17 Styling Mistakes To Avoid In Your Next Video Call With Your Boss

Getting dressed for an in-person meeting with the boss? We usually put in the effort to look polished and professional. But when it’s a video call, many of us tend to let things slide, thinking the screen hides everything. Spoiler: it doesn’t. What you wear and how you present yourself on camera says a lot about your professionalism, and slacking on style could leave the wrong impression. To ensure you come across as sharp and put-together, here are 17 style mistakes to steer clear of on your next video call with the boss.

Pajamas Or Loungewear

Choosing pajamas or loungewear during a video call can give the impression that you are not taking the meeting seriously. It is best to choose attire that reflects your readiness and professionalism, even in a virtual setting. Switching to comfortable yet presentable clothing can help you feel more prepared and engaged during the call.

Revealing Tops Or Clothing

Wearing revealing tops or clothing on a video call with your boss can be distracting and may not convey the expected professionalism. It’s important to dress appropriately and avoid clothing that exposes too much skin or undergarments. Opt for outfits that balance comfort and professionalism, ensuring you make a positive impression during the meeting.

Graphic T-Shirts

While graphic t-shirts can be fun for casual outings, they may not be suitable for a professional video call with your boss. Choose clothing that matches the meeting’s formality level and reflects your respect for the occasion. Go for plain or subtly patterned tops that convey professionalism and competence.

Wrinkled Or Unkempt Clothing

Wrinkled or unkempt clothing can give off the impression of being unprepared or careless, which may not reflect well during a video call with your boss. Taking a few moments to ensure your clothing is neat and presentable can make a big difference in your perception. Consider ironing or steaming your outfit beforehand to ensure a polished appearance.

Loud Patterns Or Prints

While bold patterns or prints can add personality to your outfit, they may be distracting on camera and detract from the meeting’s focus. Choose clothing in solid colors or subtle patterns that won’t overwhelm the screen or draw unnecessary attention. This ensures that your contributions and ideas shine through without your attire overshadowing them.

Excessive Jewelry

While accessorizing can enhance your outfit, too much jewelry can be distracting and inappropriate for a professional video call. It’s best to keep your accessories minimal and understated to maintain a polished appearance. Please choose one or two key pieces that complement your outfit without overpowering it, ensuring you look professional and put-together.

Sunglasses Or Hats

Wearing sunglasses or hats during a video call can obstruct your face and make it difficult for others to see your expressions. Removing accessories that cast shadows or obscure your face is essential to ensuring effective communication. Opt for natural lighting and avoid wearing anything that hinders your ability to engage with your boss and colleagues.

Heavy Makeup

While makeup can enhance your appearance, heavy or dramatic makeup may translate poorly on camera and appear unprofessional. Stick to natural, polished makeup that enhances your features without overpowering. Opt for a light foundation, neutral eyeshadow, and a subtle lip color to ensure you look professional and put-together during the video call.

Shiny Or Reflective Clothing

Clothing with a shiny or reflective finish can create glare on the camera, distracting and interfering with the meeting’s focus. Choosing clothing in matte fabrics or textures that absorb light rather than reflect it is best. It ensures a precise and professional presentation of yourself and your ideas during the video call.

Clothing With Offensive Language Or Imagery

Wearing clothing with offensive language or imagery is highly inappropriate for a professional setting and can be offensive to others on the call. Choosing attire that respects company policies and cultural norms is essential to maintaining a professional environment. Opt for clothing with neutral or positive messages that contribute to a respectful and inclusive atmosphere during the meeting.

Visible Undergarments

Visible undergarments can detract from the professionalism of your outfit and may be considered unprofessional for a video call with your boss. Choosing clothing that provides adequate coverage and ensures your undergarments remain concealed. Invest in adequately fitting undergarments and clothing that minimize the risk of exposure, allowing you to maintain a polished appearance throughout the meeting.

Distracting Hairstyles

While expressing your style through your hairstyle is essential, overly distracting hairstyles can detract from the focus of the meeting. Opt for neat, professional hairstyles that won’t require frequent adjustments during the call—neatly styling your hair, whether a simple updo, a sleek ponytail, or a tidy bun, can convey professionalism and confidence during a video call.

Unkempt Facial Hair

Unkempt facial hair, including messy and unkempt eyebrows, can give off an impression of negligence and lack of attention to detail during video calls with your boss. Stray hair and irregular shaping can detract from your overall professional appearance, potentially undermining the seriousness of the conversation. 

Wearing Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses during video calls with your boss is a significant fashion no-no for several reasons. It obstructs eye contact, a crucial element of effective communication that fosters trust and connection while conveying a lack of seriousness or engagement in the conversation. Additionally, sunglasses may create a barrier to reading facial expressions accurately, hindering effective communication and rapport-building. 

Bright Or Neon Colors

Bright or neon colors can be incredibly distracting during video calls. These vivid hues often dominate the screen, pulling focus away from what you’re saying and onto your outfit instead. Additionally, neon colors can create visual discomfort for viewers, especially on camera, where lighting and screen settings might amplify their intensity. Wearing such striking colors can also come off as unprofessional in many corporate environments, where a more subdued, polished look is expected.

Not Taking Care Of The Fit

Wearing clothes that are too tight or too baggy can be uncomfortable and distracting. Make sure your outfit fits well and flatters your body shape. A good fit is crucial for looking polished and professional. Even a simple tailoring job can make a huge difference. Take the time to try on your clothes before the call to ensure everything looks just right.

Sheer Fabrics

See-through clothes just don’t cut it for work meetings. They can cause awkward moments and are better saved for casual outings. Stick to solid fabrics that keep things professional and polished, and you’ll feel more confident, too. Also, you’ll avoid any embarrassing wardrobe mishaps.

More For You

As you update your virtual meeting look, why not check out some fantastic midi and maxi dresses for spring and summer? Our guide will help you find stylish, versatile options that keep you comfortable and chic no matter where you are.

This article was first published at RB ITALIA Blog.