☺ Beverly Joy ☺

For men, having broad shoulders that taper to a slim waist and narrow hips is often considered the ideal body shape. Many women, however, consider having shoulders that are disproportionately wider than their hips to be a figure flaw. Still, both men and women might feel that their shoulders are too wide for their bodies. When dressing, people who have broad shoulders should choose clothing that takes the emphasis away from their shoulders, perhaps by drawing attention to other, more attractive parts of their body.

Having a narrow waist tends to emphasize broad shoulders, making their disproportionate width more noticeable. Wearing clothes that highlight the narrowness of the waist, such as dresses with tightly cinched belts, should be avoided. One way to decrease the emphasis on a narrow waist is by wearing pants and skirts that sit low on the hips.

People who have broad shoulders should avoid wearing clothes that will draw attention to the shoulder area. Wearing clothes with shoulder pads will make the shoulders look even bigger and broader. Shirts with any kind of detail or embellishment in the shoulder area will draw the attention to that area. Also, someone who has narrow shoulders might benefit from wearing a shirt with horizontal stripes. On someone who has broad shoulders and a broad upper body, however, such a shirt will create the visual illusion that the shoulders and upper body are even broader than they actually are.

One way to de-emphasize broad shoulders is to wear clothes that draw attention to other, more attractive parts of the body. For example, a woman who thinks that her shoulders are too wide might dress to show off her legs. A man who thinks that his shoulders are too wide might dress to show off his well-toned abdomen.

People are often told that the best way to de-emphasize their lower body and make their hips seem more slender is to wear something dark on the bottom and something light on the top. For people who have a broad upper body, the same theory works in reverse. Wearing dark shirts or blouses will help make their shoulders look less broad, and wearing lighter skirts or pants will help draw attention away from the upper body to the lower body.

Wide necklines will make the shoulders look wider. For example, people who have broad shoulders should stay away from clothes that have boat neck necklines. On the other hand, a narrow scoop neckline or a plunging V-neckline will draw the eye inward and away from the shoulders.

Author’s Note: thanks for reading!  ☺

-BeverlyJoy

Before pursuing a career in the modeling industry, it helps to know what type of model you can be. The only way to know this is to break down the popular categories of modeling and what the specific requirements are for each. These are just guidelines and are not absolute (there are always exceptions to the rule) but these are the ideal requirements.

1. Fashion models are the cream of the crop and must meet strict requirements. 

Fashion, runway and editorial models:

• Height: 5’8”-6’0”
• Weight: 105-125 lbs
• Measurements: 34-24-34 (bust, waist, hips)
• Size: 0-4
• Physical: naturally slim/slender, not very curvy, striking/unique/odd features, strong bone structure, good complexion, healthy hair

2. Commercial/print models represent products, ideas and companies that cater to the general public. 

Commercial/print models:

• Height: 5’5”-5’7”
• Weight: 105-125 lbs
• Measurements: 34-24-34 (bust, waist, hips)
• Sizes: varies
• Physical: proportional, symmetrical, attractive face, great smile/teeth, good complexion

3. Petite models are basically smaller versions of fashion models.

Petite models:

• Height: 5’1”-5’5”
• Weight: 100-125 lbs
• Measurements: 34-24-34 (bust, waist, hips)
• Sizes: 2-4 petite sizes
• Physical: proportional, naturally slim/slender, strikingly attractive, good complexion, healthy hair

4. Plus size models are the same as fashion models but wear large size of clothing.

Many people decry the very thin fashion models, commonly seen treading the catwalk or in photo displays. Thin fashion models are in, which many think has a negative impact on thebody image of all women, and especially young girls. Most designers clearly state that clothes hang better on thin fashion models. Yet if we look at models from the 1950s or earlier, they didn’t appear to suffer from lack of beauty due to a slightly fuller figure.

In 1960, average fashion models were about 5’7” (1.7m) and weighed approximately 129 pounds (58.51 kg). Currently average fashion models are two inches taller and weigh about 114 pounds (51.7 kg). While fashion models from the 1960s had a healthy body mass index (BMI), this trend would soon change with a British model named Twiggy. Suddenly thin became sensational, with a 91-pound Twiggy leading the charge.

High fashion plus size models is one trend begun the 1990s has become increasingly more popular. In 2006, there are many women with a much higher than average size catering to theplus size clothing market. These women are in many cases, just another representation of beauty. In fact, had they been born in the 17th century, or in a different country in some cases, they would have been considered far more beautiful than thin fashion models, since plumpness was a desirable quality, and continues to be in some cultures.

From the many statements made by both fashion models and actresses with anorexia, we know that trying to maintain super thin status can be very difficult. While there are some women who seem to naturally run very thin, others seem to not, and diet has very little to do with it. Forcing a super thin ideal on the public clearly affects public taste, and may be very harmful to young girls attempting to drop weight to unrealistic and unhealthy goals. Many hope that Spain’s decision leads the trend away from the very thin, to a better fed, and healthier model. It certainly indicates that some designers are now willing to take better care of their models, who through their work, enrich designers.

Author’s Note: thanks for reading. ☺

A lot of people want to be a model because it’s glamorous, sexy, lucrative and you might want to be recognized in the modeling world. Honestly, i’m an aspiring model. Modeling is extremely competitive, and the industry is filled with rejection, but successful models are doing something that they love. Here are some major truths about becoming a model, well as some realistic advice to make it happen for you.

1. Take care of yourself. Features indicative of good health are a must.

• Focus on keeping your skin clear and glowing.
• Shiny and healthy hair is important.
• Fitness is important. Consider working with a trainer who works specifically with models. Tell them your modeling goals and how you aspire to look.

2. Decide what kind of model you hope to be. Technically, anybody can be a model. However, do remember that if you don’t meet certain requirements, the work available to you will be incredibly limited, and you may have to compensate in other departments (reliability, technique, etc).

• A Plus Size Model: If your body is full and curvaceous, you may be able to be a plus size model.
• A Runway Model: Most women on the catwalk are at least 5’8, very skinny, and small-breasted. Men are mostly between 5’11 and 6’2.
• A Print Model: Most editorial female models are at least 5’7, but a beautiful face with great personality are really important for print models.
• An Underwear Model: For women, this requires large breasts but small hips. For men this requires broad shoulders but slim waists.
• Other Types of Modeling: If you don’t fit any of the face or body descriptions, perhaps you can be a foot, hair or hand model
• Consider your “look”. There is more of a curvy California look, a svelte New York look, a waif-like European look, girl next door, swim suit or lingerie (usually requires the bust to fill out the suits and a very thin waist)… Know what you’re equipped with, but also work to pull off other looks.

3. Educate yourself. There is a lot you can learn from reading books and articles on modeling. Reading quality guides, articles, and books will both help you to improve important skills (like posing) and to better understand how the industry works (how to find an agent, etc.).

• Realize that it’s tough. The modeling world is jam-packed with pretty faces. Just because you are good looking does not mean that you can succeed as a model. In the modeling business, it is not just about looking great. You have to fit the want or need of specific jobs just in order to get a chance. Modeling is only for serious people who carry unique looks and characteristics. Since there are so many people trying to become models in today’s world, it will be very challenging to get a breakthrough and will only come through patience and perseverance.
• Realize a model does not have to be like a supermodel, however with a lot of effort you may reach that supermodel status!

4. Take some snapshots. This doesn’t mean candid shots of you and your friends, but rather shots of you up close without a lot of makeup and on a plain background. You should shoot them in nice natural light without a lot of distraction in the photos. These are meant for agencies to get a look at you in a raw state. Consider a head shot, a body shot, and profile shots.

5. Consider getting some professional shots taken. Professional photography, even if it is expensive, will give you a better idea of what kind of look you give off. You may eventually need these photographs to snag an interview, so think of it as a worthwhile investment!

• Get your favorite professional shots printed into 8x10s. Save these in case you are asked to leave a photograph anywhere before you have professional ones done.
• If you’ve got enough of these photos, consider putting everything into a portfolio, or “book.” Bring this portfolio with you to castings or to agencies.

6. Take and know your measurements and stats.

• Basic measurements are height, weight, and shoe size.
• Know your clothing measurements such as dress size, hip, waist, chest etc…
• Know your own personal stats, such as hair color, eye color, skin tone etc…

7. Visit a modeling agency. Almost every major city has multiple modeling agencies, and almost every agency has “open-calls” where they look at new talent.

• Bring your snapshots and/or portfolio. They will often ask you to walk or pose for them. They may take a headshot or take your measurements as well. If they reject you, don’t get disheartened; often an agency is looking for a diverse set of models, so you may just not fit their model lineup right now.

WHEN YOU’RE ALREADY WORKING AS A MODEL… YOU SHOULD:

1. Be professional, polite, and courteous.

• Always turn up on time to any appointment or shoot. If you’re late or rude, word soon gets around and then nobody will want to work with you.
• Be organized. Models often get called off places at the last minute and have very busy days. You need to be on top of things if you want to succeed. Buying a day-to-day planner can really help.

2. Confirm whether or not there will be a make-up artist (MUA) on site for any work you are doing. Sometimes you are expected to bring certain things with you (such as base foundation) and if they don’t have a makeup artist booked you need to prepare accordingly.

• Be truthful about your measurements. Don’t say you’re skinnier than you are just to get a shoot. Once there, the stylist will have problems and you will get found out. Word will get around and you could find yourself without a career!
• Treat modeling like a real job. Girls that don’t take it seriously have small chances of succeeding in their modeling career. Realize that it is harder than it appears and there’s a lot of work behind all that glitz and glamor at fashion shows. Modeling is a full time occupation that requires constant attention. One week away from it and your career can be over. Understand that modeling has only a small window of opportunity, and even if you take a short break, you may never be able to return.

3. Be creative on shoots. Photographers want to see you pose in various works, work for the camera, and interact with the world around yourself. Runway coordinators want you to put attitude in your walk (or very specific emotion).

Author’s Note: I hope this helps! Thanks for reading! ☺

—Beverly Joy