6 Ways To Step Up Your Zoom Style

A version of this story first appeared on Forbes.com

With most meetings taking place over Zoom or other video conference services these days, you may be thinking about ways to step up your professional style for these Zooms. While it’s great that you can show up to a board meeting in pajama pants if your heart desires, you should consider what other meeting participants will see on screen. Here are some tips on how to ensure you are looking professional and put together for important meetings, even if said meetings are taking place from your home!

1. Find A Comfy-Cute Top

The beautiful thing about Zoom meetings is that you only have to worry about your outfit from the waist up, so if you want to wear sweatpants, go for it! Just make sure your top is sleek and chic. We recommend wearing plain colors or large, simple prints (like wide stripes or big polka dots), as small prints can get distracting on the screen. For example, a silk button-down shirt is professional and comfortable.

2. Toss On A Blazer For Those Formal Meetings

Keep a blazer on deck for formal virtual meetings. Just like you would with in-person meetings with prospective clients, you’ll want to dress up a little more than you might for an internal touch base. Throwing on a blazer is the best way to step up your style for such occasions! Neutral colors like navy or black are ideal for a traditional look, but don’t be afraid to rock a hot pink or bright red blazer if you work in a creative industry where dress codes can be more bold.

3. Don’t Forget To Accessorize

Just like with a blazer, adding some jewelry is a simple and effective way to upgrade your Zoom look. A statement necklace or simple gold necklace is always an elegant addition, as are small hoop or stud earrings (just make sure your headphones don’t interfere with your earrings). Avoid stacked bracelets or any other jewelry that makes noise when you move, as that will distract your other Zoom attendees.

Need a pair of versatile statement earrings you’ll wear forever? Check out this pair of delightful diamond studs from Blue Nile.

4. Upgrade Your Headphones

If you aren’t wearing headphones during Zoom meetings, get on that! Not only is it easier to hear other members on the meeting, but you’ll also have less feedback and distracting noises coming through your end. AirPods are a great option that feature a built-in microphone so your voice can come in clearly, or you can use your favorite noise-cancelling headphones.

5. Find Your Minimal Makeup Routine

There’s no need to put on a full face of makeup if you are just hanging around at home, but a few key products can help make you look awake and glowing through your video camera. We recommend using concealer to brighten under eye circles and hide any blemishes, mascara and brow gel to make your eyes pop, and a neutral lip and cheek tint to add some color. This simple routine takes just a minute or two to do and will make you look like you didn’t just roll out of bed…even if you did!

P.S. Don’t forget to turn on Zoom’s “pretty filter” if you want a smoother, softer appearance on screen. Just check the “touch up my appearance” option for a subtle glow up.

6. Perfect Your Background

The green screen backgrounds you can add in on Zoom are fun and mix things up, but we would recommend limiting those to friend Zooms or informal team meetings. For formal meetings and discussions with clients, you’ll want to set your computer up in a simple location, ideally facing a wall so you don’t have family members or roommates walking behind your screen. A plain wall is optimal, or one with neat artwork. Bookshelves are another neat and professional-looking background option, and a great way to show off your personality through the books you’re reading, too!