What to Wear (and Not Wear) to a Model Casting

First, the good news: You’ve booked a casting for a modelling job! But now onto the next dilemma: What do you wear? With your potential to book jobs based on what you look like, it’s natural for your head to be swirling with questions. Ultimately, “your outfit helps casting professionals visualise you in various settings – commercials, print ads, fashion shows, or digital campaigns,” according to international modelling agency John Casablancas. 

Whoever is on the panel wants to see your full potential for fulfilling the aims of the shoot. “It is important to pick something that fits your body and accentuates whatever features you might have,” says Eli, a model at Basics Model Management. And that advice is golden: When you’re planning what to wear, ensure that you assemble an outfit that complements your shape and size, and that you feel comfortable wearing.

Here are some general rules for what to wear and avoid wearing to a modelling audition. 

Keep it simple

A model casting is not the place to express your taste in fashion, however much it’s a part of your identity in the outside world. Keep it simple. “Casting directors already know the magic hair and makeup can do, so they want to see you as a blank canvas,” according to a post on modelling blog My Model Reality. 

Think plain colours, basic tops and trousers, and tailoring that shows your figure. “One key tip is to avoid clothing with bright and bold prints. This is because such clothing can distract casting directors from properly assessing your unique attributes,” according to a post on model blog Fashion Gone Rogue. 

Wear clothes that fit

This sounds obvious, but badly fitting clothes will do you no favours if you want to bag a modelling job. Oversized clothing hides your proportions. And if you’re constantly having to pull up your trousers or the straps on your top keep falling down, the casting team will notice that you look uncomfortable. A fitted top with tight jeans is a good starting point.

Avoid accessories

“While accessories can add personality to an outfit, it’s important to avoid wearing flashy accessories to a model casting,” cautions Fashion Gone Rogue. That’s because accessories, like bright colours, can divert attention away from how you actually look. 

Think about your shoes too

As a general rule, female models should wear heels to a model casting. “The bigger the heels, the better. Aside from adding inches of height, heels also typically make the wearer’s body appear much more elongated,” says fashion blogger Dear Laney. Occasionally, you may be asked to bring a different shoe. If the shoot is for a fitness brand, trainers are a more likely request. But most casting agents will want to see how you can walk in heels, so make sure you practise strutting your stuff in your shoes before the big day. 

Don’t complicate your hair or makeup

Again, casting directors want to see who you are without anything layered on top. “You’re there to show your natural state,” says Dear Laney. “We understand you want to look your best, but a model casting or go-see isn’t the place to come all glammed up. Save that for the shoot!” Minimal makeup will show your face structure in its true form. Modelling agency Mavn Models advises against wearing “pinks, purples, or greens on the eyes, and no red or hot pink lipstick.”

Wear good underwear

Unless you’re going to a lingerie casting, the casting directors are unlikely to see what is under your clothes. Still, wearing good underwear is essential for many reasons. First and foremost: It keeps you comfortable.

“Ill-fitting underwear will make even the best outfit look lumpy and wrong,” says model support service The Model Skit. Neutral tones tend to be a safer bet, particularly if you’re wearing light trousers. 

Keep your nails natural

There’s a general theme here! Go into a casting with no nail varnish on or a very clear polish. Vibrant colours are a no-go, as are patterns. Mavn Models suggests keeping your nails short too. 

Confidence is key

The reality is, you will do better if you go into a modelling casting looking confident. Think of your attitude as part of your outfit. Smile and greet the casting directors warmly. A friendly attitude will go a long way. Of course, appearing unfazed is easier said than done when you’re in a casting – and it’s natural to feel nervous – but just try your best to be yourself.