Trying to find the perfect Zoom Top? Whether your virtual meetings take place via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Hangouts, you may suddenly be hyper-aware of the image your upper half conveys to those on the receiving end.
Now unofficially coined the “Zoom Top,” this wardrobe essential for conference calls leaves a lot of questions, and room for interpretation.
Here are five tips for choosing your Zoom Top collection.
1. Keep an Eye on the Neckline.
I for one felt a little self conscious one day when my top kept drifting just a little too far to the right. Visible bra straps are bad enough at the office, but even harder to hide on a video call when everyone’s image is front and center.
It also looks a little strange when your neckline goes below the bottom edge of the screen.
On the other hand, high turtlenecks may seem like a safe bet–but they aren’t super flattering for most face shapes, which isn’t great either.
Rather than avoid v-necks completely, choose tasteful options that elongate your features, but are not low enough to run the risk of a wardrobe mishap. A scoop or boat neck could work nicely as well.
2. Look Nice, Just Don’t Wear Your Best Blouse.
With many schools in remote learning mode, work meetings quickly give way to childcare duties in a matter of seconds. I for one don’t want to risk ruining my best dry-clean-only work blouses with mac and cheese sauce.
(Photo by Bernard Hermant on Unsplash)
But that doesn’t mean you should show up to your next Zoom call in your old kickball league tee from your early twenties.
If you don’t already own a few elevated t-shirts, now is the time to add a few to your wardrobe. You can easily dress up a nice cotton tee with a statement necklace or scarf. They are great layered with a blazer, which is an especially great feature for those meetings when you need to look extra polished.
Banana Republic even has an entire “tee shop” dedicated to this staple piece, where you can choose from a variety of colors, necklines, and sleeve lengths.
3. Choose Patterns Wisely.
I love gorgeous printed blouses. They are great for wearing out for a date or to a party (hah, parties, remember those?). Unfortunately, prints don’t always translate well through that laptop screen.
If you must, choose bigger patterns that aren’t overly busy. Something too busy, like plaid or colorful florals, could distract viewers and take away from what you are saying.
Better yet, choose solid colors for your Zoom top wardrobe. Which brings us to our next point.
4. Wear Your Complementary Colors.
We all have those favorite colors that we just seem to radiate in while wearing. Think about which colors you reach for again and again.
Consider your personal attributes, both in the physical sense and your personality traits. If you have a more olive skin tone, a deep orange or red top will likely wear well. If you’re pale, you may want to avoid colors that will wash you out.
Not sure what colors are the perfect match for you? There’s a whole industry dedicated to personal color analysis. For example, a company called Indigo Tones helps its clients discover the hues that will compliment their natural coloring, personality, and lifestyle.
And if you don’t already own some elevated t-shirts in your complementary colors, refer back to step 2.
5. Keep Your Options Organized.
As you curate several great Zoom Top options, from your existing wardrobe or through new purchases, keep your collection organized and easy to access. Designate a section of your closet or a drawer for this purpose.
If you have the closet space, I recommend hanging them up so it’s easier to see your options. This will save precious time as you get ready for your next day of work from home adventures.
I would love to hear from you on what kind of t-shirts, blouses, and other tops you’ve reached for again and again while working from home. What’s your go-to Zoom Top?
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