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Whether you want to pursue a career as a fashion model or just want to know more about the industry, you may be curious about what body type is ideal.
Runway models, also called catwalk models, are often expected to be tall and skinny. However, there is also a growing demand for plus-size models, especially in catalog modeling.
Straight
Fashion models, also known as runway models or catwalk models, are a type of model that is most commonly seen on the catwalks and in fashion campaigns. They are required to meet very specific age, height, and measurement standards in order to walk the runway.
Women who fall into this body type typically have a straight silhouette with equal measurements across the shoulders, hips and waist. This makes them the perfect shape for most models who shoot runway or fashion campaigns.
As with most shapes, the key to dressing for a straight body is to create volume and interest around the bust and hips while defining your waist. Wearing softer tops that flow over your body can help create this. You can also use belts to draw attention to the waistline and define it.
For this body type, jackets are a must-have layering piece as they will give you the extra dimension and interest you need. However, you need to choose jackets that don’t end too high or boxy because they will make you look square. Instead, you should opt for straight-cut jackets that follow the natural shape of your frame and are belted at the waist to accentuate it.
You can also try wearing tube dresses or polka dresses to add a feminine touch to your looks. This will not only suit your body but will also highlight your attractive features and give you a slim and sexy hourglass figure.
When choosing trousers for the straight body, opt for styles that have detail on the thigh, hip or leg areas to create curves. Trousers with pleats, turn-ups or pockets can add interest to your lower body and make you look taller.
Another great option for the straight body is skirts as they offer a variety of unique ways to add a bit of curve. They are a must-have in every closet as they can easily add visual depth to your outfits.
Skirts with a low rise are ideal as they will give you a more defined waistline and help to keep your legs streamlined. You can also find skirts with a wide leg that will elongate your legs and give you a more athletic look.
Hourglass
The hourglass body shape is an extremely desirable, proportional and feminine type of figure. It is characterised by hip and bust measurements that are nearly equal in size, with a narrow waist measurement. The shoulders are slightly round and the legs are in proportion with the upper body.
In order to achieve this body shape, it is important to choose clothing that accentuates the waist. This can be achieved by wearing fitted shirts that are tailored to the waist and avoiding larger embellishments like shoulder epaulets or ruffles. It can also be achieved by choosing dark color accents around the waist or strategically placed visual lines that lengthen the silhouette.
High-waisted trousers are the best option as they define the waist. They can be found in a variety of styles and are particularly flattering for the hourglass body shape.
If you want to look more formal, try a dress with a close-fitted shape or a straight cut wrap dress. If you want a casual look, go for jeans that are slimmer and accentuate the natural curves in your legs.
A blazer is another essential piece that you can’t go without for your closet, especially when the weather is colder. A blazer with a defined waist will help to create a narrower silhouette and can be worn to work or casual occasions.
Jackets and coats are a key style element in your wardrobe, so it is important to choose the right ones. Those that have visible front bulk, such as large buttons or double-breasted silhouettes, will overshadow your waist definition and make you appear wider.
Cape or swing coats can be a great addition to your outfit for the hourglass body shape, as they exude a more vintage style essence. However, this is a more tricky coat silhouette to pull off for this shape so you have to really understand your golden ratio proportions and the amount of length in your style to be successful.
As an hourglass, you can achieve a long and lean figure by working out with weights. This will tone down your arms, back and abdomen. It will also give you a smoother skintone and an overall more youthful appearance.
Petite
Petite women are typically shorter than 162 cm (5 ft 4 in) and can usually wear a standard clothing size of P00 to PXL, although they may find some styles of jeans, skirts or dresses are too long for them. Some of the common issues a petite woman can have with her clothes are that they have too long sleeves or trousers, too wide shoulders, or the hems on their shirts hang too low or bunch up when they try to tuck them in.
Many designers of petite clothing use fabrics that have vertical stripes or smaller prints to make short women look taller, and they might have narrow collars or shorter trim to keep them visually proportional. Some petites also find that monochrome outfits are more flattering on them, as they can help to accentuate their small stature.
Another style tip for petite women is to try a v-neck blouse, which will make your legs appear longer. Kylie @kylish_aus above tucks in her blouse to create a leg-lengthening effect, and Abi @stealmystyle40 chooses a similar look by combining a monochrome shirt with printed pants (another option here).
Whether you’re petite or not, you can always add some extra height to your outfits by wearing heels! If you’re looking for shoes to complement your body shape, you’ll find a wide variety of heel heights to suit every woman.
Some of the most popular shoes for petite girls are flats, ankle boots and pumps. If you’re shopping for a pair of heels, be sure to take your measurements and find the perfect fit for you.
If you’re not quite ready to invest in a pair of heels, you can always try adding a pair of tights or capri pants to your outfit. These items will also help to lengthen your legs, as well as keep you warm and comfortable.
Petites can be a tricky body type to shop for, but you can easily find clothes that will work for your height and shape. With a little ingenuity and patience, you can wear almost any outfit that you like.
Plus Size
The plus-size market is huge and with a global annual value of almost 700 billion, fashion brands are more than eager to cater to this growing demographic. However, the problem with the fashion industry is that they’re also willing to play fast and loose with the definition of what it means to be a “plus size” model.
The industry typically uses a scale to define what is considered a plus size but that can be misleading because different people carry their weight in different ways. This can lead to a lot of confusion and stress for plus size shoppers who are wondering whether they’re actually a “plus size” or not!
Many models who are in their prime years, such as Iskra Lawrence and Ashley Graham, have taken on the challenge of promoting a healthy lifestyle and body image. As a result, the fashion industry is slowly changing its mindset on how it views a plus-size model.
According to Refinery29, most agencies and brands now require their plus-size models to be a size 12 or above. This brings the perception of what is considered a plus-size model in line with the public’s perception of this term.
It’s a good idea to have a strong portfolio of photos showing off your best plus-size model looks in all types of sizes. This way, if any brands or designers want to hire you, they’ll know your capabilities before even reading your resume.
In addition, it’s a good idea to include some bikini or lingerie shots in your portfolio, as some brands are starting to use models who are bikini-ready on the runway. This can be a great opportunity to break into the industry and can help you get your name out there!
The plus-size modeling industry is a big one and has plenty of opportunities for new and experienced models. If you’re interested in taking on a career as a plus-size model, you can apply to a variety of modeling agencies and build an online portfolio. Ultimately, you should be comfortable in your own skin and have a positive attitude toward your modeling career.
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