Models 101: Fashion & Beauty Lessons from a Casting Call
In order to get jobs, models must regularly go to casting calls, where designers, editors, or agents pick and choose which girls they want to hire. At these castings, the models are expected to look their best but also to appear somewhat like blank canvases, making it easier for those responsible for casting to imagine the girls in a variety of looks.
While most of us college girls won't be attending model castings, we can find fashion and beauty inspiration in the minimalist looks our favorite models rock for these events. Here, we'll take a look at some of the fashion and beauty rules for casting calls that college girls can try themselves.
1. Simple Dressing
Photo Credits: COACD | Product Info: Pants - Miss Selfridge, Heels - Opening Ceremony, White Tank - H&M, Grey Tank - T by Alexander Wang, Black Bra - Topshop, Silver Necklace - Helen Ficalora
At castings, models are asked to dress as simply as possible, since the people responsible for casting need to see what each model really looks like, without being distracted by loud or trendy clothes. A basic model outfit usually means black or blue skinny jeans, a neutral tank or t-shirt, and a good pair of heels.
So take a lesson from this: Sometimes the simplest outfits are the best, especially when you want your natural beauty to really shine. For instance, when meeting someone for the first time, a basic outfit can be the best choice because it allows your face and what you're saying to be the focus - in other words, your personality will not be competing for attention with loud prints or overwhelming colors.
2. Bare Makeup
Product Info (left to right): Cover FX Cream Foundation, Revlon Fabulash Mascara, Sephora Collection Bronzer Powder
Just as designers prefer models to come to castings in the most basic clothes, they also often want to see a bare face or very simple makeup on a girl. Basic makeup allows those in charge of casting to really see a model's features, whereas bold or elaborate makeup can be distracting.
Similarly, in your own day-to-day life, although there are definitely times that call for a bright red lip or a dramatic smoky eye, a simple, clean face can be refreshing. Additionally, with the warmer months coming up, a natural makeup look is low-maintenance, meaning it will leave you worry-free, even when sweating under the sun or playing around at the beach.
A bare makeup look generally includes some lightweight foundation where needed or even a tinted moisturizer if you need less coverage, concealer, bronzer, and a few strokes of mascara.
3. It's All in the Details
It's no secret that models are heavily scrutinized; their every inch is constantly being viewed under the most unforgiving microscope. As a result, part of their job includes paying attention to even the smallest details of their physical appearance.
Us non-models can be thankful that we don't have to live with such intense pressure, but there is a lesson to be learned here as well - sometimes it's the smallest details that make the biggest difference in our overall appearance.
For instance, a model must always get a flawless manicure before a shoot, show or casting. This gives off a put-together vibe and a sense that the girl respects her appearance. So take a cue from this, and even if today is a strictly-yoga-clothes day (we all have them), rocking a fresh manicure, or perfectly groomed eyebrows for example, will elevate how well others perceive your overall look.
4. Heels, Heels, Heels
Product Info: Canvas Heels - Sam Edelman, Canvas Wedge Boots - ASOS, Orange Espadrilles - Jessica Simpson, Black Wedges - Zara
We all know that height is crucial for models, so when attending a casting, models typically follow one rule: The bigger the heels, the better. Aside from adding inches of height, heels also typically make the wearer's body appear much more elongated - it's not surprising models are always wearing them.
The lesson here? Even when worn with the most casual outfit, a good pair of heels can make your body look longer and leaner, and also pull your outfit together.
So using models as inspiration, think about investing in some casual heels and sporting them a little more often. (But use your own judgment and factor in practicality - obviously, we're not recommending wearing 6-inch platforms to class if they're uncomfortable for you.) In particular, check out wedges and espadrilles, as they can make you appear long, lean, and modelesque, without making you sacrifice comfort.
Thoughts?
Are there any other tips from models that you apply to your everyday routine? Do you follow any of these casting call rules? What do you think about the minimal makeup look? Leave your thoughts in the comments!
