One of the perks of working from home is being comfortable. You can skip the commute, wear comfortable clothes, and settle into a workspace that works for you.
Then a meeting invitation pops up, and you realize you might need to turn on your camera.
Looking professional on a video call does not have to mean wearing a full office outfit from morning until evening. A few simple choices—your shirt, a layer you keep nearby, your lighting, and your camera placement—can help you feel ready without making your entire day uncomfortable.
In my Dress for Success article, I talked about getting dressed for your work-from-home day. This takes that idea a little further: how do you stay comfortable while still being ready to show up professionally on screen?
Keep a Few Camera-Ready Shirts Within Reach
You do not need a closet full of business clothes to look put together on video. A few reliable pieces can make getting ready much easier.
A polo, button-down shirt, blouse, or neat knit top can work well. Choose something that fits comfortably while you are seated and does not need constant adjusting.
For men, a collared shirt is an easy option that looks polished without requiring a suit or tie. A comfortable polo may be all you need for everyday meetings, while a button-down can work for more formal conversations.
Whatever your style, look for clean, presentable clothes that suit your workplace and the meeting.
Solid colors are a useful starting point. Small, busy patterns can sometimes look distracting on camera, so check how a shirt appears on screen before making it one of your meeting favorites.
KBI Tip: Try your favorite meeting shirts in your actual office lighting. Something that looks good in the mirror may look different through your webcam.
Keep a Collared Shirt or Cardigan Nearby
A quick layer can make getting ready for a meeting much easier.
Keep a collared shirt, cardigan, sweater, or casual jacket close by. If you have been working in a T-shirt, you can change into the collared shirt or add an appropriate layer before joining the call.
This works for both men and women. A cardigan over a simple shirt can look put together, and a lightweight sweater can be comfortable enough to wear throughout the day.
For me, layers are also useful because the temperature can change. Here in Georgia, it can still be warm outside while I want a little extra coverage sitting in my office.
Choose something that stays in place comfortably rather than a layer you will be adjusting throughout the meeting. Keeping it nearby saves you from searching through the closet when a last-minute invitation arrives.
Skip the Baseball Cap for Professional Calls
A baseball cap may be part of your usual at-home outfit, but I recommend taking it off for professional video meetings.
The brim can cast a shadow over your eyes, and a cap can make your appearance feel more casual than you intend—especially during an interview, client call, or presentation.
Take a moment to check your hair before joining. You do not need a salon-ready style; a quick brush or tidy-up is usually enough.
Workplace expectations vary, but when you are unsure, a neat shirt and no baseball cap are a simple starting point.
Give Your Lighting Some Attention
Before deciding you need a different outfit—or a different camera—take a look at your lighting.
A bright window behind you can make your face appear dark. A light in front of you, or slightly off to one side, usually gives you a clearer picture.
Start with what you already have. Face a window, reposition a desk lamp, or adjust your office lights, then check the result on your camera.
I like being able to change the brightness in my office. Sometimes I want more light, and sometimes I prefer it a little softer. For meetings, the goal is to find a setting where people can see me clearly and I am comfortable.
If you wear glasses, watch for reflections. Moving the light a little to the side may help.
Bring the Camera Up to Eye Level
Camera placement can make a surprising difference.
A laptop sitting low on your desk may point the camera upward toward your face. Raising it on a stable stand can give you a more natural angle. If you use a separate webcam, position it close to eye level.
Check the framing, too. Your face and shoulders should be visible, with a little space above your head.
Once you find a position that works, try to keep it consistent. Having your setup ready saves you from rearranging everything before each meeting.
KBI Tip: Check your camera view while sitting the way you normally work. A setup that looks good when you lean forward may not work when you settle back into your chair.
Make Your Background Part of the Setup
Your background does not need to look like a staged office.
A tidy corner, a bookshelf, or a few pictures can create a pleasant setting. I have fun pictures and paintings in my office because they make me smile. Your workspace can reflect your personality while still being appropriate for work.
Look at what is actually visible through the camera. Laundry, stacks of papers, or a busy doorway might draw attention away from you.
If you use a blurred or virtual background, preview it first. Check whether it cuts into your hair or disappears around your shoulders when you move.
Also move personal paperwork or anything with private information out of view.
My Extra Precaution: Physically Unplug the Camera
Sometimes I am definitely not camera-ready.
That is when I physically unplug my external webcam.
It gives me peace of mind knowing that particular camera is disconnected. When I am ready for a video meeting, I plug it back in and check the picture before joining.
There is one detail to remember: if your laptop also has a built-in camera, unplugging the external webcam does not disable that one. Check which camera your meeting app is using, and close the built-in camera’s privacy shutter if it has one.
This little habit helps me feel more in control of when I am on screen.
Create a Two-Minute Meeting Routine
You do not need to spend twenty minutes getting ready for every call. A short routine can be enough:
- Change into your meeting shirt or add your cardigan or sweater.
- Remove your baseball cap and check your hair.
- Adjust the lighting.
- Check the camera angle and background.
- Take a quick look at the preview before joining.
For an interview, client presentation, or another important meeting, consider a complete outfit—especially if you might need to stand up or move around.
For everyday calls, a few dependable pieces and a consistent camera setup make the transition much easier.
Comfortable and Ready for the Conversation
Working from home gives us more flexibility in how we dress and arrange our workspaces. We can use that flexibility to make the day comfortable while still showing up prepared.
A neat shirt, an easy layer, and thoughtful lighting can go a long way. Once those basics are in place, you can spend less time worrying about how you look and more time paying attention to the meeting.
What is your go-to way to get camera-ready? Do you keep a collared shirt or cardigan nearby, have a favorite meeting outfit, or rely on a good lighting setup?
WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER!
Leave a Reply