If much of your social calendar is still taking place on Zoom, you might be wondering what to wear. How dressed up should you get when you’re staying at home—and what’s going to look good on camera?
You may well not want to run out and buy an entirely new outfit for the sake of a couple of hours on Zoom. So here’s how to figure out what to wear to a virtual party, from what you already own.
First, you’ll want to ask yourself a couple of key questions.
What Activities are Planned for the Party?
First, you need to know what activities are planned. You probably don’t want to show up in something tight and restrictive if you’re going to be taking part in a virtual improv night. The activities can also give you an idea of how formal the party is.
Tip: If you’re the party planner (or have been asked for suggestions), check out these ideas for virtual events.
Will You Be Standing Up?
This might seem like a strange question … but if you’re going to be sitting down all through the party, then there’s not much point focusing on your lower half. And if you decide you want to wear leggings and cozy slippers, well, no one is going to be seeing them!
However, if the party involves a lot of moving around, you may want to keep in mind that the whole of you is—at some point!—likely to appear on camera.
Even if you’re expecting your lower half to stay entirely out of sight, you’ll want to make sure you’re at least wearing something. It’s best not to attend in just your underwear from the waist down, in case the camera angle is a little wider than you’re expecting.
Choosing an Outfit That Looks Great on Camera
To look your best on camera (no filters required!), you’ll want to:
- Choose bold prints rather than tiny ones—they’ll look stronger on camera.
- Or, stick with block colors that will come across strongly.
- Avoid logos or slogans that might be only half visible on camera.
- Avoid tops that blend oddly with your background (whether real or virtual)—you might want to test out your chosen outfit beforehand.
- Think about how to do your hair: you don’t want to flicker it out of your face on camera constantly.
- Avoid makeup that will look shiny on camera: pick something matte, rather than glossy, from your makeup organizer.
- Wear jewelry that won’t clink or clatter: it might not sound noisy in person, but your microphone could amplify it.
- Think about your lighting and background. The nicest outfit can look strange against a fussy background—and poor lighting can make you look washed out.
- Pick a jacket or wrap that you can put on over your outfit … and keep it to hand. You might find that you get cold while sitting still during the party.
You might want to try a few different outfits ahead of the party, or you may want to talk to a friend who’s also attending to see what they’re planning to wear. But above all, wear something that makes you feel great—and enjoy the party.
