When you start modeling as a teenager, whether as a hobby or to start planting the seeds for your plans to pursue this as a career in the future, expect to go through numerous auditions. Every open audition you nail is a feather in your cap and a positive point in your modeling resume. As such, it is important that you prepare wsimple ponytail or a bun. However, you may be asked to wear it down; make
sure you have some bobby pins to tidy up those stray ends.ell and do your best to get the job.
If you have only recently started teen modeling, one of the important points you have to remember is that what you wear to the audition is crucial in impressing the casting director or brand representative. Because of this, it is important you think about the outfit you will wear and how to look your best during these auditions.
To ensure you appear at every audition dressed to impress, here are some essential dos and don’ts to remember:
Do
1. Wear black
Modeling casting directors and brand representatives need to easily imagine how their potential models look like when they will wear specific outfits, make-up, shoes, etc. You can help them do this faster by wearing black skinny pants and a fitted top during the audition.
Dark gray and blue jeans and tops and shirts are also great options. When choosing your top, you don’t have to stick to sleeveless ones; you can wear long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirts. Just make sure they fit your body well.
2. Wear high-heeled shoes
In the modeling industry, height is always a plus. Even if you are already tall, you will still benefit from the additional inches your high-heeled shoes can give you.
When you wear high-heeled shoes, your body tends to look slimmer and more elongated – features that many casting directors and brand representatives are looking for.
However, make sure you wear shoes with heels that you can comfortably walk in. If you can’t walk straight when you wear three-inch pumps, choose ones with two-inch heels.
Children, however, need to wear age appropriate, comfortable shoes so they can easily move about.
3. Put on light makeup
During auditions, your face should be like a blank canvas, too.
As such, keep your makeup as natural or minimal as possible. This means using only a foundation, concealer (if necessary), mascara, blusher, and a skin tone lipstick or gloss.
4. Keep your hair out of your face
Before you walk the runway, make sure your hair is pulled back and out of your face. You can tie it in a simple ponytail or a bun. However, you may be asked to wear it down; make sure you have some bobby pins to tidy up those stray ends.
If your hair is short, you can style it up but make sure you don’t go over the top, or you can get quality ponytail clip in hair extension from a reputable online shop.. Ensure you don’t have any bangs covering your face as well.
Don’t
1. Show up wearing brightly-colored and crazy patterned clothes
Printed and brightly-colored tops distract the eye and subconsciously turn the mind off. If you don’t want the casting director and brand representatives to lose their interest in you, wear plain black pants and a simple top, as mentioned above.
Avoid wearing gaudy accessories since they can also divert attention and make you look inexperienced and unprofessional. Also, try not to wear obviously branded clothes or logos and graphics.
2. Wear sneakers or flat shoes
Wearing ballet flats and sneakers is alright if you are moving houses, traveling interstate or walking to the audition venue. But once you arrive at the venue, take them off and put on your high heels.
Make sure you don’t choose wedges, platforms, or large-heeled shoes to wear to your audition. They tend to be clunky and, hence, won’t give you that sophisticated body sway when you walk on the runway.
As mentioned earlier, child models need to wear comfy shoes appropriate for their age.
3. Put on bright or dark nail polish
Avoid painting your nails with bright or dark nail polish. You can leave them bare but make sure they are not too long and clean. If you want to paint them, use light pink or brown hues. You can also get a French manicure if you want your nails made up.
4. Get an artificial tan
Lastly, casting directors and brand representatives need to see the natural you. This includes seeing your natural complexion.
Because of this, avoid going to a tanning salon or using spray-on tan before the audition even if you are auditioning for a swimwear brand or summer fashion line.
As a final tip, you may also get some instructions from your modeling agent on what to wear during an open audition. If you receive any instructions, make sure you follow them to a T.
In case there aren’t any instructions, following the dos and don’ts listed above will ensure you are off to a good start in nailing any modeling audition.
AUTHOR BIO
Adam Jacobs is the Managing Director of Bubblegum Casting, the longest running agency specialising in babies, children and teen talent in Australia. Bubblegum Casting works with some of Australia’s biggest brands, media properties and agencies to secure talented children to work in Television, Film and Modelling roles.
