How to Dress For Success on Zoom
graphic by jenny katz
If your schedule is anything like ours (and let’s face it – it probably is,) at least half of your classes are 100% on Zoom. For a lot of us, that’s meant sweats seven days a week, bed-bound math lectures and cameras-off breakout rooms. We’ve gone full function over form, and it’s getting a little old. Looking to spice up your Zoom wardrobe? Here are some of our favorite fits – and tips – for serving on the (very) small screen.
The Groutfit Reimagined: We’ve all had our fair share of rocking the groutfit, but if we’re being honest, we’re kind of over it at this point. To turn it up a notch, try trading that oversized crewneck for a gray turtleneck or a cropped cardigan. Go for a quick low bun or ponytail and boom, you’ve gone from PJ’s to Paris chic (and you didn’t even have to take off your sweats!)
The Trailblazer: Okay, so the pun might be bad, but the look? Foolproof. Wearing a plain t-shirt and jeans? Add a cute blazer to take it from 1 to 100. Turtleneck? Blazer. Sweatshirt? Blazer. We don’t want to sound like a broken record, but seriously, throw on a blazer before you dial into Zoom and show everyone, you mean business.
The Beatnik: Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and now you. That’s right: it’s time to go full beatnik (minus the magic mushrooms, maybe). We’re talking androgyny – rollnecks, suit jackets, and your coolest thrifted finds. If you’re really feeling like a cool cat, throw on a beret or a fisherman’s cap so your classmates can have a new style icon to pin to their Zoom screens.
The Carnegie Special: Do you ever just feel like ~being one~ with Carnegie Library? Maybe it’s the classic academia vibes, maybe it’s the dead silence – we’re not sure – but there’s something there that makes us want to go old school. Channel this aesthetic with a classic button-up/sweater combo (you know, with the collar peeking out). Bonus points if you make the trip to campus after class and mysteriously wander the stacks.
The OG: Okay, okay, we’ll say it: there’s nothing actually wrong with just wearing your coziest clothes to class. Full respect if you’re still a staunch pajama supporter. Want to add some flavor to the look? Try adding a pair of sunglasses (is she hungover? Is she really into eye protection? Your prof will never know). You can also always just wrap yourself up like a burrito in your comforter. That works too!