Casting Director Renee Godbout on how the right wardrobe can help you land your next part
By Renee Godbout
I’m not a fashionista by any stretch of the imagination. But after working in show business for several years, I’ve learned that dressing to showcase your assets is very important.
As an actor or model, you know that your appearance is vital to your success. But this doesn’t mean that you must be born with the “perfect” body or spend hours a day at the gym. Although a few trips to the gym every week will keep you in shape, it’s important to know what style looks best on you.
1. Pick your body’s best feature and showcase it. Remember, the idea isn’t to hide your flaws, it’s to emphasize your assets!
If you’ve got great legs, choose a skirt or dress that shows off your calves. If you’re not so comfortable with your legs, but you’ve got great shoulders, try pants with a wider leg and pair them with a fitted halter top.
2. Work with your curves. Women with a larger bust look great in V-neck or scoop-neck shirts - but make sure you don’t show off too much cleavage!
Have a little extra around the tummy? Button-down shirts with collars look clean and professional, but they’re also very forgiving. If you’re blessed with a curvy bust and hips and a narrow waist, emphasize your hourglass figure with a belt.
3. Embrace your body type. One of the most common body types among women is “pear-shaped,” meaning a combination of wider hips and narrower shoulders. If you’re one of these many women, emphasize your graceful neckline and slim upper body with a strapless or spaghetti-strap dress.
Don’t choose A-line or puffy skirts that add volume to your lower body. Instead, wear straight skirts that flatter your figure without hugging too tightly. Also avoid pants that flare – straight-leg or wide-leg pants that fall straight from your hip will flatter your leg and make you look taller.
4. Stick with the outfit that clicks. Once you find the look which really defines you, go shopping and find some similar alternatives. By switching up colors, fabrics, and patterns, you’ll have a wardrobe that’s always flattering but never boring.
5. Dress the body you have right now. If you are dieting and have already lost some weight, don’t put off shopping. Even if you haven’t reached your goal weight, you’re not doing yourself any favors by wearing clothes that are too big – you’ll only look larger than you are.
But there’s no need to buy an entirely new wardrobe every time you lose 10 pounds. Just make sure you have a few staple items that fit you fight now!
Renee Godbout - Freelance Casting Director. Renee Godbout recently worked on the first season of The CW's popular teen show Gossip Girl at Grant Wilfey Casting. Some past projects include 2 seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, the pilot for Dirty Sexy Money, and the upcoming Jonathan Demme-directed Dancing with Shiva.
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