In today’s digital landscape, the virtual screen is often where first impressions are formed. Of course, everyone wants to look their best virtually just as much as in real life! Whether attending video conferences, interviewing for a job, hosting webinars, leading a golf club committee meeting, or catching up with social groups and family online, dressing for the camera requires a slightly different approach than dressing in person.
By understanding colour contrast, selecting camera-friendly patterns, picking flattering necklines, and applying precise makeup placement, creating a polished, engaging presence on screen becomes effortless.
- Mastering Screen Contrast
Cameras can flatten depth and adjust contrast levels automatically, making colour choice essential.
Deep & Clear Tones: High contrast combinations work brilliantly on screen. Pairing a deep jacket with a crisp, light top maintains definition and keeps the focus on the face.
Light & Soft Tones: High-contrast extremes can overpower subtle colouring on camera. Tonal combinations, such as pewter and mint provide gentle definition without washing out the complexion.
Warm & Cool Accent Shades: Adding a dominant accent colour near the face, such as amber (warm) or hot pink (cool), brings energy to the screen and prevents a washed-out appearance under artificial lighting.
Top Screen Tip: Avoid stark white, which can cause webcams to overexpose.
Image c/o Catherine Cavadino, South Manchester
- Necklines and Framing the Face
On camera, the upper body carries all the focus. Selecting the right neckline ensures balance and draws attention straight to your facial features.
An open neckline elongates the torso and avoids a boxy silhouette, ideal for flattering a full bust.
A boat neckline creates horizontal emphasis across the chest, making the shoulders appear broader.
A scoop Neckline is ideal for softening broader shoulders or adding balance.
Strategic Accessories: Statement earrings or a scarf placed high enough to stay in the camera frame add personality without distracting from the conversation. Do make sure that the scarf doesn’t cover your neck completely, as this can look a little awkward.
Image c/o Catherine Cavadino, South Manchester
- The Full-Outfit Mindset
It can be tempting to focus only on what is visible from the waist up. However, psychological studies into enclothed cognition show that what we wear directly impacts our focus, confidence, and posture.
Dressing fully for the workday, including shoes and tailored trousers, sets a clear psychological boundary between leisure time and professional mindset. Standing or sitting tall in a complete outfit translates into a more confident vocal tone and body language on screen
4. Prints to Avoid on Camera
While prints add personality to an outfit, certain patterns create visual distortion when picked up by digital lenses.
Steer Clear of Moiré Distortions: Small, tight patterns such as pinstripes, fine houndstooth, micro-dots, and narrow checks should be avoided. On video feeds, these dense patterns can trigger an optical phenomenon called the moiré effect, causing the clothing to flicker, strobe, or appear to move unnaturally.
Be careful of High-Contrast Geometrics: Sharply contrasting, intricate prints can draw the viewer’s eye away from the face and create visual clutter on screen.
Camera-Friendly Options: Solid colours remain the most reliable choice for video calls. However, larger-scale, widely spaced florals, abstract prints, or subtle textured fabrics (such as ribbing or fine knits) translate beautifully without any risk of strobing. When selecting a pattern, consider your own body shape; if you have had a style consultation with me, remember what you learnt in your session.
5. Make-up Perfection
Lighting can diffuse facial features on camera, making eye definition key to maintaining strong visual engagement.
Swap out black for something more flattering. Don’t outline the full eye, as it closes off the gaze. Instead, apply liner from the middle of the upper and lower lids outward to instantly open up the eyes.
