Have people ever come up to you and asked if you were a model? If not, would you like for them to? There is a certain “something” that real high-fashion models tend to have that causes them stand out from others in a crowd. You may be thinking that you need loads of designer labels and/or an ultra-glamorous bank account to convince others that you are a professional cat-walker. But this simply isn’t true. Notice how the contestants on America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) are constantly ridiculed for looking too “pedestrian” when they’re being judged during Panel. There is a certain image that the judges expect the models to have when they’re not actually in front of a camera or walking the runway. This is the look that says “I am a model.” It can be a tricky thing to put your finger on. But there is a way to achieve this appearance without looking like you’re trying to hard. Here are a few simple tricks:
Stand up Straight
First and foremost, no one will ever believe you’re a model if you’re not standing up straight. Perfect posture is a supreme requirement for those wishing to serve as muse to top designers. Practice holding your shoulders back—but not so much that your stance is exaggerated. The shoulders should still be relaxed, just not hunched forward. A good way to achieve this is to imagine that you are a puppet, with someone suspending you by “strings” attached to your head. Practice creating long lines with your body. You need not be a certain height to do this; and with a little practice, this stance will begin to come naturally.
Practice Your Stride
The key to giving off that model air is to perfect your stride. Many runway models have quite a severe runway “walk”—with some even owning a signature strut. If you sashay down the street with this walk, you may elicit some funny stares. But there is a way to tame down the exaggerated gait, in order for it to appear that this is your natural stride. (After a time, it just might be!) In any event, crossing the feet in front of you when you step will create a natural hourglass shape as you’re walking. But to avoid looking phony, be sure not to put too much switch into the hips—or you’ll appear as if you’re trying too hard to look sexy. The best advice is to practice this walk while looking straight ahead, in accordance with your own natural pace. Use long strides, while assuming an air of confidence.
Keep doing this until it become second nature.
Look “Unaffected“
One summer I was in New York and I happened to recognize one of my favorite models, Karen Alexander. She is an African American model who has graced the covers of Vogue, Elle, Glamour, and many other high fashion magazines. I recall seeing her on one of Manhattan’s steamy sidewalks, sans make-up—but looking fabulous as she traipsed across the street about her business. Though in theory, she looked like everyone else on the street, there was something about her that just screamed “model.” I realized that it wasn’t just the flawless brown skin, or the breezy clothes; it was her unaffected disposition. The temperament could best be described as distraction, with just a tinge of haughtiness mixed in for good measure. It’s a disposition that says, “I grocery shop just like you—I just look more fabulous doing it...”
Dress the Part
The area of attire is where many people make mistakes. It is often assumed that in order to look like a model, you must appear as if you’ve stepped off the runway and onto the streets. The truth is that runway ensembles do not transfer easily to everyday life. You will have to take a look that is glamorous, and find a way to “dumb it down” so that it’s not so flamboyant. For example, while designer Zac Posen’s 2007 short shorts leave nothing to the imagination on the runway models, this look would be a bit much for a casual brunch with the ladies. Don a similar, but longer pair, accented with a few smart accessories.
Another key to looking like a model is to employ the Less Is More adage. While working, models are often draped in so many fabrics and jewelry-with so much make-up and other accoutrement, that on their down time, they like to keep their look as clean as possible. Don’t worry about not being able to afford lots of expensive clothes, because simplicity speaks volumes. The white button-down shirt, with a pair of well-worn jeans will always scream “money” if it’s topped off with a designer bag or pair of shoes.
Ignore Department Store Mannequins
There is a fine line between looking glamorous and appearing “pedestrian.” The ANTM models on the receiving end of this phrase are usually the ones who look like they have copied the department store mannequin’s look piece for piece. These ladies typically have on too much make-up, and their hair is perfectly coiffed. As on a mannequin, belts are perfectly in place; shoes look uniform; and everything matches. The key to looking like a model is to think of yourself as a blank canvas. Store mannequins exist to give customers an idea of how clothes are supposed to fit on the body. While some mannequins don some to-die-for ensembles, they are to be considered a guide in your quest for fashion. By all means, shop away. But use your imagination and a little creativity. Wear the cute baby-doll dress as a funky shirt over a pair of jeans. Accentuate the outfit with simple vintage earrings, or an offbeat sandal. But no matter what kind of visual masterpiece you create, make sure that you have that model attitude to actually pull it off.
