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Wardrobe Tips for Female Commercial/Print Models

If you haven't already, I would recommend reading my blog post about Commercial/Print modeling (Understanding Commercial/Print Modeling) in order to better understand/apply the info in the following post.

Commercial/print is a category all its own--and with good reason. Often misunderstood, this type of modeling is one of the most popular and in demand because it targets the largest demographic out there: the every day consumer.

Those interested in getting into this category of modeling may have some new territory to conquer since commercial/print isn't like fashion and runway. Because print models are not representing a designer's collection (like fashion/runway/editorial) that means they're not going to be wearing some else's clothes to showcase.

Print models are all about representing the average consumer and that means dressing casually or for a certain occasion. There are wardrobe stylists that may be onset with supplemental wardrobe and in those instances a print model could end up wearing an outfit they don't own but it is completely common for clients to require commercial/print models to bring their own wardrobe.

The best way I can describe wardrobe when it comes to commercial/print modeling is to think about the "roles" you may be hired to portray for a modeling job.

If you need to expand your wardrobe needs to better suit this category of modeling or aren't sure where to begin or what you should have in your closet, below are some of the most common "roles" female print models represent: 

FEMALE STUDENT (HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE)


The Look: casual and comfy
Examples for Tops: tank tops, t-shirts, cute blouses, sweaters
Examples for Bottoms: jeans, shorts, skirts
Examples for Shoes: sneakers, flats, sandals
Examples for Accessories: earrings, necklaces, watches


FEMALE SHOPPER/CONSUMER 
(can also be applied to "Parent/Mother" depending on the age range portrayed)



The Look: stylish/dressy casual
Examples for Tops: blouses, cardigans, camisoles, sweaters, sundress
Examples for Bottoms: jeans, skirts, leggings
Examples for Shoes: heels, boots, flats, sandals
Examples for Accessories: earrings, necklaces, watches, bracelets

 CASUAL/LOUNGING AT HOME


The Look: super comfy/casual
Examples for Tops: sweaters, tank tops, t-shirts, cardigans
Examples for Bottoms: jeans, shorts, sweatpants, leggings
Examples for Shoes: socks, barefoot, house slippers
Examples for Accessories: watches, wedding band (if portraying wife)

BUSINESSWOMAN



The Look: corporate, business casual
Examples: pants suit, skirt suit, blouse paired with skirt or slacks, dress (not a sundress or casual dress)
Examples for Shoes: heels, boots, pumps, flats
Examples for Accessories: earrings, necklaces, watches, bracelets

UPSCALE WOMAN
(sometimes also known as "Smart Casual" or "Upscale Casual")


The Look: sophisticated, high end
Examples: blouses paired with skirts or slacks, cocktail dresses, modern dress styles
Examples for Shoes: heels, sandals, booties
Examples for Accessories: earrings, necklaces, bracelets

FITNESS/GYM/YOGA WOMAN



The Look: sporty
Examples: leggings, shorts, sports bras, tank tops
Examples for Shoes: sneakers
Examples for Accessories: watches, ear buds, armband for smartphone

 THE OUTDOORSY WOMAN




The Look: campy, casual, ready to participate in outdoor activities
Examples: tank tops, t-shirts, shorts, jeans, vests, jackets/windbreakers
Examples for Shoes: sneakers, hiking boots
Examples for Accessories: watches, ear buds, small accessories (earrings), beanie, cap
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Comments

Charlotte said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
January 5, 2017 at 8:00 AM
Charlotte said…
great post - as per usual. i love your blog!!!

i do have a question for you though... do i apply to an agency abroad?
i really want to become a model but i am not conventionally pretty. i am 16 years of age, 5 foot 8.5 , very slim and i am quite photogenic, however i keep being turned away by agencies (i live in the uk) would it be mad for me to go abroad and get signed by an agency or shall i give up my dream of pursuing becoming a model?? (obviously that is the last thing i want to do - but maybe i just don't want to hear the truth idk)
THANK YOU SO MUCH idk what to do
January 5, 2017 at 8:03 AM
Charlotte said…
i posted a comment but don't know if you got it aaah !! i have a question to ask you - sorry to bother you x
January 6, 2017 at 8:06 AM
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Charlotte! You'll find the answer to your questions in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #924," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
January 6, 2017 at 6:46 PM
Anonymous said…
Hi!I am an aspiring high fashion model but I can't seem to get signed by an agency... All of them have just said that my look isn't quite right for them.I live in the UK and I am 5 foot 9, 16 years old and my measurements are 33-24-34. What can I do??? please help. thanks so much
February 6, 2017 at 10:16 AM
Dania Denise said…
Hi, Anonymous! You'll find the answer to your question in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #929," which can be found on my other blog: "Modeling 101 - Answering Readers Questions."

Please visit this link: http://amodelsdiary-readerquestions.blogspot.com/ and you can view your post there. Thanks for reading!
February 10, 2017 at 5:46 PM
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