What to wear to a video call
Wear a solid-colour top in a mid-tone, with no fine stripes or tiny checks, and sit facing a window or lamp. Dress as you would for the same meeting in person from the waist up; the camera only sees that part.
Two outfits that work
Solid blue blouse, optional blazer
- solid blue blouse
- grey blazer (optional)
- comfortable trousers
- slippers or flats under the desk
A mid-tone solid reads well on camera and does not flicker, and a blazer adds structure for important calls.
Light blue shirt, optional navy blazer
- solid light blue shirt
- navy blazer (optional)
- comfortable trousers
- slippers or loafers under the desk
A solid light blue shirt is flattering on webcams, and a navy blazer lifts it for clients or interviews.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | A breathable top and an open window or fan off camera; avoid fabrics that show sweat. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | A shirt or blouse with a cardigan, which you can remove off camera. |
| ColdBelow 10° | A warm knit with a collar; a blanket or heater under the desk is off camera. |
Do and don’t
- Wear solid, mid-tone colours
- Face a window or lamp so the light is on your face
- Wear trousers too; it helps you feel the part and avoids surprises
- Test the outfit on camera before the call
- Wear fine stripes, small checks or herringbone; they flicker
- Wear pure white or pure black; cameras struggle with them
- Match your background colour so you disappear
- Wear noisy jewellery near the microphone
Check the night before
- Test the camera, light and background
- Check how the outfit looks on screen
- Close doors and silence notifications
- Wear a headset or earbuds if the room echoes
- Have water and notes within reach
Questions people ask
What colour should I wear on a video call?
Mid-tone solids such as blue, green, teal or burgundy. Avoid pure white, pure black and anything the same colour as your background.
Why should I avoid stripes on a video call?
Fine stripes and small checks cause a flickering effect on webcams. Choose solids or large, soft patterns.
Do I have to wear trousers on a video call?
It is not seen, but wearing them helps you feel professional and avoids embarrassment if you stand up.
What should I wear to a video interview?
Dress as for an in-person interview from the waist up, in a solid mid-tone colour, and sit facing the light.
Pick Remote video call in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
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