Dress to impress is a long-standing rallying cry for those aiming to get hired. After all, the clothes make the person and we, as humans, are guilty of judging others based on appearances, especially in the modeling and acting world where appearance is a huge part of the job.
- Tailor Everything
A well-fitted outfit is the easiest way to go from frump to fab, and it’s not extremely expensive.
- Be Clean
Unless the audition specifically asks for dirty clothes, dress in your cleanest outfits. No stains, no dirt, iron everything, and avoid outfits with frayed edges.
- Accessorize
A few tasteful additions can accentuate what you want while also adding that certain spark plain clothes otherwise don’t give on their own.
- Remove Body Piercings
Piercings are a fantastic quirk to have and are great conversation centerpieces, but not when your work revolves around your personality or your potential appearance.
- Bring a Bag
This should be a portable collection of materials, shoes, and other clothes you may need for an audition or interview.
- Calm the Coif
Remember that interviewers want to see your face. They don’t want to deal with you pushing hair behind your ears. The less distraction, the more professional you are.
- Avoid Aromas
You never know what smells are pleasant or not to other people. It’s always safest to assume that no smell is the best smell.
- Dress Conservatively
Though you shouldn’t go formal, you should dress on the more conservative side since less conservative clothing can be cause for distraction.
- Mask the Makeup
If you wear makeup, keep it as natural looking as possible. Nail polish should also remain either clear or neutral in shade.
- Hide the Tattoos
Unless specially requested by the interviewers, tattoos are distracting and take away from your potential appearance.
Rebecca Lord is the Chief Marketing Officer at John Casablancas Modeling and Career Centers, where she leads strategic marketing to grow brand visibility. With over a decade in copywriting, social media, and ROI-driven campaigns – plus 14 years as a freelance copywriter and designer – she specializes in messaging that resonates and delivers results. She’s based in Greater St. Louis.
