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        • Book Your Session
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          Kirstie in Print
          Spring Jackets…what to look out for
          February 27, 2020
          Easy T-Shirt Challenge
          March 29, 2020

          Working Online Outfits

          March 20, 2020
          yellow dress

          How to dress for online meetings

          If you are now working from home, a bit of thought and focus will help you find the right looks for online meetings. Your top half needs to be simple and clear for video business calls, adding colour if you want to stand out and details for any creative positions.

          shirt with tie

          I wear this silk floral shirt with a little tie of ribbon for neck detail.

          I love this Instagram post by the very polished, Helen Morrissey talking about her rules for working from home. She has found her own style and is not afraid of colour and making a style statement.

          How to dress for online meetings

          Helen Morrissey outfit options for online meetings

          Here are her top tips for online meetings:

          1.  No wearing PJs
          2.  Take time to do your hair and make-up as usual
          3.  Get some fresh air and exercise.
          4.  If you have to do video calls make sure the background behind you isn’t distracting or unprofessional (I once made the mistake of having the ironing board in full view, groaning under mountains of ironing.

          The experts – and common sense – tell us that the first three help our mental health, which is so important at a stressful time. When it comes to ‘what to wear’ I’ve learned that a jewel-coloured polo neck with a necklace looks both polished and appropriate for remote meetings (a structured jacket is too ‘fake news’ when people know you are at home) – if polo necks don’t suit you then a simple coloured blouse or shirt is a good alternative.

          Black is too draining for most of us on video and white is too stark. I have an ‘important’ video call this morning so have decided to make it feel like I’m in an office by wearing my skirt and heels but then I’m going to change into my jeans and trainers.
          Click HERE for the link to Helen Morrissey’s instagram posts full of business outfits.

          Working online, screen images

          Recently I have also been linked with the on screen image, when the lovely team at BUStyle and owner Natalie Tincher asked me to cover a maternity period, preparing the outfits for the London presenters at Bloomberg TV. The team are based in New York and as well as styling personal clients, they coordinate the global outfits for all of the overseas talent presenting for the business news channel, including Francine Lacqua below.

          tv presenter online outfit

          Francine Lacqua, Bloomberg TV

          What to look out for:

          Generally, the look is for pure colours in classic shapes, not too tight but not shapeless. Dresses are key with a sleeve or a neat unstructured jacket over a simple camisole top. A fabric, not tight jersey, camisole is a key item under any jacket. Don’t over do the jewellery unless it is one key item with an uncluttered neckline.

          The Cami

          The basic cami from Oasis is made from polyester, so less see-through, and as away from arms, hopefully not too hot and makes for easy machine washing. The orange colour is great too. Although HERE is a silk version from Boden, £48.

          perfect camisole for online meetings

          Oasis cami top, £17.60

          The Jacket

          And for a less structured jacket, I spotted this jersey option last week, in a denim shade of blue which is a great style for smart casual with a simple neckline underneath and worn later with jeans.

          great blazer for online meetings

          Crew Clothing blazer, £99

          Or bold and bright from Boden, a soft stretch tailored look.

          great blazer for online meetings

          Boden blazer, £68.60

          The Dress

          Here are a few more ideas for clear colours, with a short or 3/4 sleeve in cool cotton for summer or heavy poly blend looking forwrd to Autumn:

          yellow dress for a colour pop

          Damsel in a Dress from John Lewis, now £76

          great dress

          Hobbs Dianna dress, £99

          The silk shirt

          great shirt for online meetings

          Jigsaw silk shirt, £120 

          great shirt

          Pure Collection silk shirt, £97.50

          So, looking forward… if you have business video calls to make, start preparing a weekly wardrobe, searching though your own rails for flattering colours, with simple necklines. Obviously if there is no video, go for comfort but aim to dress up just a little to feel the part. And if your job is more creative, feel free to use this time for playful expression. With a bold necklace or earrings to make a statement, keeping the rest of the outfit simple or monochrome.

          Add a statement

          bold necklace for online meetings

          Go bold with one statement piece.

          I am tending to wear my joggers and trainers on my bottom half, as every now and then I need to get outside and spin my skipping rope, worn with a smarter top and a statement necklace or pop of colour for my video chats.  Let me know if I can help sort out your wardrobe remotely, just don’t ask me to stand up!

          HERE is a link to some of the services I offer including how to dress for online meetings.

          Sending love and best wishes to you all.

          Kirstie x

          Share
          Kirstie
          Moving through my forties I've gained confidence to believe in 'style over trends' - quality wins (most of the time) and not to take it all too seriously. A great jacket is always my motto, and I like to play about with old and new and mix in some craft ideas too. I work with lovely clients who want a concise wardrobe or a unique outfit for a special occasion. I hope to inspire you.

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          2 Comments

          1. bob@polkadotpenguin.co.uk' Bobt McCarron says:
            March 20, 2020 at 11:13 pm

            My work from home tip would be do a “commute”. I always work from home but my normal commute is cycle to school and back so arrive home in a different mind set.
            Now the kids are home I’m still going to make the effort, just to see their angry faces when I make them walk for 30 mins just to end up at home. Get your heat beating and don’t put the TV on

            Reply
            • Kirstie says:
              March 21, 2020 at 3:31 pm

              Good advice Bob, just hope you are dressing the part too!

              Reply

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