How to Dress for a Virtual Event

It’s September and I don’t know about you, but I didn’t think we would still be practicing social distancing and wearing masks when this pandemic started in early 2020. Alas, here we are. We should still be practicing social distancing and wearing freakin’ masks even though 2020 is in its final four months. And that means, we will be living more life, celebrating more things and making new connections and protecting old relationships all online.

When it comes to my fashion choices during the last couple of months, I have either been in my pajamas until I have had to change into new pajamas to go to bed, in some sort of lounge wear, which has some deep cross over with my pajama collection, or I am dressing to the nines to go to the damn grocery store. But, as we continue to have weddings, dates and other get togethers, I can’t help but want to step up my style game even when I am sitting on my couch or at my desk tuning into online events.

So, what should you wear to stand out, look cool (and feel cool) and exude confidence while you are attending a virtual event? And what the heck are you supposed to wear when they can only see the top half of you? Let’s see what we can come up with!

Shout out to my bestie, Claire, for giving me this suggestion! You can send me your style dilemmas and questions at any time on my Instagram or Facebook or leave it in a comment below.

*The types of occasions that I will be listing are just suggestions, as are the outfits. Many other types of events can be included in the categories below.

Event #1: Formal Event (Wedding, Engagement Party, Anniversary Dinner)

I want to start off by saluting, bowing down to and giving a round of applause to all of the brides and grooms who are planning weddings during this time. I know it ain’t easy, but I am sure you will create a beautiful day for you and your partner.

For this type of fancy event, you would usually whip out your best dresses and jumpsuits and even slap on a pair of heels. You should still do that for a virtual event! (I am choosing to not include shoes in these outfits because I have no time to wear shoes in my home unless they include some sort of fur lining.)

Wear that comfortable, but gorgeous dress or jumpsuit! It will make your host feel like their event is taken seriously and it will allow you to get some wear out of your formal pieces and feel amazing in them.

I would wear this green dream with something dangly on my ear.

Outfit Details: Dress – Target | Earrings – Target

Event #2: Evening Activity or Meal (Night In With Friends, Game Night, Wine Tasting, Watch Party)

For this sort of event, I always want to feel comfy and cute, but I also want to look approachable, friendly and, dare I say, sexy.

This is a great opportunity to bring out your favorite printed top or dress. A cool print will draw people’s attention to you. Add a comfortable bottom, so you will be able to sit comfortably for a long time. And since your friends can’t see your feet and you aren’t carrying a bag, amp up the accessories in your hair and in your jewelry. You could even add a hat!

My beagle son and I thought this polka dotted shirt, charcoal leggings and gray headband were just the ticket. (Also, if I’m at a virtual event with you, please show me your pets. Please and thank you.)

Outfit Details: Top – Wal-Mart | Headband – Wal-Mart | Leggings – Old Navy

Event #3: Casual Daytime Event (Lunch With Friends, Book Club Meeting, Grabbing Coffee)

To me, casual daytime events mean athleisure and this makes me happy.

Bring out your most elevated athletic pieces for these types of events. When I say elevated I mean, pieces with interesting details in the fabric, print or style. You will look like you are heading to the gym, but secretly these are your workout clothes that you wear when you know the person you like is going to be working out on a stair climber near by. These types of looks will make you look and feel effortless.

These are two of my favorite pieces in my closet right now and I will wear them everywhere, mark my words.

Outfit Details: Top – Athleta, TJ Maxx | Pants – Target

Event #4: Event With New People (Date, Party, Cocktail Hour)

When I meet new people, I want to stand out and I want my outfit to speak for itself. You may not feel that way and that’s okay. But, if you want to stand out and show off your personality and body through your style, I would suggest wearing something colorful.

People will be drawn to you because of the brightness of your outfit and will maybe be more interested in hearing what you have to say or getting to know you.

Another option is to wear your color! Wear the color that looks best on you, makes your eyes pop and makes you feel good.

I will be rocking this striped sweater all season and who doesn’t love a big ole hoop?

Outfit Details: Sweater – Target | Earrings – TJ Maxx | Pants – ASOS

Event #5: A Date Or An Event Your Crush Will Be At

When you are going on a date, you probably want to look your best, so wear an outfit that is sexy and flirty, but also comfortable at the same time. I would keep it simple as far as clothes go, but add on a dangly earring or layered jewelry. Hell, show some skin and try out that smokey eye you’ve had in your back pocket. You wear the clothes, not the other way around. So, make sure you and your face are the focal point.

Also, if you are exuding confidence, it does not matter what you are wearing. Wear what you want and what makes you feel comfortable and confident. You may just find out later that your date took a screenshot of you (not in a creepy way) or a stranger in the crowd pinned your image. (Pinning an image in Zoom means you only see that one person on your screen even if they aren’t the one talking.)

My take on an outfit for this type of event is super simple, but my earrings add a little somthin’ somethin’.

Outfit Details: Earrings – Gifted | Top – Target | Pants – ASOS

I hope this post makes it easier for you to get dressed for your next virtual event and gives you some ideas on how to stand out in a Zoom crowd. Soon enough we will be attending in-person events again and will be dreaming about our couches.

All that matters in the end is that you came, you saw, you looked cute and maybe made some friends, all while obeying social distancing guidelines.