17 Tips to Look Your Best on Your Next Video Conference Call

Raise your hand if you’ve been on non-stop video conference calls during 2020.

*Everyone raises hands*

Because everything is done virtually now from work meetings, seminars, trainings, and even full out conferences, here are 17 tips to look your absolute best on camera- both in your physical appearance and how to “set your stage” around you.

Hair down- Wearing your hair pulled back tends to make you look bald on video. Opt for wearing your hair down to frame your face. Or if you do want your ˙hair out of your face, tie it to the side like in a side braid.
Touch of makeup– Makeup (even just a little bit of it) can make a big difference. Focus on “B.E.C.L” = brows, eyes, cheeks, and lips.
Wear appropriate clothing– Remember, just because you’re working from home, it doesn’t mean you should wear your house clothes! The key is this: wear what you would wear if the meeting was in person. Wear clothing that’s appropriate to the call.
Wear well-fitting clothes– If you wear something too tight, when you are sitting down, it may emphasize parts you didn’t mean to accentuate. If you are wearing baggy or super flowy tops, it may make you look larger on video than you really are. This is something we want to avoid since the camera tends to add an extra 10 pounds already.
Wear flattering colors– You’re either a warm, cool, or neutral skin tone (find out here). Once you know your skin tone, research what colors go well with your skin tone (like here).
Avoid wearing clothing that matches your skin tone– Speaking of skin tones, you don’t want to look like you’re wearing your birthday suit! Avoid clothing that exactly matches your skin color.
Avoid small prints and loud prints– Small prints tend to translate weird on camera and can strain the viewers’ eyes. Loud prints may be too distracting (but hey, if that’s your style then sure!)
Opt for tops with fun details– Because video calls only show half your body, have fun with the top half! Try blouses with fun sleeves, ruffles, or flounces.
Accessorize– You don’t have to over-accessorize. Even small studs or minimalist necklaces can add a sweet detail to your whole look.
Solid- colored background/wall– Time to set the stage. Sometimes, a living room or library background can be distracting (especially if it’s not tidy!). Keep it safe and simple- film with a light and solid-colored background or wall.
Avoid distracting sounds– loud fans, children yelling, babies crying, cars honking, chickens clucking (speaking from personal experience here), and the like are very distracting. Let’s avoid having our listeners constantly asking, “What was that?” “What’d you say?” “Can you repeat that, please?”
Have great lighting– One of the main basic pillars to looking great on camera. Whether it’s with a ring light or natural lighting from windows- make sure to have a lot of it. It will brighten your appearance and, well, visible.
Avoid low angles– The camera from your phone or your laptop should be eye level. I’d rather not look up your nostrils, haha!
High sound quality– External mics are never a bad idea! You can use one that you can place right at your desk or try headphones that has a built in microphone.
Clean your camera lens– I feel like this can be easily neglected. Look clearer; take a microfiber cloth and clean off the finger prints and smudges on your camera.
White paper for an extra glow– Place a piece of white paper or cardboard underneath your chin. The light from your ring light or windows will reflect off the paper to your face. You’ll look radiant!
Body language– Avoid looking stiff on video. Lean in when you’re listening, talk with your hands (but don’t overdo it), nod your head when you agree, and most importantly- SMILE!