How to Dress for Professional Video Calls

Your appearance on video calls matters. Here's how to make a great impression:

• Wear solid, medium tones like navy or burgundy. Avoid busy patterns, neon, or shiny fabrics.
• Dress fully in professional attire, even if only the top half is visible.
• Grooming is key: Keep hair neat, use natural makeup, and avoid distracting jewelry.
• Set up your space: Use a clean background or virtual tools like RoomRedo for a polished look.
• Lighting and camera: Position your camera at eye level and light your face evenly.

These steps ensure you appear polished, professional, and ready to impress.

What to Wear on Virtual Calls and Meetings

Selecting Professional Video Call Attire

When dressing for a video call, aim for a balance of style, comfort, and professionalism.

Best Colors and Patterns for Camera

Stick to solid, medium tones like navy, soft blue, burgundy, or forest green. These colors look great on camera and avoid exposure issues. Steer clear of pure white or black, as they can cause lighting problems.

For patterns, go subtle. Small-scale designs like fine pinstripes or minimal textures work best. Avoid:

• Overly busy patterns like tight checks or herringbone
• Neon or fluorescent colors
• Shiny or reflective fabrics
• High-contrast stripes

A polished look isn't just about colors and patterns - your entire outfit matters.

Complete Professional Dress Code

Dress fully in professional attire, even if only your upper body is visible on camera. This ensures consistency and keeps you prepared for any unexpected camera angles.

• Blazers or structured jackets for a polished look
• Wrinkle-free shirts or blouses in camera-friendly tones
• Professional pants or skirts to complete the outfit
• Minimal jewelry to avoid distractions
• Clothing that’s clean, pressed, and well-fitted

Industry-Specific Dress Standards

Different industries call for different dress codes. Here's a quick overview of what's appropriate for various fields:

Industry	Recommended Attire	Notes
Finance/Legal	Traditional business formal	Dark suits, conservative colors, minimal accessories
Tech/Startups	Smart casual	Button-downs, optional blazers, or solid polo shirts
Creative Fields	Business casual with personality	Structured pieces with interesting colors and tasteful accessories
Healthcare	Clinical wear or business professional	White coat for consultations, professional attire for meetings
Education	Business casual	Solid-colored tops, structured blazers, minimal patterns

Pair your attire with a clean, professional background. Tools like RoomRedo can help you create the perfect setting for your video calls.

Personal Appearance Guidelines

Presenting yourself professionally starts with paying attention to your grooming and styling. A polished appearance can leave a lasting impression.

Hair, Makeup, and Jewelry Tips

Keep your hair tidy and styled in a way that doesn’t require constant adjustment.

For makeup, aim for a natural, matte look to minimize shine:

• Use a matte primer and powder.
• Stick to neutral matte eyeshadows.
• Opt for a lip color just a shade darker than your natural tone.
• Avoid highlighters and any shimmer products.

When it comes to jewelry, keep it minimal and understated:

• Choose small, timeless pieces.
• Avoid noisy or distracting accessories like bangles or long earrings.
• Stick to matte-finish metals.
• Limit yourself to 2-3 items.

Basic Grooming Standards

Maintaining a polished look for video calls means paying attention to the small details. Here's a quick guide:

Grooming Element	Best Practices	What to Avoid
Facial Hair	Trimmed neatly with defined edges	Overgrown or patchy areas
Skin Care	Use matte moisturizers and oil-control products	Heavy creams or shiny finishes
Nails	Keep them clean, trimmed, and neutral if polished	Chipped polish or overly long nails
Hair Care	Clean and styled away from the face	Unkempt or flyaway strands
Teeth	Ensure they’re clean and free of food particles	Stains or visible food residue

For a polished on-camera look:

• Get haircuts every 4-6 weeks to maintain a neat style.
• Keep a grooming kit handy for quick touch-ups.
• Check your appearance before important calls to ensure everything is in place.

Lastly, good lighting is key. Position your main light source slightly above and in front of you to reduce shadows and brighten your face.

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Video Call Setup Basics

Your video setup plays a key role in shaping your professional image.

Light and Camera Position Guide

To look your best on video calls, position your camera at or just above eye level using a stable stand. This angle creates a balanced and flattering view. Pair this with proper lighting for a polished appearance.

Here are some lighting tips:

• Place your main light source directly in front of you, slightly above eye level.
• Use a secondary light to the side to reduce shadows.
• Make sure your face is evenly lit - no harsh bright spots or deep shadows.

Camera Positioning Tips:

Camera Position	Effect on Appearance
Above eye level	Creates a slight downward angle that flatters the face.
At eye level	Offers natural, direct eye contact.
Below eye level	Can result in unflattering angles, emphasizing the chin.

Once your lighting and camera are set, it’s time to focus on your background.

Setting Up Your Background

A well-thought-out background completes your professional look. If your physical space isn’t ideal, tools like RoomRedo can help you create virtual backgrounds with live previews for a polished touch.

Tips for a Clean Background:

• Remove any distracting items from the frame.
• Ensure the background is evenly lit for a seamless look.
• Use a live preview feature to check your setup before the call.

For virtual backgrounds:

• Take background photos in landscape orientation.
• Step out of the frame when capturing room photos.
• Pick a background that complements your outfit.
• Add subtle branding, like a company logo, for client-facing meetings.

Fixing Common Video Appearance Issues

Once you've set up your outfit and background, it's time to tackle common visual challenges to maintain a polished, professional look.

Reducing Glasses Glare

To cut down on glare from your glasses, position your main light source at a 45-degree angle to your face. Consider using anti-reflective lenses if possible. Adjust your camera to sit slightly above eye level and tilt your glasses downward a bit - this can help minimize reflections effectively.

Fixing Lighting Problems

Good lighting can make or break your video appearance. To soften shadows, add a fill light positioned at a 45° angle. Harsh light? Diffuse it with a piece of white paper or similar material. Avoid backlighting by repositioning your lights, and when natural light is available, face it to avoid unwanted silhouettes.

Lighting for Different Skin Tones

Lighting needs vary based on skin tone. For deeper skin tones, increase brightness with soft, diffused light to avoid creating harsh highlights. For lighter skin tones, reduce direct light to prevent overexposure. Experiment with different setups to find what works best for your complexion. Tools like RoomRedo's live preview can help you see how your lighting works with your virtual background.

Also, test your lighting setup throughout the day to adjust for changes in natural light. Keep your background simple and subtle - it ensures the focus stays on you while maintaining a professional vibe.

Conclusion: Professional Video Call Dress Code Checklist

Stand out on video calls by nailing your outfit, grooming, and overall setup. Here's a quick checklist to keep you looking sharp and ready for the camera:

Professional Attire Tips

• Stick to solid colors that flatter your skin tone.
• Opt for well-fitted, structured tops like collared shirts or blouses.
• Keep jewelry simple and avoid anything too flashy.
• Skip busy patterns or bold prints that can distract.
• Choose clothing that holds its shape even when seated.

Grooming Must-Haves

• Keep your hair styled neatly and away from your face.
• Use neutral makeup to control shine and keep things natural.
• Ensure facial hair is trimmed and tidy.
• Flash a clean, confident smile.
• Adjust glasses to reduce glare on camera.

Technical Setup Basics

• Place your camera at eye level or slightly higher.
• Sit facing your main light source for clear visibility.
• Add extra lighting if needed to avoid shadows.
• Use a clean, uncluttered background for a professional vibe.
• Test your full setup - including audio and visuals - before any key call.