ÜberzeugenUncategorized / Sunday, October 24, 2021
The presenter's new clothes: The dress code for online meetings
Danja
Recently, during one of my Rock the Digital Stage online training courses, the question came up: "What's the dress code for online meetings?" Many people find it difficult to know what to wear to video conferences and which items of clothing should stay in the closet. Clothing is very important for presentations, whether online or not. It's one of the first things people notice and greatly influences the first impression. In this article, you'll find six dress codes to keep in mind for professional online presentations to ensure you come across as confident and professional.
Clothing for online presentations differs slightly from that for live presentations. Wear clothes that flatter your figure but aren't too tight. Definitely avoid overly large or baggy clothing, as this looks messy and unprofessional in online presentations. Opt for longer sleeves instead of short ones, as this looks more professional. Women should be mindful of their neckline, whether sitting or standing. Therefore, it's best to wear high-necked clothing. Also, pay attention to how your skirt or dress drapes when presenting while standing. And for everyone: no T-shirts.
Blue, green, pink, or black? Checkered or striped? With so many colors and patterns, it's often hard to know what to wear. In front of the camera, bold and vibrant colors that flatter your skin tone are best. For example, blue is highly recommended for blazers in high-resolution online meetings. Also, make sure to wear a color that contrasts with your background. You should stand out and not blend into your surroundings.
“Studies have shown that combining strong color contrasts makes the wearer appear more competent. For example, black on black creates a high contrast. Low color contrasts (e.g., white and beige) tend to appear rather inconspicuous,” says Elisabeth Motsch, image and personal branding expert.
Additionally, you should avoid stripes, checks and other patterns, as they flicker in the camera image, appear restless and distract from you.
Your personality determines your clothing.
Elisabeth Clancy, styling expert
Basically, it's important not to pretend to be someone you're not and to stay true to your own style. Styling expert Elisabeth Clancy says: “Your personality determines your clothing. If you're more classically inclined, you'll feel more comfortable in streamlined clothing. Or are you more at home in other styles? If you're dressing up in your clothes and don't feel comfortable, that will show. It's also important to know your color palette for your online presence. In other words, whether you're a summer, winter, spring, or autumn type. This can easily be determined with a personal color analysis.”
I can only agree with Elisabeth's statement. I've known for many years that I'm a winter type. Clear, strong colors like white, blue, and pink suit me particularly well. My signature color is pink. It's a winter color and underlines my lively, extroverted personality. Furthermore, this signature color creates brand recognition.
If I were to wear a warm color, like a salmon-colored blouse, I wouldn't have that wow factor.
Therefore, wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and that reflect your personality, because that's what you'll project.
How do you dress: business, business casual, or a relaxed leisure look? Seriously, I once saw an online participant who was dressed in a smart shirt but otherwise only wore his underwear. That shouldn't happen to you. Even though you often only see your upper body, I always wear nice shoes so I feel at home, like I'm on a real stage. There's no one-size-fits-all answer to which style you should wear. Depending on your profession and the person you're speaking with, your clothing can be more casual or more formal. For a video conference with colleagues, you probably don't need to dress up as much as you would for a meeting with clients. The big question here is: "Tie or no tie?" It's best to leave it in the closet for online presentations, as it looks unnatural at home. However, if you know that the person you're speaking with places a lot of importance on it, then you can wear one. It will earn you some brownie points.
As the saying goes, an outfit isn't complete without jewelry. But makeup also contributes significantly to your overall appearance and can accentuate your features. Think this doesn't apply to you because you're a man? Think again! Both men and women can use makeup. A touch of blush and subtly defined eyes, lips, and eyebrows are great for making a statement. Translucent powder is highly recommended to minimize shine, which often creates unsightly smudges on screens. It's also essential to apply moisturizer to keep your skin looking healthy and radiant. Of course, you can wear jewelry, but don't overdo it; keep it understated. Avoid large, sparkly accessories. The motto is: less is more! Men are also advised to forgo rings and ID bracelets.
Online, you're constantly in the spotlight. Everything simply has to be just right. Never go to a presentation looking like you just woke up and jumped out of bed. Well-groomed hair, a good haircut, and a styled beard are essential for a polished appearance. This is especially true for visible regrowth if you have dyed hair. Hairspray or pomade in moderation is fine. However, be careful of products that create too much shine under certain lighting. Bald men can counteract any shine with baby powder or makeup.
Conclusion
Wear clothes you feel comfortable in, but that don't overshadow your background. A well-groomed appearance and well-fitting clothes are essential for a professional look. Don't overdo it with jewelry and makeup – less is more! The style you choose for your online meetings depends on your personality, your profession, and your conversation partners. With my tips on the right dress code for online presentations, you'll avoid any faux pas and shine with professionalism and online charisma.
Have fun putting it into practice!
DANJA
