When you were checking out the red carpet coverage from Sunday’s Oscars, did you happen to notice some similarities between how the stars were posing? The arrangement of a-list arms and legs is always calculated—celebs know what will look best in photos. Thankfully, red-carpet photographer Dave Bennett was kind enough tobreak the most popular looks down. Study up and pull them out for your most flattering shots the next time you’re in front of the camera (red carpet most definitely not required).
Look 1: The Teapot
Julianne Moore at the EE British Academy Film Awards in February
There’s purpose behind this seemingly casual hand-on-hip look, namely that it shifts the planes of the body just enough to make for a camera-friendly shape and proportions. “Very few people can be photographed straight on and look amazing,” he explained. “You want to see a defined waist and hips. Putting a hand on the hip and elongating one leg is a way of creating that.”
Look 2: The Clutch Hold
Natalie Dormer at a London screening of Zoolander 2 in February
If you’re posing with a bag, the number one rule is to avoid letting the accessory be the focal point. “The most important thing is stand tall. Don’t look as though you’re trying to hide behind it and don’t let it outshine the dress,” Bennett said. For stars on the red carpet, this means keeping a minaudière to the side in a money shot (not obstructing a clear view of the designer gown), but it translates easily into real life. Getting your picture snapped while you’re carrying a top-handle or have a cross-body on? Make sure both are to your side, not directly in front.
Look 3: The Over-the-Shoulder Glance
Lupita Nyong’o at the Hollywood premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in December
This maneuver is most often utilized to show off dresses with gorgeous backs, but stars trot it out for normal looks too. “Twisting at the waist creates a really nice angle. It’s a way of being sexy or coquettish without actually exposing too much,” Bennett said. Try it yourself regardless of what you’re wearing.
Look 4: The Leg Flash
Jennifer Lopez at the Golden Globes in January
One of the sexier red-carpet poses, this option is good for showing off the construction of a dress, with the extended leg confirming that, yup, that super-high slit is a steamy feature of the dress, not a wardrobe malfunction. If you’re being photographed in a unique garment, play with positions that’ll show off the piece’s best features (and do like stars: You know they’re using a few pieces of expertly placed double-stick tape to ensure nothing extra is exposed).
Look 5: The Twirl
Lily James at the London premiere of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies in January
This romantic, fashion-friendly look is actually one photogs ask for. “This is something photographers have created should the potential picture be a bit dull,” Bennett revealed. “We’ll ask the actress something like, ‘Will you give it some movement?’ and then she’ll swish the dress a bit. If there’s a split, then you’ll see the leg and you can better see the shape of the dress as well.” No ballgown, no problem: If you’re in a voluminous top, dress, or skirt, have some fun with it when you’re taking a pic. Chances are it’ll make for a fun image.
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