How to Look Like a Model

Co-authored by Traci Halvorson

Last Updated: February 20, 2024 Approved

Models have amazing good looks and a confident presence that draws others to them. Models may make looking good seem like a breeze, but looking like a model requires lots of time and effort. Looking like a model includes maintaining a healthy body weight, keeping your skin, hair, nails, and teeth looking perfect, and choosing fashionable clothes and shoes every day. It’s also important to develop a signature style, walk, and presence if you want to look like a model. Keep reading to learn more.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Developing Your Fashion Sense and Model Presence

Download Article

1
Subscribe to fashion magazines and read them front to back. Magazines such as Vogue (or Teen Vogue), Allure, Elle, etc. are very helpful for finding out about new hairstyles, makeup and clothes.
- If you're going for the runway look, you might also want to subscribe to high fashion magazines, such as Flaunt, Zink, MUSE, W, NYLON, etc. These high fashion magazines are basically made for models, so you'll get the insider tips.
Because they earn a living modeling the clothing of many different designers, models know a lot about fashion. If you don't know much about fashion, you will need to educate yourself. Reading fashion blogs and visiting designer websites is a good place to start.

Advertisement
3
Develop your personal style. Choose clothes that make you feel comfortable and express who you are without saying a word. Avoid trends if they don’t appeal to you and don’t wear anything that makes you feel physically uncomfortable or self-conscious.
- Look through fashion magazines for inspiration.
- Choose clothes that fit your lifestyle.
- Try to develop a signature look, such as Jackie Kennedy’s suits. You don't need to sport your signature look every day, just on special occasions.
4
Wear shoes that make sense with your clothes and the season. Make sure you have different shoes for every season, especially if the weather changes dramatically in your area.^{[1]
X
Research source}^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If you are a woman:
  - Wear ballet flats, wedge flip-flops and fierce pumps for spring.
  - Wear Indian sandals, flip flops and espadrilles for summer.
  - Wear Mary Janes, earth-toned flats and cowgirl boots for autumn.
  - Wear Uggs and other types of warm boots for winter.
- If you are a man:
  - Wear wingtips, derby shoes and loafers for spring.
  - Wear boat shoes, sporty slides and canvas sneakers for summer.
  - Wear chunky brogues, ankle boots and moccasins for autumn.
  - Wear oxfords and boots for winter.
With all of the effort you put into your appearance, make sure that you get out and show it off now and then. Go out with your friends as often as you can. Go dancing, or dining or whatever it is that you like to do. Have fun and live it up!
6
Carry yourself with confidence. Models stand up straight and walk tall to showcase the fashions that they wear for their clients. In addition to helping you look like a model, good posture is important for your health, makes you appear thinner and shows others that you are confident. Good posture also affects your self-confidence, which is essential for projecting a model persona.^{[3]
X
Research source}^{[4]
X
Research source}^{[5]
X
Research source}
- When you're standing, stand up straight with your chin up, chest out and your shoulders back.
- When you're sitting, don’t slouch. Sit up straight with your back against the chair.
7
Practice your model walk. To look like a model, you need to have a fierce model walk. Make sure that you have excellent posture, walk straight placing one foot in front of the other, let your arms hang loosely at your sides and walk with purpose.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Take long strides and make sure that you place one foot in front of the other. Keep your toes aimed straight ahead as you walk.
- Keep your arms at your sides and allow them to sway naturally as you walk.
- Walk like you have a goal or purpose, even if you don’t.^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Traci Halvorson
  Modeling Agent
  
  Expert Interview. 28 May 2021.} If you're walking across a room, pick a spot and walk straight to it.
- Focus on keeping your shoulders back, making eye contact, and looking happy.^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Traci Halvorson
  Modeling Agent
  
  Expert Interview. 28 May 2021.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Maintaining Your Model Good Looks

Download Article

1
Develop a good daily skin routine and follow it. Models have beautiful, glowing skin. To keep your skin looking its best, it's important to take care of your skin. Make sure that your daily skin routine includes washing and moisturizing in the morning and at night.
- Use a gentle facial cleanser in the morning and at night.
- Don’t overdo it with special treatments, such as masks and exfoliating treatments, because they may irritate your skin.
- Always wash off your makeup at night. Never sleep in your makeup because that can lead to clogged pores and pimples.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
- See a dermatologist if you have severe acne, oily skin or other skin issues.
2
Remove unwanted body and facial hair. To make sure that your face and body are always photo ready, devote some time every day to shaving, plucking, waxing and trimming any unsightly or stray hairs.
- Women should keep their legs and underarms hair-free, keep eyebrows well-groomed and remove any other excess facial or body hair.
- Men should keep facial hair shaved or neatly trimmed. Removing body hair is optional for men and will largely depend on personal preference and what a client wants of the male model.^{[10]
  X
  Research source}
3
Keep your fingernails and toenails well groomed. This advice goes for male models as well.^{[11]
X
Research source} Don't bite your nails and keep them in excellent condition. You don’t have to wear nail polish, just make sure that your nails always look neat and clean.
- Get regular manicures if you can afford them or give yourself a manicure once every week or two.
- Keep a nail file and some good hand lotion in your purse for easy touch-ups on the go.
4
Moisturize your skin daily. Use a moisturizer on your face that is suited to your skin type. You should also get into the habit of putting moisturizer on your body daily, especially your legs and arms. Keeping your skin moisturized will give it a healthy glow.
- Use a moisturizer with at least SPF 30 protection if you will be spending time outside.^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
- Use a facial moisturizer that suits your skin type.
- Always take time to moisturize your face before applying makeup. Massage the lotion into your skin until it is fully absorbed.
5
Wear minimal makeup that brings out your best features for day-to-day activities. Choose makeup that suits your eye color and highlights your best features, but don't wear too much makeup. Make it your goal to show off your natural beauty, not cover it up. Keep in mind that if you are wearing too much makeup to an audition, it may be difficult for your potential employers to imagine what you will look like wearing a different makeup look. Aim to look like you are wearing little to no makeup to seem more versatile.
- Choose a tinted moisturizer or lightweight foundation.
- Wear a light coat of black or brown mascara.
- Wear tinted lip balm or lip gloss.
- Go easy on the eyeliner or skip it entirely. If you want to wear eyeliner, go for brown or black. Apply a thin line to your upper and lower lids and blend well.
- Go for sheer or shimmery eye shadow. Silver works well if you are fair skinned and champagne works well if your skin is dark. Apply a light layer to your eyelids.
- Go easy on the bronzer. Apply a light layer of bronzer if you want to add a bit more color to your skin.
- Go easy on the blush. Cream blush is good option to give your cheeks a little rosy glow.
6
Wear more dramatic makeup to special events and at night. If you are planning to attend a special event, you might want to amp up the drama a bit. It's also fine to wear more dramatic makeup at night. Just remember to wear makeup that brings out your best features without making you look too made up.
- Try out makeup looks from fashion magazines.
- Go for a bold lip look or a bold eye look, but don't do both at the same time.
7
Take good care of your hair. Get your hair trimmed regularly to keep split ends at bay and keep your hair looking great. Use shampoo, conditioner and styling products that suit your hair type.^{[13]
X
Research source} Ask your hairdresser if you don't know which products will work best with your hair.
- Look through magazines and talk with your hair stylist about what would look good with your facial structure.
- Always keep your hair clean and styled, and make sure you go back to your salon every two to three months as your hair grows.
- If you get your hair colored, make sure the shade of your hair is vibrant. If your color is dull, consider getting a touch-up. If you don't want to color your hair, use a shine serum to add a healthy shine.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Taking Care of Yourself Like a Model

Download Article

1
Keep in mind that no one is perfect. Models have the benefit of makeup artists, hair stylists and designer clothing to help them look good. Makeup artists spend hours applying makeup to models' faces, and sometimes even their bodies, before fashion shows.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for good health. Your natural beauty will be more radiant if you take good care of yourself.
Being healthy is much more important than being thin. If you are concerned about your weight, check with your doctor to find out your proper weight range. Follow your doctor’s recommendations to get to that healthy weight range and stay within it.
3
Eat healthy to maintain your model body. Models’ diets vary widely and some of them are not healthy at all, so try not to focus on eating exactly like some models do.^{[15]
X
Research source} Instead, focus on making your diet as healthy as possible.
- Begin your day with a healthy breakfast. Eggs, whole grain bread, fruit, oatmeal and yogurt are some of the many options that make up a great breakfast.
- Eat a variety of foods, especially fruits and vegetables. To get the nutrients that you need to be healthy, eat plenty of fruits and veggies. Incorporate at least one serving of fruit or vegetables into each meal. Choose fruits and vegetables as snacks between meals as well.^{[16]
  X
  Research source}
- Choose lean proteins. Protein is important for good health, but you should choose proteins that will provide you with the most health benefits. Avoid fattier meats, such as pork and beef. Opt for leaner options instead, such as turkey and fish. Fish is a great choice because it also contains heart-healthy omega-3s.^{[17]
  X
  Research source}
- Choose whole grains. Steer clear of highly processed foods, such as white rice, white flour, white pasta and white bread. Instead, choose whole grain breads, whole wheat pastas, brown rice and whole wheat flour.^{[18]
  X
  Research source}
4
Drink plenty of water for glowing skin. Being well-hydrated is not only important for good health, it will also help to give your skin a glowing look. The amount of water that you need to drink each day is based on how much you weigh.
- You should drink half an ounce to an ounce of water per pound, every day. If you weigh 160 pounds, you should drink between 80 and 160 ounces of water per day.^{[19]
  X
  Research source}
5
Exercise to condition your model body. To stay healthy and look great, you need to exercise on a regular basis. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, such as walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise, such as running each week. This activity should be spread out over the course of your week, not done all at once. You should also aim for two strength training sessions per week to help keep your body toned.^{[20]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
- Keep in mind that most models work out much more than 150 minutes per week to maintain their stellar physiques. Some male models work out as much as 15 hours per week.^{[21]
  X
  Research source} Victoria's Secret models work out five times per week to maintain their thin physiques.^{[22]
  X
  Research source}
6
Consider whitening your teeth. Models have great smiles, so make sure to brush, floss, and use mouthwash twice daily to keep your teeth looking fabulous. If your teeth are not as white as you’d like them to be, consider whitening at-home treatments like special toothpastes, gels, and strips to give your teeth a model white gleam.^{[23]
X
Research source}
- To keep your teeth healthy and looking great, you should also get your teeth cleaned and checked by your dentist at least once per year. You should also go to see your dentist if your teeth or gums bother you.^{[24]
  X
  Research source} Follow your dentist’s recommendations for good dental care.
The life of a model is stressful, so it is important to practice relaxation techniques to stay balanced. A bit of stress is normal and can even help motivate you. But too much stress is bad for your health and can even affect the way you look.^{[25]
X
Research source}^{[26]
X
Research source} Take time for yourself. Meditate, practice yoga or take a bubble bath. Just make sure that you make a little time for yourself every day.

Have a Transformational Glow Up with this Expert Series

Download Articles

Are you ready for the biggest glow up of your life? It's time to care of yourself, build your confidence, and become the best version of yourself that you can be! Read these expert articles to supercharge your glow up.

1

Have a Glow Up

2

Make Yourself More Attractive

3

Get Glowing Skin in Just One Week

4

Do a Full Body Makeover

5

Look Naturally Beautiful

6

Be Confident in Your Looks

Download Articles

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Do I have to have perfect skin in order to become a model?

Community Answer

No, you do not, although having clear skin can make it easier for you to launch your career. Many models do not have perfect skin, and use makeup to conceal blemishes, pimples, etc.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 30 Helpful 257
Question

Does having a gap in my teeth limit the chance of being any type of model?

Emma

Community Answer

Not really. There are plenty of models such as Lily Aldridge, Lara Stone and Vanessa Paradis who all have gaps.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 16 Helpful 106
Question

How do I get beautiful hair?

Community Answer

Use heat protectant whenever you use heat on your hair, and try not to wash it EVERY day. This way you won't be stripping your hair of its natural oils that make it healthy and beautiful.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 29 Helpful 185

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Make sure you bring a parent, chaperone, or friend with you when you go to a photo shoot. Never consent to do anything you don't feel comfortable doing.

Thanks
Helpful 36 Not Helpful 4
Don't get too stressed about your looks. Remember that loving yourself is more important than gaining the approval of others. If you love yourself, it will also be easier to keep working towards your goals.

Thanks
Helpful 24 Not Helpful 3
Stand up straight and have a positive attitude towards most things. Laugh at your mistakes if you can, this will make you look confident and reasonable.

Thanks
Helpful 19 Not Helpful 2

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Beware of agency scams, they will usually ask for money up front. If you don't have the money for classes, there are a lot of books, shows, and mentors out there that will help you.

Thanks
Helpful 188 Not Helpful 29
Don't go to auditions posted in the "Jobs" section of the newspaper. Simply start contacting legitimate agencies and go to their open calls. If you are what the market is looking for, they will give you a call back.

Thanks
Helpful 137 Not Helpful 35
Women and men can easily become obsessed with losing weight, resulting in eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia, among others. Keep in mind that being healthy is more important than being thin, and healthy isn't a size 0!

Thanks
Helpful 11 Not Helpful 4