how to look good on zoom Archives

ACCESSORIES AMPLIFY OUR PERSONALITY

Anything we choose to put on our bodies is a form of self-expression and so whatever we choose to wear, we are using our clothes to develop our own style, our personal brand. In the same way, our accessories amplify our personality.

A carefully chosen accessory adds a different dimension to an outfit creating visual impact. It's also a way to enhance a certain part of our body - a belt to show off a waist or a necklace to flatters our neck and decolletage.

When Zoom is making us all 'above the waist visible', our accessories are particularly important right now.

Many things influence the clothes we wear. It is personal choice and a wonderful form of self-expression don't you think?

Our accessories are a great way to amplify our personality whether for our working or social wardrobes.

What makes us choose our accessories and jewellery, patterns or frills over clean lines or clothing made of natural fabrics? The answer is that many things contribute to our choices such as our childhoods, the influence of a family member, celebrity and what we may see virtually. Accessories enhance our personal style. They elevate an outfit and complete the look.

Think of our accessories as our 'best friend'. They make us smile, elevate our best bits and serve to emphasise our personal style and preferences.

The key to successful accessorising is understanding what works for us. A few good accessories add versatility to our wardrobe so by changing our accessories we extend the life of our clothes giving them a new lease of life if paired differently.

A good start is if we take some time to consider the shapes we prefer, the materials that resonate with us - gold or silver, wood or glass, felt or pearl and if you prefer sparkly or matte and the overall style. We soon develop a familiar style that feels comfortable for us.

Here are my Top 3 Accessories for 'above the waist' dressing....

A colourful scarf can take your outfit up a notch

Scarves

A colourful scarf is a great way to take an outfit up a notch whatever the time of year. It would be a shame to wear them only when the weather is cooler. Use a finer scarf to protect your shoulders from the sun or use as a belt on a favourite pair of trousers. You could also wrap a scarf around the handles of your handbag. As you can see here, a scarf is a great way to inject colour. Heaven knows we could all do with a little more colour in our lives now that Spring is emerging.

Photo credit; Accessorize - Alba Statement Green Resin Earrings

Earrings

Particularly important now that Zoom or Team meetings are the order of the day. Great to add interest to plainer clothes and are instantly visible adding an instant 'zing' which can really complement your face shape and enhance your cheekbones if chosen wisely. Think about your face shape...

Oval Face - can wear most shapes

Round Face - choose earring styles that elongate your face such as drop earrings

Angular - choose diamond, rectangular or sqaure shapes to flatter your face shape

Consider adding colour for a bit of fun

Necklaces

Are a great way to make a statement and to enhance your neck and décolletage area. Long necks look great with chokers whilst shorter necks are flattered by longer layered necklaces.

Rather than gold or silver, consider introducing colour in a necklace. It adds a bit of fun.

The smallest change to our appearance can have a huge impact so its not about busting your budget. Spicing up your outfit with a carefully chosen accessory is a great alternative to forking out on an entire new outfit ...a new scarf, handbag or shoes....or how about these...your sunglasses, umbrellas, watches, keyrings, laptop bag, purses, spectacle case and even the spectacles.

Our accessories allows us to repeat the same outfit but give it an entirely different feel! Our accessories can differentiate us and set us apart.

As we emerge from this Pandemic and start to swap our leisurewear for smarter choices, get into the habit of adding an accessory every day. As one client said to me recently..."following your advice, I now wear jewellery every day and feel fabulous, thank you". Our accessories amplify our personality.

Even the smallest of changes can lead to a whole host of positive outcomes.

If you'd like to continue this conversation or would like to learn more about my services, I'd love to hear from you.

Jackie Crawford

Image Consultant

07494 644788

Published by Jackie Crawford in Uncategorized

Many of us haven’t actually stopped working throughout this challenging pandemic but as restrictions begin to ease, we will soon be heading back to the workplace. If you have had some time away from your desk, making the right impression in virtual meetings is something you may need to brush up on.

It’s daunting isn’t it when leisurewear or comfy pyjamas may have been our outfit of choice over recent weeks and months.

We may find ourselves separated to maintain a level of social distancing but connecting, networking, meeting and communicating with clients and colleagues via on-line platforms is here to stay and will certainly remain the key to keeping us healthy and visible whilst working.

Our working clothes do help project credibility but how we feel about ourselves is vitally important and having confidence in our appearance is very powerful stuff even around the home.

With technology making us more visible, it’s worth reminding ourselves that we can become complacent and mistaking our business calls with those within our leisure time. Let's embrace it, any form of visual connection is a great opportunity to build relationships.

Let me guide you through the basics of looking good in virtual meetings which means you should look the part from the waist up to keep you on the professional track. Of course this is really dependent upon your role and industry.

Background/Location

Finding the most flattering lighting position is a good start. Find an area in your home that does not cast shadows on your face. Even lighting that shines toward your face is best. Always bear in mind what is going on behind you – the plant pot sticking out of your right ear or a chair piled high with clothes does not create the best impression. Your background should be tidy and do consider what a virtual background suggests when projecting authenticity is important.

Camera Angle

Making the right impression in virtual meetings

Image showing 'Together with Jackie' welcoming Diane Brown Well-Being Life Coach

Eye-level is good. Try to ensure that your camera is slightly higher so you are almost looking up to your camera. Elevating your device rather than looking down to it, is more flattering.

Personal Grooming

In addition to dressing well, there is comfort in taking care of our personal grooming when we are so much more aware of ‘being watched’. Screens can fade the colour in your face so using a little make-up can introduce some freshness into your face. A light foundation, mascara and a swipe of lipstick is all that is required! Remember that we all notice the small details so no nail varnish is better than chipped nail varnish.

Embrace Colour

There is no better time to dress yourself happy. Introducing some colour into your wardrobe (and your environment) is a great way to increase your energy and motivation. Colour should lift your spirits and is visually appealing when communicating on on-line platforms not forgetting that colourful accessories add impact.

I can't wait to offer face to face consultations again in my home-studio so if you fancy a colour treat when things return to ‘normal’, I’d love to help you identify the colours that make you glow.

Necklines

With the arrival of the warmer weather, it may be tempting to show a little more flesh. Keep your necklines professional and endeavour not to show too much skin. Remember that any discomfort in your clothes can be a distraction. Avoiding anything too low or too tight is a good solution to looking your best and feeling comfortable.

Jewellery

Does evoke a wonderful sense of happiness from the memories it triggers and has the power to lift a simple outfit to a different level. Take care that it is not too distracting or noisy. Bracelets that bang on your desk for example or very large earrings that can detract when they ‘wobble’. If you've not been wearing a watch during this period, now is a good time. Keep it simple.

Early meetings

If you happen to be communicating across World time-zones, throwing on a colourful wrap saves some time earlier in the morning! Being prepared with a simple morning routine also helps by selecting your clothes the night before (your top half at least) and perfecting a quick make-up routine.

I hope this helps you maintain a professional presence but if you need some help via the virtual services I am currently offering, do get in touch. I’d love to help.

Jackie Crawford

Image Consultant

07494 644788

Published by Jackie Crawford in Business Dress Codes, How to look good in virtual meetings, Uncategorized