Audition Outfit Do's and Don'ts

I've decided to post a new blog topic one Thursday a month, so my next post will be 10/23!

Now, let's get to it!

 This week is all about the scary and intimidating "Audition Outfit".  Have you ever asked yourself these questions: What should I wear? What should I not wear? How do I leave a lasting impression? How do I keep it professional?

The Audition Outfit Do's

1. Black is the new black, keep that in mind when choosing your audition outfit color, it should always be basic black.

2. Your black pumps ladies (which are mentioned in my previous blog post: Model Bag, along with pictures) should have at least a 4"in heel.

3. Skirt should be moderate length: no shorter than 17" and no longer than 24" or to the knee.

4. Outfit should be completely formfitting (If you wear a jacket, make sure to remove before you walk or audition)

5. Stockings or use spray on stockings (Sally Hanson's spray tan works wonders)

Below are examples of great outfits for females and males. 

Definitely get creative adding your own style and flair!

Sheath Dress

Traditional, professional, simple

Black Leggings and Fitted T-Shirt

         Great form fitting outfit with a personal touch. Just remember to remove the jacket before you begin your audition! They want to see your fabulous figure.

Love Herve Leger! 
Just steer clear of an extremely bulging bust-line and don't go any shorter than a 17" hemline! 
(This isn't the club)

Male Audition Outfit

Chris Brown is displaying the perfect audition outfit for men.

The form fitting turtleneck, the sleek slacks and the polished shoes!

Yes! Yes! Yes! (I love a well-dressed man, Lawd!)

The Button Down

This look is sleek, form fitting and professional.

Muscle Tee

Some auditions will specifically ask for all models (male and female) to wear black muscle tees.

Men: Pair muscle tee with dark washed jeans or tucked inside slacks and dress shoes

 (NOT athletic shoes)

Women: Pair your muscle tee with black leggings, dark wash skinny jeans or black jeggings, and your black audition pumps or platforms.

Audition Outfit Hair:

When it comes to hair, I love creativity, but make sure it doesn't distract from your audition presence. It should be neat, brushed, combed and styled no matter your current look.

Traditional Audition Hair: Hair that is swept into a soft chignon, bun or sleek pony tail

The Chignon 

Traditional, professional and sleek

Sleek Ponytail

High Ponytail or Low Ponytail? Totally up to you.

Natural Hair

You can style into a ponytail, bun or down. 

Just make sure to pin the hair away from the face

The Clean Cut

Neat. Modern. Complimentary.

Shaped Up and Lined

Facial hair is either a definite miss or a definite hit, there are no in-between's.

This example of facial hair is neat, clean, and allows his face and facial frame to be seen.

This facial hair compliments his style and his facial frame.

During audition, clean face is preferred unless otherwise instructed by casting directors and agents.

Non-Traditional Audition Hair: Short hair, shaved hair, color treated hair

Contemporary Hair

This is a lovely cut and color, 

Remember, the hair should be swooped to the side, NOT in the face.

The Modern Buzz

Neat, styled and a clear vision of her beautiful face, you go Megan Good!

Long Locks of Ombre

Ombre is hot, remember to keep the hair out of the face,

 like Jamie Chung is seen doing here. 

(Pin your hair back or use a spray gel to hold hair in place, DON'T constantly play in hair during audition)

Natural Curls

A tad longer than a traditional audition cut. 

This style is so handsome and flattering for his facial frame!

Bohemian Fantasy

This look is perfect because he maintains his individuality, but he keeps his luscious locks in place and away from his face. (Ooh that rhymed)

Audition Outfit Don'ts

There are many Audition Outfit Don'ts but I will list the main Don'ts here.

1. DON'T wear athletic shoes (Unless otherwise directed before the audition by casting directors)

2. DON'T wear low cleavage or bottoms shorter than 17" (This is NOT the club)

3. DON'T wear heavy amounts of jewelry and piercings. Stick with basic earrings and a single ring. 

4. DON'T wear heavy amount of makeup (think Day Makeup or Natural)

5. DON'T wear perfume or scented lotions (Agents, Casting Directors or other staff may be allergic, that will leave a bad impression)

6. DON'T chew or smack on gum. If you are worried about bad breath carry mints or breath strips 

7. DON'T gossip, trash talk, be a Negative Nancy, constantly complain, discuss your hangover from last night, brag about your one-night stand, partake in illicit drugs or alcoholic drinks. This is a job. Everyone, and I mean everyone, is connected and news of a bad attitude or unprofessional-ism travels faster than lightning. Not Cute.

TIPS:

• Break-in your shoes and test out the grips underneath the bottom before strutting on the runway. There is nothing worse than waddling like a duck from painful shoes, losing a shoe on the runway or tripping because your shoes aren't smooth enough to pivot.
• Be aware of your style of underwear for your audition outfit. No bunched boxer briefs that create lines or bulk, and no granny panties to create lines underneath your formfitting clothing.
• Pasties are a great investment, they won't add false inches to your bust line and will help in the runway measure tape line.
• If your shoe bottoms are not slick enough to pivot on the runway, places strips of duct tape at the bottom of your shoes and it should add slickness for pivoting ease.
• Refer to my previous post about what to carry in your Model Bag, such as: portfolio, business cards, resume, etc. You never know who you will network with, always be prepared.
• Always smile and say, "Thank You" to agents, casting directors and judges. Be friendly to everyone you meet; looks get attention, however personality keeps it. Sell yourself!

While, I could go on forever about Audition DO's and DON'Ts, these are the main points to aid you in Audition Day success. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment. I love to hear your thoughts!

Look out for the next blog post on 10/23! 

However, I may just post an outfit of the week soon, oh I can't stay away too long.

 Stay tuned and Stay Fabulous. I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

“What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language.”  —  Miuccia Prada