How to Dress for the Job You Want
By Sarah Z. Wexler
Dress for a job in: Modeling
Photo Credit: Taghi Naderzad
THE JOB: Model
"Avoid tent dresses—clients need to see your body. And always wear a nude Calvin Klein G-string, the industry standard."
The shoot vs. The boot
DOS:
Short shorts are hot, micro miniskirts are hoochie
Dress super-simply but spend on fabulous designer heels (clients will assume you're getting a lot of bookings!)
Invest in a classic fitted leather jacket—with AC, you can wear it even in summer
DON'TS:
Baggy tops and tent dresses—clients need to be able to see your body
Worrying about having the right bag—no one pays attention
Expensive, flashy jewelry—simple stuff keeps the focus on you!
NOVICE MODEL: Nataniele Ribeiro, 17, student and model in Brazil
EXPERT: May Andersen, former Victoria's Secret and Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, now designs denim line Chick With Guns
FORMALITY FACTOR: (1/10) "For go-sees with potential clients, less is more: Wear a fitted T-shirt or tank with skinny jeans or shorts."
THE GOAL: "You have to look confident at all costs. The nature of modeling is to be judged on your looks; you can't take it personally."
THE MUST-HAVES: "Fabulous jeans that you can dress up or down. A skinny pair will make your legs look longer—especially with classic, sexy Manolos. Flats are fine, but heels give you better posture and show your client that you know how to walk in them. Avoid wearing white; it can make anyone look bigger. I favor all-black outfits, since they're slimming and work well for day or night. In this business, bras are optional."
THE FASHION DISASTER: "I've seen young models show up for go-sees looking like something out of America's Next Top Model—totally over the top in some crazy punk outfit. Clients only want to see you as a blank canvas so they can picture you in their clothes."
DRESS FOR SUCCESS: "Since you have to be prepared to try on all types of clothes—even bathing suits—always wear a Calvin Klein nude G-string, the industry staple given to the models at most major fashion shows."
FINISH THE LOOK: "Pull your hair back so they can see your face. Generally no makeup for high-fashion jobs, like runway and couture, though you might wear concealer and mascara for commercial clients like a cosmetics company. And thanks to Photoshop, you don't have to worry about your tattoos!"
On May Andersen, left: Plaid shirt, $14.99, Charlotte Russe; shorts, $200, May Andersen for Chick With Guns; shoes, $550, Sergio Rossi; tights, $42, Wolford; Andersen's own bracelet, rings, Calvin Klein tank, and WFR necklace. On Nataniele Ribeiro, right: Top, $48, Michael Stars; jeans, $200, May Andersen for Chick With Guns; shoes, $660, Christian Louboutin; necklace (worn as bracelet), $575, Iosselliani; ring, $760, Chanel; Ribeiro's own Elise Overland jacket.
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