The pandemic forced us to work within the comforts of our own homes. The work-from-home set-up has its perks. It eliminates the need for a morning routine to prepare yourself to go to the office. Also, it removes unnecessary fuss about finding ways to look good during professional work sessions. However, face-to-face interactions have now been replaced with virtual meetings.
With that, despite only being seen through a screen, it still requires you to look presentable in front of your colleagues. Being at home in your comfort zone, it is understandable that even thinking of simple tasks like wearing something simple may already be difficult or too unmotivating to do as many will choose to be in their pajamas. Although there is no need to put in the usual routine you did in the past, a bit of effort can take you a long way.
So, here are some of the ways you can do to look good in your virtual meetings.
Step 1: Dress to Impress
As the classic saying goes, “dress for the job you want.” That still rings true even if we have moved towards online work set-ups and virtual meetings.
For most of us, dressing up belongs to our standard routine of going to the office. As more people see and notice us on our way and inside the office itself, we tend to give a bit more attention to what we wear.
Now that we do most of our work inside our home, our tendency to dress according to our job description may have slowed down or minimized. For example, you are likely to do your work with your laptop perched on your lap while sitting on your bed or sofa. With such a set-up, wearing a suit or a bottom-up shirt is no longer needed.
With that said, despite working remotely, virtual meetings are something you need to prepare for physically. The simple reason is that it is still a job and how you present yourself is a way to show professionalism. How you look can perceive how people see the quality of your work.
For an online set-up, it’s especially important to look good from the torso up. A clean and crisp formal collared shirt is a great virtual meeting staple. Neutral colours are a versatile go-to. Though you can add a pop of colour now and then, generally avoid bold prints. A simple shirt can do for more casual meetings, but you may want to stay away from wearing sleeveless tops. Another simple trick is to throw on a blazer and it is one of the easiest ways to look good.
If you find a boost from shopping, you can invest in tops and jackets to add to your wardrobe. When it comes to bottoms, if wearing dress pants or a work skirt can get you in the right headspace, do it even if you’re doing the meeting in the comfort of your bed. Sweatpants will be acceptable; just remember to not stand until the camera’s off and the session is over.
Step 2: Complement Your Virtual Background
Our home is our private sanctuary. There are times that we want to keep the look of our interior for ourselves. It might also be the case that you haven’t got the time to do some cleaning for your workspace, and you do not want that to be a conversation for your following work function.
Luckily, with virtual meetings, you can choose and change your virtual background. Even if it’s a simple detail, the right background can do wonders to your image on a screen. Choose something bright that matches your outfit. Make sure to coordinate the colours so you can strike the balance of being visible but not to stand out too much.
Also, match your background based on the nature of your appointment or online meetings. More formal meetings with clients or colleagues may require a simple and clean backdrop. For more casual meetups or discussion you can have fun with colourful and graphic backgrounds. It’s also a great way to show off your personality and bring some fun to the virtual room!
Step 3: Know Your Camera Angles
Knowing one’s angles is not only a skill that actors or models should master. Working professionals can also benefit from adopting such knowledge and skill. One big reason for doing so is to make an impression with the people you are working with. How you present yourself to others can be one important factor in creating the impression of you looking approachable or unsociable.
It is especially essential during the online set-up, where all the focus is on the upper half of your body. Sadly, virtual and online communication can lead to greater miscommunications. Being aware of how you come off in front of a camera helps to make conversation as effective online as it is in real life.
If you haven’t figured out your angles yet, you can always take time to practice. A mirror is always a helpful tool in this situation. However, as much as you can, use a camera to know your angles. How you project on the screen creates a different image from what you see on your reflection. Practice your angles through a webcam, phone camera, or whatever you use during your virtual meetings. Tilt your head from side to side, up and down. You will notice that different angles change how you look.
To make the process easier for you, pay close attention to your chin and use that as a guide. Having your chin too up can make you come off as a snob and standoffish. Generally, most people look good with their chin slightly down. It opens up your eyes and allows the light to hit on your cheekbones. Pulling your chin down a bit more can make you look powerful, fitting for those who have more authoritative job positions. However, make sure not to pull your chin down too low as it does not let people see your whole face.
Step 4: Invest in Skin Care
The last and essential way to look good during your virtual meetings is having healthy and glowing skin. Of course, the other factors mentioned earlier- clothes, background, and camera angles- may help, but skin in pristine condition makes for a better image in person and online.
In a face to face setting, we always try our best to hide or conceal our dark eye circles, dehydrated complexion, and prominent wrinkles. They are physical manifestations of possible stress and exhaustion from work. As a working professional, you need to look like you are on top of your game, and healthy skin can project that aura.
It is especially noticeable in virtual meetings, where, again, the emphasis is on the upper half of your body. Considering how much technology has advanced in years, the camera can capture the finest detail of your face and skin condition. With that in mind, looking at skincare as a long term investment may not be too far fetched.
Here are some ways to have your skin looking good:
Sleep
Studies show that people who sleep for seven to nine hours a night tend to have more moisturized skin compared to those who only get to sleep for five hours or less. The skin’s ability to retain moisture aids in fighting signs of ageing. Proper sleep can help protect your skin and can heal itself after being exposed to ultraviolet rays. Sleep deprivation results in swollen eyes, dark circles, more wrinkles, and an overall gloomier appearance.
Skin cells regenerate more quickly at night. As the skin regenerates, it produces collagen, which is responsible for helping the skin keep its volume and elasticity. Furthermore, blood flow to the skin is more frequent when asleep. The process delivers the necessary nutrients the skin needs to protect itself from the elements like sun and dust.
Experts also recommend sleeping on your back instead of face down or sideways. The position prevents your face from rubbing against the pillow, maintaining the smoothness of your skin. Sleeping on the front causes body fluid to pool, resulting in eye bags and a puffy look. On the other hand, sleeping on your side causes the formation of sleep lines on the side you slept on. Proper elevation helps to reduce puffiness and fluid accumulation.
Hydration
The simple task of drinking water can do wonders for your skin. The body is composed of up to 60% of water. It requires adequate hydration to flush out waste and keep your vital organs functioning properly. With that in mind, the skin is considered the largest organ of the body, so it is no surprise that hydration plays a huge role in keeping it healthy. If you don’t want wrinkles to form, don’t let yourself and your skin get dehydrated.
As you grow older, your skin slows down its production of collagen, one of the primary contributors to skin elasticity. As a result, there’s a high risk of skin sagging and wrinkles. Water is one of the critical components of collagen. Drinking enough water aids in improving skin elasticity and maintaining youthful-looking skin.
Furthermore, dehydration leads to dull and dry skin and even the formation of wrinkles. Hydrated skin is always a great way to look good as it looks radiant, healthy, and glowing. With that said, it doesn’t happen overnight. Make sure to consume at least eight glasses of water a day for a couple of weeks.
Cleansing
Facial cleansing can be a foolproof way of making your skin look good. It removes dirt, oil, and other unwanted debris caused by external elements like air and the environment. Throughout the day, bacteria, pollutants, viruses, dirt, and dead skin cells cover your skin, specifically the face. Washing the face removes these impurities, giving the skin a clean and fresh look. Going a day without washing retains the dirt in your skin. Make sure to clean your face at least once a day.
Moreover, the skin produces oil to protect the skin from the elements. The oil reaches the surface of the skin to form a barrier against bacteria and dirt. Excessive dirt builds up on the surface causing follicles to be blocked, trapping oil, sweat, and dead skin cells. Skin cleansing clears the pores and prevents dirt buildup. If you have oily skin, it is recommended to cleanse your face at least twice daily, however, it varies based on individuals
Alternative Treatments
The tips mentioned above are great ways to prevent early signs of skin ageing. With that said, more factors cause the skin to deteriorate. One of the common factors includes ageing, which is something that you cannot prevent from happening. Also, other skin conditions cannot be treated by mere sleep, hydration, and cleansing alone.
If your concern includes wrinkles, there are little to no natural solutions that can erase the existing fine lines in your skin. Even drinking large amounts of water does not fill lines in your skin.
If you aim to replenish your skin and maintain a healthy glow, do not hesitate to find alternative skincare solutions. Luckily, as there’s a growing number of people interested in taking care of their appearance- especially during this pandemic- skincare has become a booming industry. As a result, there are many options out there, including products, supplements, and skincare treatments.
Facial fillers have also become popular among skincare enthusiasts. Undergoing aesthetic procedures with facial fillers may still be frowned upon by some, but many are becoming open about their desire to do so. As long as you are in the hands of a great doctor and a trusted facial filler product, you are sure of a safe procedure with natural-looking results. If you are looking for a natural-looking result with 6 natural ingredient facial fillers, do not hesitate to consider this!
Those are some of the ways to look good for your future virtual meetings. Do not let the pandemic hold you back in making an effort to look presentable. Making an effort to follow these tips can give excellent results.
Remember that you are your best asset in any job you go into. Yes, it includes your knowledge and skill, but how you look can affect how others perceive you. If you look good, you’ll also feel good, which then gives you the confidence to go through your day head-on. So start as early as now and create an image that transcends the screen!
