Modeling Tips

When you show your garment in a fashion revue, choose from these (or other) modeling positions, turns, and
poses. Use comfortable, natural movements that show off your garment and your personal style.

“T” Position

The “T” position is the base position for most models and everyone else who wants to stand correctly and
attractively. It allows natural alignment of muscles, bones, and organs while giving the body a pleasing visual
dimension.

For a “T” pose, place your left foot with your toe pointing straight ahead as though it were the large hand on
the clock. Your right foot should be drawn back with the inside of your instep touching the heel of your left
foot and your right toe pointing as though it were the small hand of the clock at the 2 o’clock position.

You also can reverse the position of your feet and place them in the 10 o’clock position.

Settle your weight on your back foot, relax and slightly bend the knee of the forward foot. Your posture
should be natural and easy. Take a deep breath and let it out to relax. Then pull your stomach muscles tight
and in as you raise your diaphragm up. Your shoulders will fall in line naturally.

You can pose your hands in a variety of ways. Try clasping them behind your back or letting your fingertips
rest at your side seams. You can cup your hands together in front of you at
your waistline or put one hand on your hip or in your pocket. Be careful
not to throw your weight to one side and put your hips off balance. The
hip line should always be even for a healthful, becoming posture.

Settle your weight on your back foot. You are in model stance. You can
practice in front of a mirror until you find the positions that are most
attractive for you. Soon these positions will become familiar to you and
you’ll find yourself very comfortable and relaxed. Your posture will
contribute to your overall fitness and poise, whether you’re visiting with
a friend or giving a speech.

Modeling Guide ~1~

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Modeling Turns
Half Turn

Beginning in the 2 o’clock “T” position, step off with your left foot, walk forward until you’re ready to turn,
take a half step with your right foot:

Raise your heels slightly off the floor and pivot a half turn to your left. You’ll end up in this position:

To begin in the 10 o’clock position, step off with your right foot, walk forward until you’re ready to turn,
and take a half step with your left foot:

Lift up on your toes and pivot a half turn to the right. You’ll finish in this position:

Settle your weight on your back foot. You’re in model stance. You can hold your pose and when you’re
ready, step off with your front foot.

Quarter Turn

Beginning in the “T” position, step off with your front foot, walk forward until you’re ready to turn, and take a
regular step with your left foot and a half step with your right foot:

Modeling Guide ~2~

Raise your heels slightly off the floor and pivot a quarter turn to your left. You’ll finish in the 2 o’clock “T”
position:

If you wish to make a turn to the right, take a regular step with your right foot and a half step with your left foot:

Raise your heels slightly off the floor and pivot a quarter turn to your right. You’ll finish in the 10 o’clock “T”
position:

Settle your weight on your back foot. You are in model stance. You can pause for a moment, and when
you’re ready, step off with your front foot first. With practice, you’ll no longer even think about what your
feet are doing. You’re on your way to modeling with ease.

Mannequin Poses
The “T” position is the basic mannequin pose and is appropriate for all types of clothing.

The other mannequin poses you’ll learn are not as versatile as the “T” but are attractive when modeling
garments for Fashion Revue. They can add variety and interest to a show or photo and enhance both the
model and the outfit. Alter these standing positions by varying your hand positions.

The position described and illustrated are frozen positions in which the model looks like a store mannequin.
Sometimes, Fashion Revue begins with four or five models walking on stage, posing in a mannequin position,
and holding that position until their names are called and the commentary is read. At that time, the models
“come to life” and show the garments.

Modeling Guide ~3~

 “A” Pose

In the “A” pose, you stand with your feet hip-width apart and your
toes pointed out at about a 45 angle. Keep your knees fairly stiff and
your ankles “cracked inward.” Rest your hands on your hipbone or
slightly below in a relaxed position. Turn your hands so the audience
sees a side view (outside edge of hands and little fingers).

“I” Pose

The “I” position is a very slenderizing pose. Place your weight on

your right leg with your toe pointing at a 45 angle to the right.
Bend your left knee, swing to the right, and squeeze against your
right knee. Your left toe points straight ahead and your left heel
is lifted off the floor. You can rest your right hand on your hip as
in the “A” position. Your left hand can brush along the seam line.
Try changing hand positions for varied looks.

Sidestep Pose

To begin a sidestep pose, stand in a “T” position and

move your front foot to the side, allowing your weight
to remain on the opposite foot. You can raise the hand
of the weighted foot to your hips, waist, collar, or hair.
Keep your other hand in a lower position to add
interest and aesthetic appeal.

Modeling Guide ~4~

“C” Pose

The “C” pose begins with the sidestep position. Bend at

the waist so your body curves—like a “C”—toward the
extended foot. The curve can be gentle or extreme,
depending on the desired effect. As you bend sideways at
the waist, your body weight transfers to the extended
foot. Lay the hand above the extended foot on your mid-
thigh or knee, depending on the degree of body curvature.
Rest you other hand on your hip.

Crossover Pose

The crossover is an easy, attractive pose. Cross one leg either in front of or
behind your other leg, with your toe pointed toward the floor and your heel
up. Place the hand on the side of your weighted foot in a position higher
than the other hand, giving an artistic line to your body.

Walk and Run Poses

Walk and run poses are used to illustrate action. To simulate a

walk, begin in the “T” position, keeping your weight on your back
foot. Extend your forward foot and point your toe up. A run pose
involves shifting your weight to your forward foot and lifting the
heel of your back foot off the floor. Try a variety of hand positions
to give your body the illusion of movement.

Modeling Guide ~5~

Optional Props
It’s fun to add a prop when modeling for an audience. It provides an added flair and sometimes helps tell
the story of where you might wear your outfit. It also helps put you, the model, at ease. We’re often more
comfortable in front of others if we have something in our hands. Here are a few suggestions of props you
might carry with you when you’re modeling:

sports equipment books equestrian riding equipment

umbrella sunglasses notebook or clipboard

purse flowers backpack

Modeling Guide ~6~

Finishing Touches
Here are some final reminders to help you appear well groomed, fresh, and appropriately accessorized for an
attractive, finished you.

Cleanliness
Cleanliness and freshness are of major importance in the impression you make. Below is a grooming
checklist for you.

I am freshly bathed.

I have freshly shampooed hair.

My hair is styled and combed.

My teeth are brushed.

My nails are filed and clean.

Clothing
You’ve worked hard on your new garment and you want it to look its very best. Below is a garment
prep checklist for you.

My garment is impeccably clean. (Freshly washed and absent of stains.)

I have pressed my garment carefully.

I have clipped any loose threads.

Makeup

The whole point of makeup is to make you look fresh, vital, and capable. 4-H members who usually do not
wear makeup need not wear any for Fashion Revue. If you normally wear makeup, apply it as naturally as you
can. Do remember, though, that at a distance your makeup fades, so you may want to intensify your blush,
lip, and eye colors. Always blend carefully. Be aware that you want to look fresh and vital, not like you’re
wearing a mask. Below is a makeup checklist for you.

My makeup has been freshly applied.

My makeup is well blended.

My makeup is appropriate for my age.

My makeup is appropriate for my outfit. (For example, evening wear allows for more makeup than
daytime.)

Modeling Guide ~7~

Accessories
Choose accessories that are appropriate for the garment you’ll be wearing. Keep them well proportioned to
your size, and of complementary colors that either blend or contrast. Ladies may wish to wear neutral panty
hose or apply lotion to their legs to pull together a sleek, well put together look. Hosiery can make walking in
heels easier, make your legs more attractive, and help garments lay smoother. Remember the lights on stage
are brighter than room lighting; make sure you have on appropriate undergarments for your outfit (such as a
slip) to prevent a see-through effect. A good rule for shoes is that they be the same color as the hem of the
garment or darker: Neutrals (tans, gray, black) are always correct. Wear jewelry if it’s appropriate for you
garment. Gold and silver are classic, versatile choices. Hats are a fun addition, too, as long as they
complement or complete the total look. Study fashion magazines and catalogs to see how professionals put it
all together. Below is an accessories checklist for you.

My accessories are in proportion to my body size.

My accessories complement my garment.

The colors of my accessories contrast or blend with my outfit, giving me a total look.

I am wearing appropriate undergarments (slip, panty hose, dress socks, etc.) to represent a sleek,
well put together look.

My shoes are clean, polished, and fit appropriately.

I am comfortable standing and walking in my shoes. (Practice your model walk in the shoes you
will be wearing for Fashion Revue.)

Remember the most important finishing touch is a positive attitude. Take a couple of
deep breaths, relax, and wear a smile!

Developed By Monica L. Brinkley, Liberty County Extension Director; Judith R. Butterfield, Regional 4-H Specialized Agent, retired;
Heather M. Janney, Hamilton County 4-H; Becky V. Bennett, Madison County 4-H; Amolsch, S., Duval County; Sarah T. Hensley,
Central 4-H RSA; Pamela Phillippe, Charlotte County 4-H; Muriel Turner, Levy County FCS; Stacey Ellison, NE 4-H RSA; and Brenda
Williams, Alachua County FCS. August 2011. Revised August 2012. Revised 2015.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational
information, and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed,
color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions, or affiliations. U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, and
Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating.

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of
May 8 and June 30, 1914, as amended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and United States Department
of Agriculture Cooperating, John D. Floros, Director.

Modeling Guide ~8~