Hello sports fans! Welcome back!

We are starting to see a light at the end of the “world without sports” tunnel, now that NASCAR has resumed racing, and plans are being formulated for the return of basketball, hockey, baseball and soccer. It won’t be the same as it was before the coronavirus, but I’m ready for sports in any format we can get it.

And the sports world isn’t the only area of life that has been permanently impacted by the pandemic. While many companies jumped on the video conference meeting trend during the quarantine, many of those same companies are now going to allow team members to continue to work remotely, at least part time.

If you are one of those people, it’s important that you get comfortable with looking polished and put together during those calls. Just because you’re not meeting in person doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dress the part.

And even it you aren’t dialing into virtual meetings, chances are good that you getting together with family or friends for a virtual happy hour, or for book club meetings like I am!

So today, I’m offering my best tips for jumping on those ZOOM calls, and not looking like you just rolled out of bed!

1. Clothing

I suggest taking your queue from the office dress code, and while you probably don’t need to dress quite as nicely as you did in the office environment, you don’t want to look like a slob, either.

An easy way to do that is to wear a plain blouse or t-shirt, and keep a cardigan sweater or jacket handy to throw on when it’s time to dial in. Skip the bright white, black or busy patterns, as those can look odd on camera. And remember, it’s okay to just wear comfy shorts or leggings, and no shoes, as no one is going to see the “party on the bottom.”

2. Hair

Keep it clean, but leave a little time between the shower and the meeting, so you don’t show up with soaking wet hair.

And keep the styling simple, as there is no need to create an elaborate hair style just for your online appearance. A sleek ponytail or bun looks put together, and smoothing on a little hairspray with your hands will control the “fly aways” that seem to really show up on camera.

3. Make-up

Again, keep it simple with just a touch of make-up. I like using a BB or CC cream for an all-in-one solution that evens out my skin tone without looking too made up. But if you prefer to “put on your face,” feel free to do so. Just don’t go overboard.

4. Finishing Touches

Putting on a simple scarf or a pair of statement earrings is a great way to spice it up and add a pop of color, without going overboard.  These fan tassel earrings are really trendy right now, and come in a rainbow of colors.

Are you working from home and participating in video conference calls? I’d love to hear about your experience, and any other tips you think I should add!

Until next week,

Carrie