Dressing the Part: Looks for Petite Actresses
It didn’t take me long to realize what my actor type would be. For context, I’m 4’9” and happen to look very young for my age. I always did.
So, when it came time to determine what type of roles I would be auditioning for, it came as no surprise that these roles would fall under a much younger category.
A Petite Actress Playing Younger Characters
When I graduated college, I started auditioning professionally, submitting myself to acting projects and landing representation somewhere along the way. For context, I used to be represented by a Talent Agent under their Youth Division (apparently, that’s how young I happen to look). I’d usually be sent out (or submit myself) for younger roles, typically highschoolers, college students or the occasional brooding female in some coming-of-age independent film. As a petite actress playing younger characters, I knew I would be milking this actor type for quite some time and to be honest, I grew to embrace it.
While I had the look, it was important to also dress the part, especially when I found myself auditioning next to (you guessed it – real life teenagers). I couldn’t show up to a casting call with some slacks and a blazer (unless the role happened call for it). I needed to blend in.
Staple Pieces for the Petite Actress
Curating a wardrobe that represents your actor type is essential when you’re out in the wild, auditioning away. As a petite actress who would routinely audition for younger characters, I knew my wardrobe pieces needed to compliment this aesthetic. Luckily, curating these pieces didn’t really impact me or feel difficult in any way because my everyday style tends to mirror a contemporary and somewhat youthful vibe anyway. While I don’t dress in crop tops and ripped jeans on the daily, I’ve curated a wardrobe that strategically compliments my petite frame, including pieces that can be styled up or down, depending on where I’m going or what I’m doing (as an actress and as an… everyday person). They include:
Faded and vintage wash jeans
Boot-cut and high-waisted pants
Jean, bomber and leather jackets
Overall dress
Rompers
Mini sundresses
Mini skirt
Plain/form-fitted t-shirts (in different colors)
Turtlenecks
Tank tops
Crop tops
Form-fitted zip-ups
Sneakers
Dress the Part without Trying too Hard
At the end of the day, it’s not about hitting up H&M and buying a whole new wardrobe, or showing up to your next Pepsi Commercial audition in a full-on costume (please don’t do this). Instead, it’s about using the wardrobe pieces that you do have, and styling them in ways that can also serve you as a working actor. Your appearance should subtly hint at the role you’re auditioning for instead of making an overrated statement. Remember: you want to dress the part without trying too hard!
Creating the Outfit
We’ve talked about the individual clothing items that can complement a petite frame, but it’s what you do with those pieces and how you style them that will set you apart. Let talk about some of the ways that you can create an outfit and in what settings you might find yourself wearing them.
The Art of Juxtaposition: Fitted Pants and Looser Tops
Pairing form-fitted pants like jeans (even better if they’re high waisted!) with a looser-fitted top is a great way to balance out your look. For context, I work a lot with teens and younger folks and I see this type of pairing quite often (at schools or educational settings). By looser-fitted tops, I don’t necessarily mean a graphic tee that’s five sizes too large, but maybe a cute zip up, a solid tee, a trendy cardigan, or a plain flannel.
These options create juxtaposition and can reflect a great deal of authenticity, especially when you choose colors and cuts that suit you best. These looks are great, especially for: auditions (theater, film/tv and commercial), acting seminars, actor workshops, theater classes, as well as booked gigs that require an actor to bring wardrobe options to set!
Dress the Part but don’t Distract
Now, as a side note, I can’t stress this enough: stay away from any patterns that might feel distracting to the eye. While it’s important for your personality to shine through, you’ll want to dress in pieces that feel neutral and grounded, especially when dressing for on-camera and screen auditions. Logos, graphics, writing or bold patterns (like circles and stripes) tend to look like moving images on camera. While they might make great wardrobe options in the final production of whatever it is you’re auditioning for, they can feel like a distraction in the audition itself (where the sole purpose is to assess your talent, and your talent alone).
Colors and Layers
Bright colors tend to stand out. They also compliment and represent young people well, as we tend to associate brighter palettes with youthful, playful, imaginative, energetic and optimistic characteristics. So, if you’re looking to dress for an upcoming audition where the character is on the younger side, this might be the way to go. Of course, you might consider other colors or palettes depending on the genre or mood of the project. Layers on the other hand, will accessorize your outfit, adding more dimension and pattern. Some combinations might include a solid t-shirt or turtleneck (usually less distracting) or a crop top paired with a jean, bomber, leather or corduroy jacket. These looks are great for: headshot sessions, callbacks and interviews (with agents or talent managers) as well as booked gigs that require you to bring wardrobe options to set.
Statement Pieces
Overalls, rompers and sundresses are wonderful statement pieces that can dress up your look while still maintaining that youthful appearance we’re looking to achieve. These statement pieces make great outfits, especially for headshot sessions and auditions (screen and stage).
Own your Look!
Whether you’re a new actor or a seasoned professional with a seasoned closet full of Zara staples and Gap essentials, your outfits are unique to you, resembling your true vibe.
Clothes are an extension of our personalities and how we want to present ourselves to others. So, wear them with pride and OWN your look, because your look is beautiful just like every other part of who you are!
