Being virtual can have its benefits, but have you ever woken up one morning in a panic about what you’re going to wear on Zoom? Whether it be a panhellenic rush meeting, a breakout room with the person you have a crush on, a club meeting or even just a 65-minute class, it can be a challenge to know how to put your best self forward. It’s easy to pick your favorite pair of pajama pants, but it’s a whole other obstacle to choose what people will actually see… that’s right… we are talking styling from the waist up.
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Accessories
I found that accessories and certain tools can become your best friend when trying to represent your most stylish self over the camera.
As Vogue UK says, “adding a little sparkle goes a long way”, and statement earrings can be the perfect way to dress yourself up. Amazon seems to have some great (and affordable) ones. Personally, I think you can never go wrong with chunky gold hoops. I linked my favorite ones here from Amazon!
If silver or rose gold are more your vibe, try out this other pair I found on Amazon!
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Lighting and Background
Freshman Public Relations Major, Julia Steinberg , said, “Using good lighting is key to make myself look presentable”. I couldn’t agree with her more! A ring light may take up too much space and can cost a lot of money, but if you’re sitting at a desk, why not use a clip on one? You’ll be feeling like an influencer in no time!
Click this link to see a ring light that I found on Amazon! It is rated number 1 by the Rolling Stone Magazine and is only $14! Can someone say balling on a budget?
Business major, Fallon Zemylansky, said that something she does to stand out on Zoom is, “To keep the background simple so that other participants aren’t distracted by anything around me.” She said she believes that this, “Allows the speaker to stand out and be remembered for their professionalism and appearance.” You can place your device in front of a plain wall. How about using that $14 clip on ring light with it? Simple and easy!
Hair
Another thing I learned is that spending the extra hour on your hair goes a long way. And trust me… you don’t need the $400 Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer (although that would be a nice gift for any lady out there)!
My routine normally consists of blowing out my hair and then straightening or curling it. This can be a time-consuming task, but a thick curling wand and a good hair dryer can do the trick in a pinch! Here’s a link to a Conair curling wand on Amazon.
I recommend trying out the Revlon Hairdryer Brush and calling it a day!
Clothing and Makeup
As for clothing, go for something that shows who you are. Makeup too. It’s fun to experiment with different looks on Zoom and then eventually return to in person with the look you discovered! And remember…less is more.
Men
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If you’re a guy reading this…DON’T worry! I got some advice for you from a lady’s perspective! First off, let’s not be sitting in bed, start off by moving to a clean workspace.
I always find that wearing a nice collared shirt, or a shirt that expresses and represents who you are, is key. Don’t forget to style your hair as well! The viewers can tell.
You don’t need to spend bank on a shirt or an outfit. The Manual named the best 11 online affordable clothing stores of 2022! Does it get better than just putting something in a cart, checking it out, and letting it come right to you?
Freshman business major, Aethan Soifer, said that he, “Always wants to be looking nice, wearing a collared shirt and chill hair” and said what he typically does to stand out is to ask questions throughout his Zoom.
Finance major, Jack Duncan, advises wearing air pods during Zoom ,“To ensure that you can hear clearly and that the audience can hear you as well when you’re speaking.”
Hopefully I helped you today to represent your best self from the waist up! Try a few of these tips and see if they make you a more confident version of yourself.
words_kirsten greene cover photo_brooke cagle on unsplash
