Wondering how to get that classic pin up look? The pin up style is very distinctive and iconic. Even though it dates from the World War II era, the look is instantly appealing and sexy and still very popular today. We just love the work of Gil Elvgren and Alberto Vargas who perfected the pin up look through illustration. And for the classic photograph of a pin up girl, the image of Betty Grable in a white swimsuit flirting over her shoulder is instantly recognizable.
If you’re thinking about trying the pin up look yourself, be it for an upcoming photoshoot or just a private little performance, we have a few tips that will get you lookin’ like a calendar girl in no time.

Get the right hair

The right kind of hair will make or break the whole look. The pin up style originated at the very beginning of the 20th century but became iconic around the 1940s and 1950s. The girls in the photos and illustrations had contemporary hairstyles which may seem a bit old fashioned today, but that’s what the look is all about now, a throwback to those times. If you need a little help figuring out the hair, search around on YouTube for pin up hair tutorials, or ask your favorite salon stylist for suggestions and tips suitable for your hair. You’ll be surprised how much they know about the pin up look.

Spend a little time on makeup

The pin up style focuses on femininity and youth. This means that you should emphasize big, bright eyes and lashes, bold red lip color and rosy blushed cheeks. Take a look at some of the Gil Elvgren illustrations to see what we’re talking about. The makeup doesn’t have to be theatrical or over the top, but a little boldness of red color can really make the look “pop”.

Finding the right outfit

The pin up girls of the past were not dressed very skimpily. They were surprisingly covered, but always suggested a naughty reveal. Popular outfits of the time were often swimsuits, girdles or flowy dresses. What they mostly had in common were garters and seamed stockings peeking out. Several of our matching sets and gartered dresses offer the same look when paired with a lovely set of stockings. Many of our customers who are doing a pin up photoshoot buy a few different outfits for the shoot so that they get a variety of photos. Some know exactly the look they’re going for and end up looking just as fabulous. It’s up to you.

Learn a little posing

Whether you’re doing a pin up photoshoot or a private performance, take some time to learn some of the simple posing techniques that make this look so irresistible. If you selected a pin up photographer, she or he will really help you in a big way. Likewise, you can take a look at some of the models on our site or flip through pin up books for inspiration the next time you’re at the bookstore.

This is an exciting artform and we are so excited that you’re interested.