look better but it will also slim down your face and avoid a double chin situation!
Centre yourself to your screen and do not sit too close. Your webcam will have a wide angled lens which means it will exaggerate what it is closest too (eg. nose, chin etc).
Always check how you look in your own webcam before you join the meeting. This will avoid the ‘forehead image’ or the ‘cleavage reveal‘ – never a professional look. Once you have done this, avoid looking at yourself constantly on screen and look at the camera lens – this is your eye-line and where you will create eye contact with your colleagues.
Be remembered for maintaining a WFH standard that offers reassurance, shows confident leadership and respect for both yourself and for your clients and colleagues. It will speak volumes during this strange and uncertain time.
Sarah Chaplin-Lee from The Tall Wall was in conversation with Maggie Killick from maggiekillickstyle.com