Skip to main content

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
Labels:

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
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Modeling and Weight

One of the first things I hear potential models ask is what the weight requirement for modeling is. Sometimes that is the main issue they worry about when it comes to pursuing modeling. Let me tell you right now that weight should NOT be one of those concerns. Obviously, the height requirement reigns supreme when measuring up to the modeling standards sought out by agencies. If you meet the height requirements--whether it's for fashion and runway or commercial/print--that is the first step towards starting on the path to modeling. How much you weigh shouldn't be your biggest fear. It is rare that anyone can look at someone and say, "Oh, my gosh, he/she looks like they are 5 pounds over our weight requirement!" It just isn't realistic. If you look at many modeling agency websites, they clearly list the age and height requirements--rarely, if at all do they list any weight restrictions. The general rule of thumb when it comes to weight is that for models who ...
6 comments
Read more

Modeling & Pay Rates: How Much Should You Charge?

(This post is more targeted towards freelance models and not those with agency representation, although it may apply to those that have an agent but continue to find their own work.) A part of being a successful model is making money from the jobs that you book. However, being a freelance model comes with many challenges--figuring out what you should charge is one of them. I will say upfront that there are no established black and white rules when it comes to pay rates. Each modeling job is different, each client is different and budgets vary. Ultimately the factors that should influence what you charge should be the amount of experience you have, the strength of the images in your portfolio and the client's budget/needs. Not every client is going to pay what you want to charge. There may be times when you will be skipped over for charging too much or taken advantage of for charging too little. It's going to happen so be prepared for it and do not take it personally. It...
37 comments
Read more

Want to Be a Victoria's Secret Model?

(*Due to the number of comments and questions I get from aspiring models about working for VS, please be sure to read my post on this very carefully. If you don't meet all of these requirements then you cannot become a model for VS. If you are not tall enough, if you are not signed to a top agency, your chances are not good.  If you don't meet the requirements, please don't be too upset about it. Find another field of modeling you may be good for. There are plenty of other modeling opportunities for models outside of being a VS angel. They may not be as good or as well-known as VS but it's better than nothing.) I know I’d jump at the chance to be offered a gig modeling for Victoria’s Secret (although I think they’d be irritated by Photoshopping my stretch marks HAHA, yeah, I said it, I’ve got stretch marks!). All silliness aside, the gals of Victoria’s Secret are probably the inspiration for a majority of aspiring models out there. Not only do they get to wear the s...
358 comments
Read more