Clothing for videoconference interview

[bryce330]

I have a videoconference interview coming up next week and I'm seeking the forum's guidance on what to wear. It's with a large law firm so I would normally wear something very conservative such as charcoal suit, white shirt, light blue tie, and black captoes.

However, I've heard and read that white doesn't come across well via video because it tends to be too bright and make the face look washed out.

Is there anyone with experience in videoconferencing who could recommend something appropriate?

 

[lawyerdad]

Originally Posted by bryce330

I have a videoconference interview coming up next week and I'm seeking the forum's guidance on what to wear. It's with a large law firm so I would normally wear something very conservative such as charcoal suit, white shirt, light blue tie, and black captoes.

However, I've heard and read that white doesn't come across well via video because it tends to be too bright and make the face look washed out.

Is there anyone with experience in videoconferencing who could recommend something appropriate?
It's tough to generalize because videoconferencing sytems vary widely (as do people's complexions, etc.). I'm not being entirely flip in saying maybe watch some CNN or C-Span and see if you get a feel for colors that you think do or don't come across well on screen. Maybe try a light blue shirt with the charcoal suit, or with a dark navy suit? I'd go with a tie in muted primary colors like navy, burgundy, maroon, or dark green. Not necessarily a solid, just not anything too intricate and certainly nothing with too much of a sheen to it. Definitely don't sweat the shoes for a videoconference, obviously, but black captoes are fine.

 

[EL72]

I had one of these with a university in London when I was on the job market a few years ago. White is fine (although I think I wore a blue shirt). Wear whatever you would wear to a in-person interview but you can skip the pants and shoes if you're sitting at a table where your lower body is hidden.

 

[lawyerdad]

Originally Posted by EL72

I had one of these with a university in London when I was on the job market a few years ago. White is fine (although I think I wore a blue shirt). Wear whatever you would wear to a in-person interview but you can skip the pants and shoes if you're sitting at a table where your lower body is hidden.

But then what does he do when the interviewer says, "Yeah, yeah, your law school grades are fine, but let's see how you DANCE, son!"
Happens more than you'd think.

 

[Newton]

What's important is that what you wear doesn't have a sheen, and doesn't have any fine patterns.

That includes pinstripes and windowpanes on the suit, and shirt.

White can make you look washed out but that depends a lot on the lighting (more lighting = more washed out.)

I doubt you will be in studio conditions so you shouldn't need to worry about that too much,

 

[csheehan]

How about a Business Bib?
http://services.luxist.com/2006/09/17/the-business-bib/

 

[montecristo#4]

Originally Posted by csheehan

How about a Business Bib?
http://services.luxist.com/2006/09/17/the-business-bib/

Damn, you beat me to it. I was going to suggest nudity from the waist down.

 

[drljva]

Originally Posted by bryce330

I have a videoconference interview coming up next week and I'm seeking the forum's guidance on what to wear. It's with a large law firm so I would normally wear something very conservative such as charcoal suit, white shirt, light blue tie, and black captoes.

However, I've heard and read that white doesn't come across well via video because it tends to be too bright and make the face look washed out.

Is there anyone with experience in videoconferencing who could recommend something appropriate?

On this general topic, was wondering if there are any good sources of clothing-related "dos and don'ts" information for on-camera appearances?

 

[grimslade]

Brief thoughts from Alex Kabbaz:

http://www.customshirt1.com/ASK/tvdress1.html

 

[Parker]

You might want to stay away from any small-sized or high-contrast patterns which could cause moirÃ

or visual reverberation. Also, blues seems to always stand out (in a good way) on televsion.