The advertising and fashion industries have increasingly shifted toward representing diverse age groups, making it possible to become a model at 57. This trend validates the experience and confidence that come with age, moving past outdated beauty standards focused exclusively on youth. The industry now recognizes the importance of authentic representation, creating a welcoming space for new models in their late 50s and beyond. Transitioning into this field requires specific preparation, understanding your market niche, and professional conduct.
The Rise of Mature Modeling
The growing demand for older models is driven by market forces and a demographic shift in consumer spending. People aged 50 and older control more than half of all consumer spending across major global economies, making them a financially robust and influential audience. This segment has significant disposable income, leading brands to adapt their marketing strategies to connect authentically with this consumer base.
Advertisers know that consumers respond more favorably to models who resemble their own age, increasing the likelihood of purchasing products. This desire for relatability has pushed companies to prioritize age diversity. The industry has moved away from anti-aging narratives, adopting a pro-age approach that celebrates maturity, creating a need for older models in advertisements for financial services, travel, fashion, and health products.
Types of Modeling for Older Adults
Commercial and Lifestyle Modeling
Commercial modeling promotes products and services to the general public, prioritizing relatability over traditional high-fashion requirements. This work involves portraying everyday scenarios that resonate with the target audience, such as a couple on vacation or friends gathering for a meal. Mature models are frequently cast for advertisements related to insurance, banking, travel, and health products, where experience and trust are desired. Roles are diverse, encompassing catalogue work and television commercials, requiring models to convey genuine emotion and a natural presence.
Print and Editorial Modeling
Print and editorial modeling involves working for magazines and publications, often accompanying articles focused on fashion, beauty, or lifestyle topics for mature audiences. While some work is high-fashion, most focuses on presenting clothing or beauty products in a stylish yet accessible way. These shoots showcase how products look on a mature body, contributing to greater inclusivity in print and online media. The emphasis is on a versatile look and the ability to adapt to different styles and themes presented by the editorial team.
Parts Modeling
Parts modeling is a specialized niche where the model is hired for the appearance of a specific body part, such as hands, feet, or legs. Mature models often work as hand models for close-up shots of jewelry, watches, or skincare products. The hands must be well-groomed and attractive for this work. Foot modeling is also an option for footwear advertisements. These roles require the model to maintain the specific body part in excellent condition, focusing entirely on the detailed appearance of the selected feature rather than the model’s overall look.
Fitting and Showroom Modeling
Fitting and showroom modeling are technical, behind-the-scenes roles requiring specific body measurements to help designers refine clothing before mass production. A fitting model tries on sample garments and provides feedback on how the clothes fit, drape, and move, ensuring the final product meets the designer’s vision. Showroom modeling involves presenting a designer’s new collection to wholesale buyers, demonstrating how the clothes look and fit professionally. This work offers steady opportunities but requires the model’s body dimensions to remain consistent to align with the brand’s sizing standards.
Essential First Steps to Prepare
Before contacting an agency, aspiring models must complete several preparation steps to present themselves professionally. The first necessity is taking current, simple photographs, known as digitals or polaroids, using natural light and little to no makeup. These photos should include clear headshots, a profile shot, and full-body shots in fitted clothing. The goal is to show your basic shape without professional styling or heavy retouching. The industry values an authentic look, including gray hair and natural texture, so avoid heavy filtering or airbrushing on these submission photos.
Understanding and accurately recording your measurements is also fundamental, as clients use these statistics to determine casting shortlists. You should accurately measure your height, bust/chest, waist, and hips using a flexible measuring tape while standing naturally. Maintaining a professional appearance involves prioritizing self-care through a healthy diet, regular activity, and good skin and hair care, as overall wellness contributes to a confident presence.
Finding and Vetting Modeling Agencies
Securing representation starts with researching agencies that specifically include a “Mature,” “Classic,” or “50Plus” division on their roster. Agencies listing older models demonstrate an established client base and understanding of this market segment. The preferred method for initial contact is a digital submission through the agency’s official website, requiring your statistics and prepared photos. Investigate the agency’s professional website, client lists, and success stories to ensure their work aligns with your goals.
You must remain vigilant for red flags during the vetting process to protect yourself from scams. A legitimate agency earns income through commissions from booked work and will not charge high upfront fees for representation, placement, or mandatory training classes. Be wary of any agency that pressures you to sign a contract immediately or guarantees a specific amount of work, as no one can promise modeling success. If an offer feels too good to be true, or if they ask for offsite meetings outside of regular business hours, it is best to verify their legitimacy through independent research.
Maintaining a Successful Modeling Career
Once represented, professionalism is the bedrock of a sustained modeling career, beginning with punctuality for every casting, fitting, or photoshoot. Arriving early demonstrates respect for the production team, including photographers, stylists, and clients whose time is highly scheduled. On set, a positive attitude and the ability to take direction are highly valued traits. Models must be receptive to instructions and act as collaborative team players.
Treat modeling like a business by staying organized, keeping records of your bookings, and handling invoicing and scheduling efficiently. Managing rejection is an ongoing reality, as you will likely be turned down for more jobs than you book because clients seek a very specific look. Rejection is a simple mismatch for a particular project, not a reflection of your talent. Long-term success comes from resilience, maintaining a friendly manner, and cultivating professional relationships, which often leads to repeat bookings and referrals.