Modeling Tips

Fashion 101

The biggest complaint I hear from models — both my closest friends and women I work with — is the amount of money they find themselves putting into getting their careers started. I’m not talking about getting roped into modeling scams. I’m talking about the money that goes into cultivating an image.

When you’re building your portfolio, there’s often no clothes designer. There’s no makeup artist. There’s no hair stylist. Just you and some photographer, who usually has some vision in mind that sends you headed out to the mall at eight o’clock the night before the shoot, hunting for an outfit you’ll never wear again.

If you’ve ever found yourself in this position, and you feel like you’re going broke buying random outfits just to have something to wear in pictures, keep reading. I have some tips that will help you build a fashionable, professional wardrobe that works for your lifestyle season to season, on and off the camera.

But first you’re going to have to break the following bad habits:

Never buy an entire outfit just for a shoot.
Never buy a piece of clothing that will only work with one outfit.
Never buy an item because it’s trendy.
Never buy an item just because it’s on sale.
Never buy clothing that won’t function outside of a shoot.
Never buy clothing that’s poorly made.

Sounds simple, right? Well, for most models, it’s not simple. Their jobs are stressful, so when the pressure’s on, this common sense advice goes out the window. This is especially true when there’s a photographer pitching some cool idea for a shoot that they feel completely unprepared for.

As a model, you are expected to be up-to-date on fashion—always looking stylish, polished, professional, and sexy. But what does that mean? Let’s start with being up-to-date on fashion.

Being up-to-date on fashion means knowing what’s current and understanding the latest trends. A lot of models think that means wearing what’s current and trendy. It doesn’t. What I suggest instead is reading fashion and women’s interest magazines every month. I don’t mean flipping through the stack your stylist gives you at the hair salon. I mean, sitting down and reading a few relevant magazines every month from cover to cover. The following are approachable, sensible women’s magazines that have actual content instead of a plethora of advertisements and include helpful how-to articles on subjects like incorporating trends into your wardrobe, workouts for problem areas, shopping organic, and applying liquid eye liner without looking like a vampire:

InStyle
Allure
Body & Soul
Self
Women’s Health
Glamour (optional)

This list only includes the magazines I find consistently interesting, down to earth, and relevant for fashionable, health conscious young women. You may find that your career requires you to keep up with different types of publications. For example, some models may find reading men’s interest magazines like Maxim more insightful than Body & Soul or want to add a bridal or local fine living periodical into your rotation. Regardless, spending an afternoon reading will benefit any model’s career much more than racking up her credit card bill.

Once you start reading these magazines on a regular basis, you’ll notice that fashion isn’t as unpredictable, esoteric, or unattainable as you once thought. I’d like for you to repeat this to yourself when you’re out shopping. Instead of frantically pulling items off the hangers in H&M, I’d like for you all to try shopping for a working wardrobe that will serve as the building blocks for living a chic life. I know so many models with closets full of cheap, out-of-style clothes they don’t like. To top it off, they have subpar portfolios filled with dated looking pictures.

Trends can be fun, but they’re pointless if you don’t own the basics to pair with those fun pieces. So I ask you to choose classic pieces that will last for years—both in style and quality. Here is a list of items I feel every elegant woman should own:

A tailored wool coat. Choose a single-breasted style that hits slightly below your hip with a simple collar. For a modern, versatile look, I like white or beige, which will go with black or brown. Red, light blue, and heather gray are also fresh-looking alternatives that will work with most winter outfits. Scope out department stores or stores like Ann Taylor and Banana Republic during warmer months for amazing discounts on these otherwise pricey investments.
A good pair of jeans. I’m not talking about the kind you run around in. Have you ever wondered how models like Gisele look so good running errands? Buy yourself a nice pair of bootcut jeans by 7 for all Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, or Rock & Republic for that fit, lean look you’ll love on camera and off.
Fitted solid-colored t-shirts and/or camisoles. These don’t have to be expensive. And you can layer them with anything. Remember that solids are less memorable than prints or other designs, so you’ll get tons of mileage out of them. Once you find a brand that fits you just right, stock up. (Editor's Note: Avoid shirts displaying brand names or trademarks. It is a violation of law to use trademarked apparel in a portfolio without the written consent of the trademark holder.) In addition to black and white, grab some in more current neutrals: blush, army green, taupe, red, light blue, and gray. And don’t forget to grab a fun color that makes your features pop. Blondes look amazing in pink or yellow. And coral or aqua makes a golden tan pop.
The pencil skirt. So overlooked! This classic style looks good on all body types and is appropriate for all ages. Remember that looking sexy doesn’t mean looking slutty. Choosing a slim skirt that hits the top of your knees and hugs your curves can look dazzling with a pair of heels.
A cocktail dress. Again, think classy but sexy. Choose one that accentuates your body and elongates your frame. Black is a classic, but fair women may prefer jewel tones like burgundy to avoid looking washed out.
A two-piece bathing suit. It doesn’t have to be a string bikini, but few one-pieces will look fresh year after year. Don’t worry about trends, but pick one that flatters your frame and provides appropriate coverage accordingly. I recommend halters for large busts and triangles and bandeaus for small ones. Avoid anchor suits or tankinis, which drift in and out of style. Also remember that solids are more versatile. If you’re dying for a suit with a print, choose a retro cut that compliments the pattern.

These are just the basics to get you started. They’re not all encompassing. And you don’t need to buy them all at once. But hopefully this will remove some of the pressure new models feel getting started in the scary world of modeling. Just remember that looking pretty in pictures doesn’t have to be stressful, impulsive, or expensive. If you make smart purchases, you can jumpstart a satisfying career. Best wishes.

Elizabeth’s blog | http://sassafrasbeauty.blogspot.com