Photo from Self Service Magazine

The sun is finally out! If you’re an aspiring model in the market for a summer wardrobe that will impress a modeling agency, don’t forget that less is always more. Contrary to popular belief, agencies don’t want to see new models entering their offices donned from head to toe in designer brands (or couture knockoffs). What will catch any agency’s attention is a natural appearance, which means no special outfits, layers of makeup or fancy hairstyles. Therefore, when it comes to open casting calls or digital snapshots for agency submissions, stick to what is sometimes called the model’s uniform.

Female Models:

• Solid-colored, form-fitting tank top or t-shirt. Fair-skinned models should avoid wearing white or black, which will wash out their complexions.
• Dark skinny jeans or form-fitting shorts. If you wear shorts, they should be above knee length, but make sure they aren’t super short.
• Solid-colored high heels–four inches is ideal. Models should always wear heels to open calls, but for digital snapshots, it is better to be barefoot.

Male Models:

• Solid-colored, fitted t-shirt or casual button-down shirt
• Jeans or shorts
• Comfortable shoes. These can be casual, but make sure they are clean and free of scuffs, holes, and so on.

Female and male models should NOT wear the following items:

• Clothing with recognizable brand names and/or logos
• Clothing with images or graphics of any kind
• Clothing with busy patterns like polka dots, stripes, and plaid

The good news is that the model’s uniform doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can skip the high-end boutiques altogether and go the affordable route with stores like Target and Walmart. These retailers sell all the necessary items in a variety of sizes and colors for a whole lot less.

As you prepare for your next open call, remember to keep it simple! Don’t allow a distracting ensemble to take the focus away from you and your personality, which, next to meeting the physical requirements, is one of the strongest assets any model can possess. If you dress wisely, you will have no problem getting an agency to fall in love with the natural you.

Which wardrobe tip was the most surprising?