Dress Right Dress
By E’Beth Goad
Dressing professionally to fit your brand has always been a key factor in standing out in your business, but we have been presented with a whole new set of challenges thanks to the pandemic. Now, more than ever, it’s easy to trade our suits for sweats but is that a good idea, and how does it affect you and your business?
These days we're experiencing "Zoom Fatigue," and it shows. While this can be detrimental to some businesses, you also have the opportunity to outshine your competition with something as easy as looking put together on your calls. Looking put together sets you apart and without saying a word, you will be perceived as an expert and a leader in your field. This easily transcends into more opportunities, gaining more clients, equaling more money in your bank.
Let's chat common "sense”. Vision is the dominant of our senses and is responsible for 80% of our nonverbal communication. What this mumbo jumbo means is that we are visual resumes. In this case, a video resume speaks to the person on the other side of our screen. So how do we put our best foot forward when we're chatting above the keyboard?
Embrace color. While in a traditional setting, we might err on the side of caution by wearing classic neutrals for a professional gathering; however, it gets lost on the screen. Take a look at the other people on your next call. You may notice that those wearing color stand out the most while those wearing traditional neutrals like black, navy, tan, and grey do not.
One of the most striking colors is cobalt or electric blue. It's a universally flattering color, which is fancy talk for looks good on everyone and has a psychological effect that the person you speak to remembers you. Ladies, make sure that you have adjusted your makeup for the camera and consider a bold lip to demonstrate confidence.
Avoid "busy" designs. I am all about different patterns to add depth and personality to a look, but small busy prints are a no-go on video! Think of patterns like houndstooth, checked prints, and a lot of paisley as distractions. The prints get distorted on your screen and is visually distracting - literally like watching a disco ball.
The whole point is that you want to be noticed for yourself and not what you are wearing.
Chin up. It goes both for positioning your body AND where the neckline falls on what you are wearing. Both men and women should keep necklines from falling too far below the chin on camera for maximum impact.
For instance, a dress shirt unbuttoned too far below the collar bone will give the person you are speaking with the impression that you are less trustworthy because they are not focusing on your face. When speaking on camera, you also want to make sure that you are looking directly at the camera.
Double-check where your camera is located if using your smartphone. Looking at yourself talk vs. looking into the camera makes a huge difference.
" I believe that the key to your success is found in your closet. I live for that "aha" moment when my client looks in the mirror and sees their full potential in their reflection"
~ E'Beth
Personal Stylist and Owner ofEbethgoad.com
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