WHETHER you’re already a pro at video calls or are still getting comfortable with Zoom and other services, preparing for a meeting is a lot different when working from home. The way you present yourself and your home can make a big difference to how professional you appear to colleagues and potential clients.

How exactly should you style yourself and your home for video calls? Here are some expert tips to help you master the art of video meetings and make the best impression possible.

How to put your

best face forward

It’s hard to resist the urge to abandon your makeup routine when you’re working from the comfort of your couch, but video calls give you a good excuse to put your best face forward and make a memorable impression.

“People do remember little details and putting in 10 minutes of effort can make a psychological difference, both for yourself and for how your management or teams see you,” said celebrity makeup artist Mary Irwin.

Makeup can also be an instant mood booster and can help you feel ready to conquer that conference call or video interview with confidence. “It doesn’t have to be a full face, but taking even a few minutes to polish the look can make you appear more in charge. And you can still have sweatpants on since no one can see those,” Irwin said.

Seek out natural light: “Just face the window with the best light. If not, put as much light in front of you as possible, even if that means taking the shade off of a lamp,” Irwin said.

Avoid overhead and backlighting: “Having large windows or lights behind you will create a backlight that will make you appear darker and less lit,” Claudia Soare, president of Anastasia Beverly Hills makeup, said.

Test your lighting: “If you’re curious as to how your makeup will read on a video call, just take a selfie in the same light with the same position your computer is in and adjust from there,” Irwin said.

Frame your face: “Focus on the things that frame the face. Brows, lashes, lips,” Irwin said. Morales suggested applying a pencil to the eyebrows for more detail and a few extra strokes of mascara to brighten the eyes.

Make your pout pop: “I always like a bit more lip for a video call, as the color and movement draws attention to you and what you’re saying,” Irwin said.

Keep things simple: “Glasses can cast a shadow on the eyes depending on your lighting and camera, so use a lighter hand when defining the eyes and avoid wearing long or very full false lashes under glasses,” Soare said.

Define your eyes: “Keep your makeup essentially the same, but add a few more coats of mascara. Also, be aware of your lighting, since glasses will reflect your light source and can give a lot of glare,” Irwin said.

How to dress for success

Whether you prefer to keep it casual or like to dress up a bit while working from home, figuring out the dress code for video calls can be a bit challenging. But putting some thought into your conference call wardrobe can pay off and help you put your best foot forward.

“Fashion and looking polished for video chats can be a game changer for yourself and any potential clients. When we are working from home and we step up our look, it says to the world that we are honoring our profession and inspiring others to do the same,” celebrity stylist Alison Brooks said.

Keep your top polished: “Try a high-collar blouse, pop a chunky necklace on and wear leggings. I live in vintage slips and throw on a turtleneck over my slip or long cardigan for my video chats all the time,” Brooks said. “Most video chats are waist up and if you want to cheat a bit, go ahead.”

Keep yourself motivated: “I like to wear something that has more structure to it, like jeans or a tailored blouse. It will help you sit up straighter and keep you more focused on the tasks at hand. I know when I am in exercise gear or loungewear I have a tendency to melt into the couch,” costume designer and stylist Whitney Anne Adams said.

Try a bold hue: Bright colors can give your mood a huge boost and give you a happier outlook on the day ahead. If you’re spending your days on video chats, a bit of color can help boost your co-worker’s moods as well.

Choose prints sparingly: “Stay away from prints that are too bold. Keep it simple and modern,” Brooks said.

How to dress up your home for video calls

Keeping your home tidy can definitely help you look more pulled together and professional.

“Humans subconsciously make an instant judgment based on what we see. For instance, is your new consultant taking a call from a home office that is cluttered or chaotic? We might assume she will handle our account in the same haphazard fashion. Is the new hire’s space tidy, well-curated and professional? Suddenly, our confidence in her competency has skyrocketed,” interior designer Courtney Warren said.

So, where should you start? Look around your house and determine where you’d like to set up shop.

“Don’t force it. If you are not comfortable in your space it will be very apparent during your video call. Just pick a space where you feel relaxed and settle in. Be yourself,” said HGTV star Leslie Davis. “I personally love taking calls from my kitchen table with a cup of coffee. The vibe is right, I am in my element and ready for whatever comes my way.”

The spot where you conduct video calls can often depend on your audience and your relationship with co-workers. The dining room is a great space because you have a table and chairs that promote good posture. If you’re having a more casual call with close colleagues, you might take it from the sofa.

Add some life to your space: Using artwork, plants and photos in your surroundings creates a pleasant atmosphere for the call. Small touches, such as a tastefully framed family photo, live green plant or cut flowers from your garden provide thoughtful and warm touches.

Improvise in a pinch: If you don’t have time to make your background look good, you can always position yourself closer to a wall and turn the camera to block out unsightliness.

Try a new background on your computer: Sites like West Elm, Modsy and Canva now offer creative video call backdrops you can use to make it feel like you’re anywhere.

(SD-Agencies)