https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:53:05 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices/page/2#post-2107829 Sun, 22 Mar 2020 19:21:14 +0000 Dana 2107829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny and all, thanks for the great advice! I also think it's good especially if you like dark colors to create some contrast...for example, black cardigan over white t. But definitely bright/light colors look better and brighten you up on screen.&nbsp;</p> <p>I found the soft focus on Zoom but now I want to find a background. My rooms with brighter lights have terrible backgrounds, i.e. white pantry doors and china cabinet. (Um, different rooms, lol)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices/page/2#post-2107121 Thu, 19 Mar 2020 22:25:16 +0000 shiny 2107121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>kkards,</b>&nbsp; I have found the exact opposite! The younger folks are more apt to go on video with no make up and messy hair.&nbsp;</p> <p>We are also experiencing all kinds of connectivity issues lately. Our company is normally 35% WFH and now we're at 100%. So even if you wanted to do video, you can't, at high volume times of day, and that's also an issue because pretty much everyone in our condo building is also WFH now. Which sucks because now is the time you really want to be F2F as much as possible.&nbsp;</p> <p>The struggle is real about having multiple family members all trying to WFH at the same time. For us that's just me and the DH. So glad he's now fully WFH. Was raising my anxiety the past week when he was still going into the office. We are juggling back and forth so that important calls one or the other of us can use our home office. So one is upstairs one is downstairs. As the weather gets nicer, one of us will be out on the deck. Raining today so...&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices/page/2#post-2107068 Thu, 19 Mar 2020 17:16:18 +0000 kkards 2107068@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My 84yo mom had her bible study class today via zoom today. And complaining about all the people who can’t use technology. It’s a new world people </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices/page/2#post-2107041 Thu, 19 Mar 2020 15:34:57 +0000 Zaeobi 2107041@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@rachylou Zoom is very flattering, but you have to do a fair bit of rummaging around in the 'advanced settings' (on your web browser) to turn on all of the hidden features - I love the virtual backgrounds that they have too, lol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices/page/2#post-2107035 Thu, 19 Mar 2020 15:28:25 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2107035@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have worked from home for 20 years and have nearly always gotten away with ordinary phone calls. I was just thinking yesterday after my first video conference board meeting, that there was going to be more of this. Finding this conversational chain very interesting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices/page/2#post-2107034 Thu, 19 Mar 2020 15:28:13 +0000 rachylou 2107034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wait wait... I heard on the radio Zoom has a soft focus feature to make ya look better! Lolol! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices/page/2#post-2107032 Thu, 19 Mar 2020 15:23:04 +0000 Zaeobi 2107032@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@kkards I've noticed the same correlation between age &amp; an aversion to video with my undergraduate students - do you think it maybe has something to do with feeling self-conscious onscreen, perhaps? </p> <p>I know a lot of my students live at home with parents who aren't so accommodating about not interrupting video calls by walking around or talking to them directly in the background, so there may be an element of that too... It's funny how many of us took our workspaces for granted before we could no longer access them anymore. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices/page/2#post-2106972 Thu, 19 Mar 2020 12:06:59 +0000 Staysfit 2106972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>LOL! &nbsp;Baseball caps! &nbsp;Yeti’s! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106968 Thu, 19 Mar 2020 11:24:19 +0000 kkards 2106968@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>just reporting in. i've been involved in a number of on line meetings with the option of video or voice....so far its seems the younger you are the more likely you are to choose voice instead of video, not what i was expecting! also, lots of baseball caps (i work with a lot of men), and Yeti's of coffee(?), and the occasional toddler. &nbsp;it's been interesting.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106967 Thu, 19 Mar 2020 11:07:06 +0000 Staysfit 2106967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so glad I checked back! &nbsp;There are many useful tips here. &nbsp;I have my first video conference today. &nbsp;I did a test yesterday and noticed the issue about the background and angle of the computer! &nbsp;Much appreciation for Shiny’s helpful advice!</p> <p>I mostly wear solids, and picked a happy red with coordinating statement glasses, matte silver earrings, and I plan to wear makeup including lip stick because I otherwise look very pale onscreen. &nbsp;No pajama bottoms! &nbsp;</p> <p>So far I have been so busy I am putting in more hours at home than I would if I were at the office. &nbsp;With no commute, I have three extra hours to get things done! &nbsp;(My commute is long!). &nbsp;The work has more than multiplied to fill the time as my co-workers and I sift through ever changing declarations from government that impact our capacity to deliver services in a crisis, &nbsp;I am grateful for the way everyone has pulled together and is making this work.&nbsp;</p> <div><br /></div><div>One more thing....since DS and DH are also working from home, we had to set up three workstations....each in separate rooms. Since we all do video conferencing and do not have 3 study’s, the men are using bedroooms. &nbsp;Everyone is well equipped with the necessary office supplies for their work to minimize intrusions into my space (I am using the study) so as to ensure privacy for my patients. &nbsp;We have signs to alert each other when we are engaged in a video session so we do not knock or interrupt each other.</div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106792 Wed, 18 Mar 2020 14:10:28 +0000 Zaeobi 2106792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's so funny, since this is my usual wardrobe uniform (even before working from home)! I live in solid coloured, lightweight scarves &amp; tops - usually 3/4 sleeved boatnecks, pussybow blouses or the typical teacher uniform of a long jersey cardigan &amp; wide strapped sleeveless top (multiple layers are best to prevent overheating when in long meetings - keep a water bottle close by, too). I occasionally wear a pattern in one but not the other, but have stopped altogether since working from home because it can sometimes morph strangely with the moiré effect on webcam. I have a few virtual backgrounds already loaded to my Zoom account, so I can change them to make sure my outfit contrasts well without worrying about my real-life background (Hong Kong is notorious for having tiny yet expensive flats, so unfortunately I have to grapple with bright sunlight &amp; other undesirables when getting my real surroundings to cooperate with me on camera, lol). </p> <p>I make sure I'm in more comfortable bottoms when I teach from home, though. In the classroom I'm usually more active &amp; standing up, so my pleated maxi skirts didn't matter as much then, but it's a lot harder to stop them getting caught in the wheels of my office chair when I'm stuck at home for hours on end! So I instead go for bottoms that don't look TOO casual when I work from home (such as slightly elevated sweatpants in a dark colour that are fitted at the ankles with a flat smooth waistband, rather than a drawstring one). I'll sometimes do a half tuck at the front of my top if I'm wearing a longer cardigan (see my 'teaching suit' made of jersey above, lol). </p> <p>Sorry for the rant, lol - I've actually been working from home since October/ November, since the protests broke out here last summer &amp; then now we're dealing with the Coronavirus. So I feel like I've perfected the art of being a hermit whilst not looking like one, lol. If anyone has any questions about adjusting to this lifestyle, please feel free to give me a shout! I'm not claiming to be an expert lol but it HAS almost been half a year since I last stepped foot in my classroom... WOW. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106728 Wed, 18 Mar 2020 00:30:03 +0000 Roberta 2106728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am working from home now, but no videoconferencing yet. Colleagues are finding their home internet can't support the process. My own work is usually half on-the-fly meetings, mostly policy or personnel issues, and half PC time writing and revising those policies. I remember when I was a librarian. :-)</p> <p>I love the idea of planned, fun days, like they do at schools regularly now. School spirit day, or pajamas day, or inside out day. One of our HS deans says that is the best perk of his job.</p> <p>Do think about your background. I could always tell a pro Skyper in an interview because they had a simple (but not stark) background, maybe a plant, and a neutral piece of furniture (a tall dresser, a smaller bookcase, a landscape. If you're working with friendly colleagues, more interesting backdrops are fine. Just no open closets or piles of mail, you get my drift. Thinking about my backdrop right now - it might pass muster!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106703 Tue, 17 Mar 2020 21:56:13 +0000 shiny 2106703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Christina, I totally get the hot office situation! I can at least turn off my heat and open a window but often I find myself overheating anyway as I run hot, even in winter. My best tip for this is that nobody can tell on video what the fabric content of your top is. So go ahead and wear (for example) the Breathe tops from Old Navy. Just focus on color as that's what reads over video.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106693 Tue, 17 Mar 2020 21:03:18 +0000 Christina F. 2106693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>This is a problem for me. I live in a pre-war NYC building, which basically means we can't control our heating. We live on the top floor, and the bedroom, where I work, has the hottest radiator in the whole apartment. The air conditioner is mounted in the windows so I can't open (nowhere else to put it even if we took it out for now). <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I want to wear something nicer than a tee shirt when I work, but most other things are too warm. This would be fine if I had access to my warm weather clothes, but they're in basement storage. I may try to put away some cold weather clothes, since I'm going outside less, and switch in some warmer weather ones. I may as well get started on the seasonal editing while I have time. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Scarves and jewelry are a great solution. I also have some fun headbands like this one. <br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106690 Tue, 17 Mar 2020 20:11:47 +0000 Gretchen 2106690@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Shiny</b> - such great ideas! I've got my laptop up on a stack of books when on a call, and have committed to staying standing while on the calls as well. I find I'm less likely to multitask, and I figure it gets me a few extra steps in at least!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106685 Tue, 17 Mar 2020 19:41:23 +0000 shiny 2106685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been WFH for a long while now, though don't always go on video. Here are some of my tips:</p> <p>1. Get the lighting in your home office right. Tips here -&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://blog.flock.com/6-tips-for-proper-workspace-lighting">https://blog.flock.com/6-tips-.....e-lighting</a></p> <p>2. If you can't always get the lighting right, schedule your most important video calls (i.e., customer meetings) for the times of day when the lighting is best. My home office generally gets generally good indirect lighting most hours, but the lighting is perfection in the late afternoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>3. Don't wear patterns as they can jump and jiggle and do funny things on video.</p> <p>4. Similarly, watch out for shiny jewelry, as it can read funny/be distracting. That includes bracelets and anything that will "clack clack" if you are typing on a keyboard while not on mute. (Personally I just skip the jewelry entirely).</p> <p>5. Don't wear obvious pajama bottoms, as if you have to get up at any time, people will notice. You can certainly wear black leggings or other comfy stretchy clothes.&nbsp;</p> <p>6. Obvious one: dress from the waist up. I like to put on a topper like a ponte knit or merino wool jacket cut like a suit jacket. It could be over a simple cotton tank top -- nobody can tell over video my tank top is a basic from Old Navy rather than something in a more office appropriate material.&nbsp; Sometimes my topper however is a hoodie that has our company logo on it! Now is the time to wear all those tee shirts your company gave you, to show spirit. And DO put on a little lipstick: it makes a difference. Something that's a little bit more "your natural lipstick color" as bare lips on video somehow read more bare than in person. Do wear flattering colors to light up your face. I have seen a lot of people wearing hats and I am on the fence on that one. I get it, maybe you woke with bed-head. But the reality is none of us can tell if you haven't yet had your shower today, so just brush your hair out and don't worry about it. Hats can sometimes come across distracting on video, maybe because the brim covers the eyes.&nbsp;</p> <p>7. Play around with the height and angle of your computer/laptop. A lot of people don't look their best when the camera is pointed up and is lower than their face. I have a large computer monitor so the camera is higher than me, and I angle it down slightly. This is much more flattering than when I go on video on my laptop. For me it's the difference between 20-30 lbs and extra chins. Only have a laptop? Try putting it on top of a stack of books on the counter, pull up a counter-height stool, and sit a little bit away from the laptop (arms length), rather than using it from your laptop or having it flat on your desk.&nbsp;</p> <p>8. DO pay attention to your backdrop. A lot of my fellow WFH colleagues have bookcases or shelves lined with awards or white boards or interesting art or plants. The worst backdrop is a window (see tip #1) unless you have the curtains closed. I have a fun Fornasetti pillow on a chair behind me which always gets comments and laughs. Sometimes when I need a change of pace, I'll use laptop on stack of books on the kitchen counter trick, with our fireplace as the backdrop.</p> <p>9. If you have short legs like I do, put a foot rest under your desk so your feet aren't dangling in a way that bends your posture all out of shape. This is good for back health, but also good so you aren't twisting around uncomfortably or slouching during a call.&nbsp;</p> <p>10. Before important calls, stand up and do the Superman Pose. This is great for public speaking as well. It helps to stretch you out and get oxygen into your lungs.&nbsp; </p> <p>11. Between calls, by all means, get away from the desk and into a comfortable supportive chair. You don't have to WFH sitting at a desk all day. They call them "laptops" for a reason! Take it out on the deck and get some fresh air while you are at it!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106540 Tue, 17 Mar 2020 05:11:29 +0000 Gretchen 2106540@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I saw a few other fun ideas on Instagram today:<br /> - elementary school teachers declaring spirit days, so everyone can dress up (great way to justify pajamas!)<br /> - one company declaring Fridays are hat days, so we can at least have 1 bad hair day/week<br /> - company logo day - great way to use the corporate swag</p> <p>As for me, I started today with a plan to wear my bright colors...and then an electrical transformer blew leaving my neighborhood with no electricity or internet for 8 hours. So I was back to voice only. Oh well, tomorrow’s another day. Stay safe everyone! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106443 Mon, 16 Mar 2020 18:08:24 +0000 celia 2106443@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh well&nbsp; guess I am going to test my theory. Will be working from home starting tomorrow </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106419 Mon, 16 Mar 2020 15:16:28 +0000 Jules 2106419@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cardigan over pajamas for me :)<br />I had a vendor who would sometimes wear our company's branded tees and hats when he video conferenced with us. Bit of an ice breaker. One could choose team or school colours or coordinate just for solidarity or fun... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106416 Mon, 16 Mar 2020 14:55:39 +0000 celia 2106416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We are still working at the office but moved to conference calls/ go-meetings.<br />If we start working from home I intend to revert to my mom-on-the-go days with nice tops and jeans, dresses with leggings ,etc.&nbsp;<br />Actually I am going to reread old outfit posts and try to adapt to my current preferences ,like the ones below</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2014/05/08/ensemble-khakis-tee-blazer-gladiators/">https://youlookfab.com/2014/05.....ladiators/</a></p> <p></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2013/07/11/ensemble-striped-pencil-skirt-for-moms-on-the-go/">https://youlookfab.com/2013/07.....on-the-go/</a></p> <p></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2013/03/28/ensemble-combat-pants-white-top-and-red-accents/">https://youlookfab.com/2013/03.....d-accents/</a></p> <p></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2008/07/23/mom-on-the-go-flop-proof-outfit-1/">https://youlookfab.com/2008/07.....-outfit-1/</a></p> <p></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2008/07/31/mom-on-the-go-flop-proof-outfit-2/">https://youlookfab.com/2008/07.....-outfit-2/</a></p> <p></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2008/08/13/mom-on-the-go-flop-proof-outfit-3/">https://youlookfab.com/2008/08.....-outfit-3/</a></p> <p></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2009/10/16/autumn-mom-on-the-go-flop-proof-outfit-1/">https://youlookfab.com/2009/10.....-outfit-1/</a></p> <p></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/2009/12/02/autumn-mom-on-the-go-flop-proof-outfit-7/">https://youlookfab.com/2009/12.....-outfit-7/</a></p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106415 Mon, 16 Mar 2020 14:37:07 +0000 Suz 2106415@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Excellent topic for discussion and these are terrific ideas. I have worked from home both with private clients and as a teacher as well as while working for an organization that held meetings. I tend to dress the way I would for regular work, but as <b>Angie</b> said, no one has to know I'm wearing my "inside shoes." I love the idea of punching up colour to add cheer and agree with <b>Mainelady</b> that those working with little kids can do a lot to set the tone. What a wonderful way to approach it. A huge <b>YAY</b> for teachers!!</p> <p>Also, <b>MollyMac</b> and all those in health care, in any capacity -- props to you all. You are doing amazing work.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106398 Mon, 16 Mar 2020 13:27:13 +0000 Anonymous 2106398@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Still in the office today but I Hate Loathe Abhor Despise videoconferencing. Hate the phone too, but slightly less. If I'm not visible, I'll be in my catburglar black, if I am, then biz casual workwear (and full makeup) as normal. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106380 Mon, 16 Mar 2020 12:10:33 +0000 Preppy Pear 2106380@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great thread. My university is on extended break, but I do have a couple of videoconferences this week. It’s also going to be wet and gray here which is not helping my mood. I’ll do dressy casual as usual, same grooming as always.<br /> I’ll change into exercise or chore clothes when not working, because I want to stay as busy as possible at home to try keep my mind off of things. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106377 Mon, 16 Mar 2020 11:53:16 +0000 Liesbeth 2106377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting question. I'm fascinated that so many keep doing hair and makeup as if going to work. I was thinking, what with not quite HD- video quality, I'd definitely skip the makeup and give my skin a rest. Then again, I only wear a light tinted moisturizer and blush anyways.</p> <p>I would wear slightly more casual work outfits: need to be warmer and would feel ridiculous in a blazer or dress pants at home.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do think that for teachers doing remote teaching, it's more important to keep up appearances (as opposed to office workers having the occasional video call). After all, I can only imagine this is stressfull enough as it is for children and youngsters. They have to take on so much responsibility for their own learning all of a sudden - no need to get scared by a teacher in their pj's ;p ... (here schools are closed as well for at least three weeks and everyone is looking at online courses and tasks to remedy SOME of the loss of learning; interesting to see this is a worldwide phenomenon) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106368 Mon, 16 Mar 2020 10:48:31 +0000 Staysfit 2106368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So many things I have never considered before. &nbsp;I agree with everything Mainelady said about maintaining connections, being a role model, and portraying calm for the youth in her classroom. &nbsp;We plan to do the same with our students. &nbsp;I have no idea what I will be wearing, the lighting issues, or any of the myriad other factors....but I will be using video and audio formats to deliver healthcare so I will check back again to see what other suggestions people make. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106367 Mon, 16 Mar 2020 10:45:33 +0000 kkards 2106367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>well, jokes on me, as of 9:00 last night, we are offically WFH. need to rethink my WTF attitude.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106356 Mon, 16 Mar 2020 04:23:15 +0000 rachylou 2106356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have never thought about this...and now it occurs to me that maybe I should have... I’m not even sure I’ve always brushed my hair... ha! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106355 Mon, 16 Mar 2020 04:22:13 +0000 DonnaF 2106355@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Artificial lighting can make colors look off, especially reds. That’s what I have found in ZOOM meetings. My reds vibrate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106341 Mon, 16 Mar 2020 02:13:10 +0000 Molly Mac 2106341@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My work from home experience has been different. I am in health care but in a management position not direct care. We have been working 10-12 hour days preparing for a massive influx of sick patients. By the end of the week, everyone was in sweats, no makeup and baseball caps on our video conference calls.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/video-conferencing-wardrobe-choices#post-2106330 Mon, 16 Mar 2020 00:00:57 +0000 kkards 2106330@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha...as of right now we are still going into the office. But all meetings will be on line, whatever that means. But...I’ve already told my coworkers that if we’re working from home and they want to video chat they should expect me to be in my pajamas with hair sticking up. Hoping to discourage any of these kinds of meeting. Lol. </p>