What to Wear to Working from Home on Video Calls in 2027
Direct Answer
For video calls in 2027, wear a structured, camera-ready top in a solid, saturated color (like cobalt blue, forest green, or soft cream) paired with comfortable, unseen-from-waist-down bottoms like joggers or leggings. The key is a polished neckline and shoulders—think a crisp collared shirt, a fine-gauge knit, or a tailored blazer—with minimal, non-distracting accessories. Avoid busy patterns, overly casual hoodies, or anything that requires constant adjustment.
What to Wear
The core formula for 2027 video-call dressing is "top-heavy polish." Invest in a few high-quality tops in block colors (navy, burgundy, charcoal) that read well on camera. Uniqlo offers excellent, affordable Supima cotton tees and merino wool crewnecks that sit flat and don’t wrinkle. For women, M.M.LaFleur makes wrinkle-resistant blouses with clean lines. Banana Republic has soft blazers in stretch fabrics that move with you. The palette should be muted neutrals (cream, taupe, slate) with one or two bold accent colors (emerald, mustard) for visual interest. Bottoms are purely for comfort—Allbirds wool joggers or Aritzia fleece sweats are ideal. Footwear is optional; if visible, choose Cole Haan loafers or Allbirds wool sneakers. Accessories should be minimal—a thin gold chain, a simple leather watch, or small stud earrings.
For Men
Masculine-presenting women — these looks work for you too.
Three age-banded looks that balance camera-ready polish with at-home comfort.
For Women
Feminine-presenting men — these looks work for you too.
Three age-banded looks that prioritize camera-ready structure and personal comfort.
How to Adapt by Age
In your 20s, lean into trend-forward textures like ribbed knits and relaxed blazers—Uniqlo and Aritzia are your go-tos. By your 40s, shift to tailored basics with structured shoulders and wrinkle-resistant fabrics from Banana Republic or M.M.LaFleur. In your 60s, prioritize luxury fabrics (cashmere, silk) and classic cuts (crewnecks, cardigans) from Everlane or J.Crew—the goal is understated elegance that requires zero fuss on camera.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overly busy patterns (florals, stripes, plaids) that cause moiré effects or visual noise on camera. Stick to solids or subtle textures.
- Sloppy necklines like deep V-necks or stretched-out collars that look unkempt. A crewneck or button-down frames your face best.
- Ignoring lighting and background—a white top against a white wall washes you out. Contrast your top with your background.
- Wearing pajama tops that are clearly pajamas—even if comfortable, they signal you just rolled out of bed. Swap for a structured tee or knit.
- Over-accessorizing with dangling earrings or clunky necklaces that catch light and distract. Keep it minimal.
FAQ
Can I wear a hoodie on a video call? Yes, but choose a structured hoodie in a solid color (like Everlane’s French terry zip-up) rather than a baggy, logo-heavy one. Pair it with a collared shirt underneath for a smart-casual look.
What colors look best on camera? Saturated jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, ruby) and muted neutrals (cream, charcoal, navy) perform best. Avoid pure white (washes out) and pure black (absorbs light). Cobalt blue and forest green are universally flattering.
Do I need to wear shoes on a video call? Only if your setup shows your feet. If visible, wear clean sneakers (Allbirds) or loafers (Cole Haan). If not, barefoot or slippers are fine—just ensure your bottoms are long enough to cover your ankles.
How do I dress for a video call with clients vs. internal meetings? For clients, add a blazer or structured cardigan (e.g., Banana Republic). For internal meetings, a crisp tee or fine-gauge knit (Uniqlo) is sufficient. The rule: one level above your team’s norm.
Can I wear the same outfit for a full day of calls? Yes, if you choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics like merino wool (Uniqlo) or stretch cotton (Bonobos). Avoid linen or silk, which crease easily. A quick steam or spritz of water refreshes the look.
Bottom Line
The 2027 video-call uniform is a polished top half (structured tee, blouse, or blazer) paired with comfortable, unseen bottoms (joggers, leggings, or wide-leg pants). Invest in quality basics from Uniqlo, Banana Republic, or Everlane in solid colors that read well on camera. Avoid patterns, sloppy necklines, and distracting accessories. Your camera-ready look is about effortless polish—not perfection.
*Published June 2027 · Updated June 2027*