Remote employment opportunities have become commonplace and hybrid work environments are soon set to become standard business models. While this is great news in terms of logistics and employee flexibility, knowing the ins and outs of attending online events can still be a bit tricky. One common question involves how to dress for virtual meetings. Are there any general rules to keep in mind, and what practices might be frowned upon? Let’s examine both sides of the spectrum to learn more.
Themed Events
Many virtual meetings will be planned with a theme in mind. For example, autumn seminars might encourage attendees to dress up in their Halloween costumes, while summer sessions could instead involve wardrobe associated with beach weather. In either case, try to dress appropriately for the theme in question. This will demonstrate that you are a team player, and it could even bring a bit of levity into an otherwise dull seminar.
When Formal Attire is Appropriate
Your personal style choices will always serve to reinforce your professional persona. For example, think for a moment about virtual live shows you might have attended already. In these, even though you weren’t required to dress formally, you still did it as the situation seemed appropriate to do it. The men may don bow ties and suits, while women generally prefer attractive (and yet conservative) gowns. These appearances tend to exude an air of confidence, transparency and expertise.
The same holds true when discussing formal meetings (such as when participating in a product launch or during a high-end sales pitch). Remember that a decidedly conservative approach often impresses the viewer, especially if you happen to be directly representing a company or brand.
What About Casual Meetings?
There are also plenty of times when meetings take on a more casual nature. Inter-office communications, weekly webinars, gaming sessions, and software tutorials are common examples. In these cases, there is nothing wrong with abandoning your formal attire. However, keep in mind that there are still rules in regard to casual dress. Here are some expert tips to take into account well in advance:
- Avoid wearing clunky or gaudy jewellery.
- Simple fabrics are preferred over complicated patterns.
- Pastel colours are preferred by those who wish to display a more neutral tone.
- When warranted, wear garments (such as a polo shirt) that display company details such as logo or branding.
Of course, comfort is a final consideration to mention. If the event is scheduled for a lengthy period of time, make it a point to choose casual clothing that is not constrictive. You might otherwise become distracted from the information being presented.
A Touch of Fashion-Savvy Intuition
Dress codes for online events are normally not as strict as those associated with real-world gatherings or formal business meetings. However, always remember the importance of making a good impression within the digital domain. When in doubt, there is also nothing wrong with consulting with others to obtain a bit of extra advice.
