Pint-Size Model Isobella Jade On How To Make The Most Of Your Teeny Stature

When we announced that Victoria’s Secret was looking for its next Angel in a blog post last week, the comments were resoundingly similar: “OMG. If only I was 5 inches taller.” and “I’ve got everything but the height!” and “Poor short girls!” Don’t fret, shorties! Your day has come.

Petite model Isobella Jade has faced some diversity in the modeling world, to say the least–you can find out more about her struggle in her memoir, Almost 5’4″, which she wrote entirely from the Apple Store in Soho (yeah, for real). But she busted right through those “you’re too short” obstacles to land modeling gigs for Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret, and more, and now she’s giving us some tips for packing the most fabulousness into your little self. I must confess, I came home crying many, many times when I was in elementary school because I was picked on for being so tiny, and my mother always reminded me “Good things come in small packages!” How right she was.

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Here’s how Isobella Jade suggests short girls can look great in photos:

Tip # 1. Know your body and what you’re working with. Before you get in front of the camera, take a look in the mirror. You can look five to ten pounds slimmer and lighter by simply turning your body at an angle. You’ve also gotta know your smile–I have a gap between my teeth and an overbite, but I cover it by purposely by letting my teeth touch my lips just a little when I smile. I used to try to put my overbite together and I realized why I looked totally awkward and uncomfortable in my old photos. I also think giving a slight naturally laugh while smiling can create a “beautiful real smile” you will like. Once you have your smile down, with your back facing the mirror look over your shoulder at your reflection–I think this pose looks fabulous on girls of all heights and sizes. Looking into the mirror is so basic but actually it is the photographer’s or camera’s perspective as well, so how you look in a mirror is how you will look when the shutter snaps.

Tip # 2. Pay attention to your arms Creating a little space between your upper arms and the rest of your body can work wonders. We’ve all taken that “oh-my-gosh-my arm looks so fat, please don’t put that on Facebook” photo, and if the arms are not positioned right even a super skinny girl can look less than flattered. The closer you hug your body, the bigger you will look, so intentionally leave a little gap between your upper arm and your torso. I try to only show one side of my full arm in a photo–I tuck one behind me if I am standing at a side angle, which makes you look longer and leaner.

Tip # 3. And don’t forget those fabulous legs. For a shorter girl, the thighs are a major area that can make you feel even shorter in a photo. When you’re standing, make sure one leg is always a little closer to the camera than the other one. The less symmetrical your legs are in a photo, the longer they’ll appear. Try putting all of your weight on the leg furthest from the camera, then casually bend that front leg and arch your back. If you’re sitting, scoot to the very edge of your seat, and don’t forget to focus on your posture!

Find out more about Isobella Jade (and her upcoming graphic novel, Model Life: The Journey of a Pint-Size Fashion Warrior), at her website now! And tell me dolls…have any of you ever dreamed of being a petite model? Have you ever done any modeling work, despite being under 5’6″? Have you been watching the “short season” of America’s Next Top Model? Do you think you have what it takes? Did you learn anything new from Isobella’s tips? Discuss!

PLUS:

Want 10 easy ways to look prettier in photos? We thought so.

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Photos: top, Rod Dickinson; bottom, Michael McCabe