One thing that I could definitely do without: the dreaded Monday morning Zoom meetings.

Since I’ve started working from home, there have been way to moments where I scrambled out of bed right before an important meeting. So much so, that I believe I have completely perfected the finesse of looking wide awake, ready, and completely pulled together for my Zoom calls.

As we phase back into the office, I have a feeling this new skill will not go unused — especially as the technology landscape continues to shift and employers open up their WFH policies. So, I’m taking it upon myself to share this coveted knowledge with my readers. In hopes that one day, you too can finesse your team into thinking you’re more wide awake than you actually are.

Soon you’ll be looking as bright and bushy-tailed as Reese Witherspoon when she ran into ex-boyfriend on her first day of Harvard Law.

What, like it’s, hard?

And if you’re looking for ways to get over that 3pm slump, check out these 5 Ways to Stay Motivated When Working From Home.

7 Simple Ways to Look Put-together for Your Zoom Meetings

Put the girls up

Girls just wanna have fun, but sadly that can’t happen on our Zoom calls. The first step to looking put together before you hop on your Zoom call, is to grab your comfiest bra and put it on.

While it’s been great letting the girls fly free while we WFH, it’s important to draw the line to prevent any unnecessary mishaps (like your boss noticing you’re not wearing one).

I can’t even count the number of times I almost accidentally went on Zoom without a bra — thankfully, crisis averted.

Not only will putting the girls up significantly decrease the chances of you getting reported to HR, but it will also serve as a cognitive reminder that you are on work time and not chill time. Which will proactively get your thinking cap on and improve your productivity!

Plus, research shows that women who wear bras sit up taller and are less likely to call out their passive-aggressive coworkers. #facts

Splash some water on your face

If you happened to roll out of bed right before a Zoom call and you want to look more awake, head to the bathroom for a nice remedy of cold water on the skin.

This effortless tactic will increase blood flow and circulation to your face, which will help your skin look revitalized and refreshed. You can also use rose water facial sprays!

This is my favorite thing to do if I have an early morning meeting or presentation (especially if I overslept and didn’t have time to shower). Not only does it have me feeling and looking alive, but it also reminds me of just how great I am at faking it. :-)

If you’re looking to go the extra mile, grab that Jade roller that’s been in your freezer for the past 3 months and get to work on those under eyebags. They won’t catch you slipping this quarantine.

Get those lips poppin’

If you noticed you’re looking more blah than usual on a Zoom call, try applying your favorite lip gloss over your normal chapstick.

This added layer of shine will not only visibly brighten the appearance of your face but will also make you look put together and ready to take on any task that gets dropped in your lap.

My go-tos are Fresh’s Sugar Caramel Hydrating Lip Balm and Fenty’s Lip Gloss in Glow! They both give my lips an extra pop that the camera can definitely pick up on.

If you’re feeling like an overachiever, grab your favorite moisturizer to add an extra glow to your skin. Soon you and your lips will be the star of the Zoom call. Lil Mama would be proud.

Neutral is the way to go

Think of the last Zoom call you were on – do you remember what people were wearing? Probably not. But if I asked you who was wearing a bright colored top, you’d probably be able to remember, mainly because bright colors are more noticeable.

For your next Zoom call, try switching your bright colored tops with solid neutral colored ones in blacks, grays, whites, and tans. Not only will this detract attention away from what you have on, but it will also make you look instantly put together and like you actually tried this morning.

As much as we love our wrinkly bright Comfort Colors college shirt, I’m pretty sure nobody wants to stare at that for 30 minutes straight. So, take my word for it when I say the least the distracting, the better.

We can let Loud Larry in the bright red answer all the questions while you catch up on what exactly this meeting is for.

Add a simple accessory

Slipping on a simple pair of stud earrings or a necklace can instantly elevate your look from “rolled out of bed” to “I’m totally prepared to be here”.

I always throw on my Madewell gold hoops before a call – they’re simple, elegant, and real gold so I can wear them all day without it bothering my ears. Most importantly, these paired with a bra, lip gloss, and my neutral colored top makes me look like I’m working the freaking Zoom runway. And all under 3 minutes.

Vogue who?

Have a set place for your calls

This one may require some advanced planning, but try to dedicate a normal spot that you can always take your Zoom calls from. That way you don’t have to waste any extra time looking for your laptop charger or a place in the house that doesn’t show your dirty laundry.

And if you can’t always have a set spot, you can always be known as the background girl.

That’s basically the person on the Zoom call that always has scenery behind them no matter what. Not only will you be building a personal brand, but you won’t ever have to clean your apartment again.

A total win-win if you ask me.

Warm up your voice

For the Zoom calls that are first thing in the morning, try doing some voice exercises before hopping on the call. This will warm up your vocal cords and ensure that your “hello” is not cracking when you join the call. You can even try some falsettos if you’re feeling fancy.

Trust me, there’s nothing more embarrassing than sounding like you just rolled out of bed when everyone else has been working for the past 2 hours.

You’ll thank me later.

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Alright, gang, that’s all I have for you today!

I know we are all heading back into the office soon, but I have a feeling that Zoom calls will continue to still be a thing - so that being said, I’m glad we’re prepared. Let me know if you have any other effortless tricks to looking put together on a Zoom call!

Love always,
The Corporate Queen