10 Ways to Pose in Photos Like a Model Off-Duty

Do you ever scroll through your Instagram feed and think, How do other girls look that effortlessly cool in photos? You're not alone. Striking the right pose (or action shot) in street style photography is something of an art. Models off duty have the look down pat, and our favorite fashion bloggers are pros at nailing the shot as well. So for all of us still working on mastering that couldn't-care-less quality of cool, we decided to do some research on how to pose like a model for photos. Next time you're caught on camera, you can follow these tricks to ensure that you and your outfit are presented in the best possible light. For study material, we turned to the street style snaps of models off duty, and we've we've rounded up some of our favorites below. Read on to learn how to strike some of the best poses for fashion street style.

1. Cross one leg over the other.
How to Pose Like a Model

Photo:

Style du Monde

This pose highlights the vertical lines of your legs and elongates your entire frame.

2. Look back over your shoulder.
How to Pose Like a Model

Photo:

Style du Monde

It's a great opportunity to showcase the pretty back of a garment. 

3. Profile your face and look away from the camera.
How to Pose Like a Model

Photo:

Collage Vintage

This changes up the perspective of your look and puts the focus on the outfit itself.

4. Tilt your head to one side.
How to Pose Like a Model

Photo:

Collage Vintage

Doing so is a cute and cheeky way to try something new. 

5. Slightly pop one knee.
How to Pose Like a Model

Photo:

Style du Monde

This move is subtle, but it's a classic pose that works every time.

6. Use a sidewalk curb to your advantage.
How to Pose Like a Model

Photo:

A Love is Blind

If you want to show off some killer shoes, this is the way to do it. 

7. Casually lean against a wall.
How to Pose Like a Model

Photo:

Style du Monde

It’s the ultimate way to look casual and relaxed, giving you a sense of confidence that pulls the whole photo together.

8. Snap a shot midstep.
How to Pose Like a Model

Photo:

Collage Vintage

How to Look Candid 101: Capture movement. It makes the snap look impromptu and also gives the photo an extra dimension of professionalism.

9. Prop up one leg.
How to Pose Like a Model

Photo:

Style du Monde

Not only does this pose exude cool-girl vibes, but it also breaks up the lines in your legs to add interest.

10. Cross one leg in front, and pop your knee.
How to Pose Like a Model

Photo:

A Love Is Blind

This gives you a chance to show off your shoes from more than one angle. Bonus points for leaning against a wall.

Shop eye-catching pieces to enhance your Instagram feed:

The coolest hoops for that close-up shot.

Show off your pretty shoes while doing the cross-leg pose.

A great-fitting leather jacket exudes cool-girl vibes (and never goes out of style).

A little bling goes a long way in pictures.

Tie it around your neck, or wear it as a hair accessory for the perfect finishing touch.

Ideal for that look-back-over-your-shoulder pose.

This story was originally published on June 16, 2016, and has since been updated.

Next, find out which poses to avoid in photos.