In the Frame: The Industrie Africa Guide to Video Call Fashion

Whether it’s a family reunion over Zoom or an after-work drinks session with friends, make your online gatherings a stylish affair.

By Lindsay Samson

Nov 22, 2021

It’s difficult to refute that as of late, technology has offered a lifeline of connection for many. And, as studies emerge that indicate that working from home may be set to remain the new norm and the festive season ushers in opportunities for online connection with distant friends and family, it’ll no doubt continue to do so. So what does this all mean? Well, it means video call catch-ups with loved ones and co-workers may remain more widespread than imagined. It also means that your style will need to rise to the occasion.

There are two ways of dressing when at home: for yourself or your video calls. In the case of the former, we say wear whatever you want! But for video calls, we urge you to remember that the chest-up frame of most of these calls won’t do much to show off your new knee-high boots or flowing silk trousers, so embrace the simplicity of getting dressed halfway. But don’t for one second think that by simple we mean boring. Read on for takes on innovative, upper-half dressing for three inevitable FaceTime and Zoom occasions.

The Zoom Meeting

There are plenty of reasons to love working from home, the most prevalent, no doubt being the freedom to wear whatever you want. But if your day involves catching up with colleagues over Zoom, we know you will not want to be caught in the same t-shirt and sweat set you rolled out of bed in when that camera turns on. And if there’s one garment that effortlessly expresses an authoritative, down-to-business quality, it’s a tailored, button-down shirt. But, forget the stiff, corporate connotations: made from fluid crepe fabric with a subtle woven texture, Orange Culture’s Sisi Eko Crop Shirt is a sartorial marriage of masculine and feminine elements, its loose-fitting silhouette, classic pointed collar, and sugary-sweet lilac hue tempering the style’s inherent formality. And though an oversized earring may seem like the natural choice for an occasion wherein only your top half makes an appearance, the subtle, modern edge of Pichulik’s Beige Aisa Earring set feels like it makes more of a statement, particularly when paired with the brand’s Beige & Black Circe Bracelet.

The Family FaceTime

With the festive season nearly in full swing, the occasionally stressful but always memorable gatherings that are family reunions are just on the horizon. But if you’re not among those who are fortunate enough to be reuniting with loved ones in person for whatever reason, you can still enjoy all the love and merriment they bring via video call. And with Thanksgiving serving as the unofficial kick-off to a slew of family-oriented get-togethers, it’s high time to get a few go-to looks together. Offering a modernized spin on the classic shirtdress style, Zanzibari designer Doreen Mashika’s Tulia dress is crafted in her country of origin from light Kanga cotton and tailored to a super feminine midi silhouette. Demure enough to warrant the approval of any parent, yet playful and elegant enough to affirm your fashion chops, it features a mesmerizing Kanga print that steals the show and needs little accessorizing to make an impact. That being said, the Jongoo Earrings by Sidai Designs prove the exception, their three different colorways—turquoise and coral, beige and coral, and black and pink—picking up on the frock’s vivid shades of bright blue and hot pink.

The Virtual Girls’ Night Out

If you and your BFFs have found yourselves miles apart this holiday season, a casual yet chic drinks session with some of them is always in order. And while we previously mentioned the relief at being able to wear comfy duds when working from home, we’d be remiss not to bring up our despondence at being unable to show off some of our more special new items during the lockdown. And what better time than during an online gathering of a gang of your best friends to show off a glamorous piece like Christie Brown’s Joromi Peplum Jacket? Tailored from a smooth cotton blend and hand-embroidered by the brand’s artisans, the dramatic garment also boasts draped detailing on the bodice and sleeves and is sure to stand out among the grid of little boxes on that call. Crafted from recycled sterling silver, the creations of Patrick Mavros pair seamlessly with the jacket’s forest green-tone: so whether it’s their Ndoro Earrings—which have been spotted on Kate Middleton—Elephant Trio Bracelet, or Pangolin Stacking Ring (or all three!), you choose to embrace, the brand’s delicate opulence will emphasize your waist-up look’s air of glamour and win you the title of Best Dressed Virtual Guest.