How to Catwalk Properly: 5 Tips for Practicing Your Catwalk Like a Model

According to many fashion industry surveys, over 70% of new catwalk learners struggle with their posture, aura, and facial expressions when walking on the runway. Many people think that catwalk is an innate talent, but in reality, walking the catwalk correctly is a skill that can be fully practiced.

In this article, model casting expert Traci Halvorson and image and etiquette expert Kate Heussler will share how to walk the catwalk like a professional model, from posture, eye contact, and facial expressions to creating a captivating presence on the runway. The content is suitable for beginners learning catwalk, semi-professional models, and anyone who wants to improve their confident demeanor when appearing in public.

If you are looking for correct, easy-to-apply, and quick-effective catwalk techniques, this is the guide you shouldn't miss.

How to Walk the Catwalk Like a Professional Model

Maintain a straight posture and open shoulders

• Stand with a straight back, long neck, and slightly open shoulders to exude confidence from the very first step.

• Avoid tensing your body or arching excessively, as this will make your walk stiff and unnatural.

• This is a crucial foundation in all standard catwalk instructions for beginners.

Walk in rhythm with your body

• Move with even, decisive, unhurried steps.

• Keep your hips relaxed and sway gently with your steps, without shaking too much.

• The walk needs to be smooth and continuous to create a professional impression on the runway.

Maintain a neutral facial expression

• Relax your face, don't tense up or frown.

• Focus your eyes straight ahead, choosing a fixed point to maintain your aura.

• According to the experience of model casting expert Traci Halvorson, a stable expression helps models appear confident and in control of the runway.

Finish pose by shifting your weight

• When you reach the end of the runway, shift your body weight to one hip.

• Hold the pose for 1-2 seconds to create a highlight before turning around.

• This posture helps the overall catwalk look balanced and have a clear stopping point.

Tip 1: How to Maintain Expression and Proper Posture During Catwalk

Step 1: Maintain a proper chin and expression while walking the catwalk

Slightly lower your chin for a clearer face

• Keep your chin slightly down, not lifted high and not bowed low.

• Imagine an invisible string pulling the top of your head up to straighten your back, then gently lower your chin.

• This chin angle helps the audience see your face more clearly, while creating definition and personality during the catwalk.

Keep your mouth in a natural state

• Gently close your mouth, don't press your lips tightly together.

• If your lips are naturally slightly apart, there's no need to force them closed.

• The goal is to keep your overall facial expression comfortable, in line with the standard model catwalk.

Prioritize neutral expressions

• Do not smile when catwalking to avoid distracting from the outfit.

• The face should maintain a calm, sufficiently cool state, demonstrating control of the runway.

• This is a common principle in professional catwalk training.

Create presence instead of overacting

• Slightly lowering your chin will add angles to your face, making your expression more "edgy" without needing to force it.

• Presence comes from restraint, not strong emotions.

According to the experience of model casting expert Traci Halvorson, good control of the chin, eyes, and expression is crucial for models to appear professional and valuable on the runway. Adding an image training perspective, Kate Heussler emphasizes that naturalness and consistency in expression help models maintain their performance, whether for fashion shows, commercials, or events.

Step 2: How to maintain proper eye contact when walking the catwalk

Focus your gaze forward

• Fix your gaze on a point in front of you, don't continuously shift your eyes.

• Always maintain focus on the direction of movement so your walk appears decisive and purposeful.

• Clear, alert eyes are a crucial factor in creating a professional catwalk aura.

Use your eyes and eyebrows to create presence

• When catwalking, emotions are mainly expressed through the eyes and eyebrows, not a smile.

• Think of a specific goal or role to give your gaze depth.

• When you have a "purpose" in your eyes, the audience will sense your confidence.

Avoid eye contact with the audience

• Do not look at the audience, cameras, or acquaintances below the stage.

• Maintain a stable expression to avoid diluting the message of the outfit.

• This is a basic principle in runway catwalk techniques.

Observe the runway to maintain balance

• While moving, you can glance down very quickly to check your steps.

• This helps prevent tripping and maintains a confident walk, especially when wearing high heels.

• Do not bow your head and look at the floor for too long as this will diminish your presence.

Practice expressions in front of a mirror

• Practice catwalking in front of a mirror or ask someone else to observe to help you see your eye contact and expressions clearly.

• Try different states to find a sharp yet natural gaze.

• The best expression is one you can control for a long time without tensing up.

Step 3: A straight standing posture helps you catwalk more confidently

Start by standing tall and straight

• Always stand with a straight back, head facing forward, and be clearly aware of every movement of your body.

• Focus on feeling confident and present on the runway, do not walk unconsciously.

• This is the first principle in all instructions on how to catwalk correctly for beginners.

Imagine an "invisible string" lifting your body

• Imagine a string pulling from your spine up to the top of your head, naturally lengthening your body.

• Shoulders slightly open back, chest not overly arched to maintain an elegant posture.

• According to model training and casting expert Traci Halvorson, this posture creates the clearest "model presence," even if you don't have ideal height.

Keep your body relaxed, not stiff

• Standing straight does not mean tensing your entire body.

• Relax your shoulders, arms, and hips to make your walk appear more natural.

• A beautiful catwalk is a balance between physical height and a sense of comfort.

Practice in front of a mirror to control your standing posture

• Practice standing and walking with a straight posture in front of a mirror to observe your overall appearance.

• Adjust if you notice tense shoulders, a stiff back, or an unnatural walk.

• The goal is to maintain a tall, firm, yet fluid posture when moving.

Tip 2: Techniques for a beautiful catwalk on the runway

Step 1: Proper catwalk steps for men and women

Place one foot in front of the other and take long strides

• Imagine you are walking on a straight line, placing one foot in front of the other with each step.

• This walking style allows your hips to gently sway from side to side, creating a graceful, standard female model catwalk.

• Take moderate, even, unhurried strides, avoiding short or hasty steps to maintain an overall elegant walk.

Show confidence with every step

• Keep your shoulders slightly back, your body straight, and your eyes looking forward.

• Walk with a relaxed, confident mindset, as if you completely own the runway.

• According to the experience of model training expert Traci Halvorson, if you are tense or fearful, it will show on your face and diminish your appeal when catwalking.

Adjust your walk to suit male models

• For male models, there's no need to cross your feet completely.

• Walk more naturally, with your feet moderately parallel, creating a steady impression.

• The demeanor should resemble an everyday walk but with control, exuding a "cool" and relaxed vibe.

Prioritize a natural feeling when moving

• Whether it's a female or male catwalk, the most beautiful walk is one you can control for a long time without tensing up.

• When you walk comfortably, your aura will naturally radiate without much acting.

Step 2: How to naturally swing your hips while catwalk walking

Let your hips move with your steps

• When catwalk walking, your hips should be relaxed and move with each step.

• Walk at a moderate, even pace to allow your hips to gently sway from side to side.

• This movement makes your gait more graceful, adds character, and provides better foot control – especially important for proper catwalk walking.

Understand the true role of hips in walking

• Standing and walking too straight, without hip movement, will make the overall look stiff and less appealing.

• According to model coach Traci Halvorson, proper hip usage helps the body look balanced and enhances the outfit.

• Natural hip movement supports the leg rhythm, making steps stable and continuous.

Maintain just enough movement, without exaggeration

• No need to stiffen or intentionally sway your hips forcefully.

• Let your hips move automatically with your stride, like a natural bodily reflex.

• Over-swinging your hips will make your gait unbalanced and easily look "staged."

Prioritize naturalness in practice

• Practice walking slowly in front of a mirror to observe the degree of hip movement.

• Adjust until your gait is both graceful and comfortable.

• A good catwalk stance is one you can maintain for a long time without getting tired or stiff.

Step 3: How to keep your hands and arms natural when catwalk walking

Relax your arms along your body

• Let your arms hang naturally by your sides, moving very slightly with your steps.

• Your arms should only swing just enough to create a sense of composure and control.

• The correct arm posture makes the overall walk look "cool" and more professional on the runway.

Keep your hands relaxed

• Hands relaxed, slightly curved, fingers naturally open with a small gap.

• Avoid clenching your fists or tensing your fingers, as this can give off a nervous impression.

• The goal is for your hands to look "at rest," not drawing attention.

Don't stiffen your arms

• Your arms don't need to be rigidly straight; they can curve slightly with your body's movement.

• When your shoulders and hips move rhythmically, your arms will naturally follow.

• Soft arms make the catwalk gait more fluid and less stiff.

Avoid excessive arm movement

• Don't swing your arms vigorously, twist your wrists, or clench your hands repeatedly.

• Unnecessary arm movements are often a sign of tension and distract from the outfit.

• Stable arm posture helps models look confident and command the stage.

Step 4: How to pose at the end of the runway and turn professionally

Pose decisively at the end of the runway

• When reaching the end of the runway, pause for 1-2 seconds to set the pace.

• Shift your weight to one hip, maintaining full confidence and control.

• Do not lean towards the audience, as this will make your posture appear off-balance and lose its shape.

Maintain correct posture when posing

• Slightly tighten your abs, keep your shoulders open and back.

• Gently push your hips towards the back of the stage for a balanced stance.

• According to model coach Traci Halvorson, this posture makes the body look taller, firmer, and have a clearer "presence."

Use your gaze to create emphasis

• You can briefly glance down at the audience for a moment to create a connection.

• No need to turn or lower your head much; the charisma primarily comes from your eyes.

• Your gaze needs to maintain control, without losing focus.

Slightly open your stance for a smooth turn

• When posing, you can slightly open your feet to make turning easier and smoother.

• This helps you turn neatly, without stumbling or losing rhythm.

Maintain your expression when turning back

• After posing, turn and continue walking back up the runway.

• Maintain the same facial expression and posture as when you walked out.

• Do not change your demeanor until you have completely left the stage.

Practice holding poses to avoid showing tension

• In front of an audience, a few seconds of standing still can feel very long.

• Practice holding a pose for 1-2 seconds in front of a mirror for your body to develop a reflex.

• With "muscle memory," you will stand more firmly even if you are nervous.

Even top models need time to perfect this skill. Gigi Hadid once shared that she started very poorly on the runway, but through practice, learning from mentors, and continuous improvement, each time she stepped onto the runway was better than the last. This shows that a perfect catwalk doesn't come from luck, but from directed and disciplined practice.

Tip 3: Effective catwalk practice tips at home

Tip 1: Practice catwalk walking in high heels and performance shoes

Practice walking in high heels every day

• High heels help enhance height and posture, but they require time to get used to.

• Wear high heels in your daily life, especially when getting ready in the morning.

• Regular walking helps your body adapt to the height and maintain better balance when catwalk walking.

Practice on different types of surfaces

• Walk in shoes on carpet, hardwood floors, concrete, and even grass to get used to different sensations.

• Each surface will have different friction and reactions, directly affecting your gait.

• According to model coach Traci Halvorson, practicing on diverse surfaces helps models feel more confident when walking on a real runway.

Combine walking – posing – turning

• When practicing, don't just walk straight; add posing at the end of the runway.

• Practice turning and walking back to make the gait continuous, like a real performance.

• This helps develop natural reflexes when catwalk walking on stage.

Male models also need to practice with various types of shoes

• Male models don't just wear one familiar type of shoe.

• They need to practice with different shoe styles, as performance shoes are often provided by designers.

• Stepping out of their "comfort zone" makes their gait more flexible and suitable for various concepts.

Tip 2: Maintain a steady rhythm for a soulful catwalk gait

Create a clear and consistent walking rhythm

• When practicing, choose music with a clear and strong beat to easily catch the rhythm.

• Each step needs to follow a fixed rhythm, without irregular speeding up or slowing down.

• A stable walking rhythm makes the gait continuous, professional, and true to the spirit of proper catwalk walking.

Infuse attitude into every step

• Before walking, clearly define the attitude you want to convey: confident, captivating, charismatic.

• As you walk to the beat, maintain that "attitude" from start to finish.

• When rhythm and attitude are unified, the gait becomes lively and has a distinct model energy.

Maintain a confident feeling when walking to the rhythm

• You can imagine feeling alluring, confident, and owning the space as you walk.

• The rhythm of walking is not just in the feet but spreads throughout the entire body.

• This is the factor that prevents the catwalk gait from being mechanical or lacking emotion.

Bring the practice rhythm to the runway

• When catwalk walking for real, visualize the music that helps you "get into the groove."

• Use that imaginary rhythm to keep your steps even and steady.

• This helps stabilize your mindset and prevents you from being overwhelmed by audience pressure.

Always maintain correct posture when walking to the rhythm

• Even when walking to music, you must keep your shoulders back and your torso straight.

• Your body needs to be neat, not loose, with the rhythm.

• The combination of rhythm and correct posture creates the true supermodel demeanor.

Tip 3: Learn catwalk with a coach to perfect your gait

Beginners need proper guidance

• If you've never walked the runway, learning with a coach is essential to avoid incorrect techniques from the start.

• A coach will refine every detail: posture, pacing, gaze, and final pose on the runway.

• According to image consultant Kate Heussler, modeling agencies often teach catwalk techniques from the initial orientation phase to assess and standardize performance styles before introducing models to clients.

Why agencies often teach catwalk to new models

• They need to know your actual performance ability on the runway.

• Catwalk is a mandatory skill, not just a beautiful walk.

• Early training helps models feel more confident when working with clients and designers.

Find a suitable catwalk class or coach

• Search for catwalk classes, runway courses, model coaches in your city.

• Many modeling agencies offer in-house training or recommend reputable coaches.

• Additionally, independent coaches are often active in major fashion centers.

Prioritize practical training, not just theory

• Choose classes that provide direct feedback to each student.

• Include practice on runway, posing, turning, and maintaining presence.

• Extensive practice helps build muscle memory, preventing stiffness on a real runway.

Tip 4: Confident Presence on the Catwalk

Presence 1: Powerful catwalk like Karlie Kloss

Increase your pace to create energy

• Walk a little faster than usual by lifting your knees slightly higher.

• Place one foot in front of the other to create a decisive, powerful stride.

• A faster pace makes the walk look sharper and more assertive on the runway.

Accentuate hip sway when walking fast

• As speed increases, hips need to move more to maintain balance.

• Let your hips glide naturally with your steps; don't stiffen or force a sway.

• A noticeable hip movement gives the walk personality and aligns with high-fashion catwalks.

Let your arms move with your body

• Your arms will naturally swing more when you walk faster.

• Keep your arms relaxed, not overly controlled.

• Arms and hips need to be synchronized for a seamless walk.

Slight head movement with each step

• Your head can tilt very slightly from side to side with your body's movement.

• Do not shake your head vigorously or turn your neck too obviously.

• This small movement makes the walk look dynamic yet controlled.

Maintain a "predatory" attitude on the runway

• When walking in this style, walk with a mindset of owning the space.

• Focused gaze, decisive strides, no hesitation.

• This style is often associated with the image of Karlie Kloss, where power, confidence, and a fast pace create a unique runway presence.

Presence 2: Fierce catwalk like Naomi Campbell

Walk with purpose and decisiveness

• Lift and lower your feet distinctly with each step; no dragging or nonchalant walking.

• Each step should convey assertiveness and mastery of the runway.

• This style emphasizes attitude more than grace.

Let your body bounce with your steps

• When stepping strongly, the body will naturally bounce slightly up and down.

• Shoulders also move slightly up and down with the rhythm of the feet.

• This movement creates a sense of power and high energy on the runway.

Accentuate hip sway to balance movement

• As the body moves more, the hips will sway more distinctly.

• No need to force the sway; just let your hips follow the momentum of your steps.

• This element helps the walk be strong but not crude.

Let your arms move naturally

• Arms can lightly swing and move with the pace.

• Don't control your arms too tightly, nor keep them rigidly fixed.

• Arms should move in the most natural way with your walk.

Keep your head slightly tilted to make an impression

• Tilt your head very slightly to one side to create a distinct look.

• Minimal head movement, mainly following the shoulders.

• This small detail makes the overall walk sharper.

This catwalk style is associated with the iconic image of Naomi Campbell: strong, confident, and impossible to ignore. This type of catwalk requires excellent body control and a high performance spirit, but when done right, it creates immense appeal on the fashion runway.

Presence 3: Marching catwalk like Sasha Pivovarova

Maintain a firm and controlled walk

• Walk in a "marching" style, with clear rhythm but no haste.

• Feet are placed almost parallel, not overlapping one another like traditional catwalks.

• Each step touches the ground decisively, lightly but with force.

Arms remain almost still

• Arms hang along the body, with very little movement.

• No arm swinging or swaying with the steps.

• This restraint creates a cold, strong, and purposeful impression.

Keep your body stable, without swaying

• Torso remains straight and compact, no bouncing up and down.

• Hips and shoulders hardly move.

• The overall walk conveys a sense of stillness in motion.

Limit head and eye movement

• Head held straight, no shaking, no tilting.

• Eyes focused forward, no seeking interaction.

• Presence comes from composure and control.

Maintain a "calm and decisive" spirit

• When walking in this style, think of composure, coolness, and strength.

• No need to outwardly express emotions.

• This style is associated with the image of Sasha Pivovarova, where minimalist movement creates high-fashion appeal.

Tip 5: Popular Catwalk Styles Today

Editorial runway catwalk

• Often seen in major fashion capitals like Paris, Milan, New York.

• Showcasing haute couture or highly artistic designs.

• The walk can be highly stylized, incorporating poses, unusual rhythms, or performance elements.

• The main goal is to convey the creative concept and personality of the collection, not just to sell products.

Commercial runway catwalk

• Common at highly practical fashion weeks.

• Showcasing ready-to-wear clothing that is easy to wear and accessible to consumers.

• The walk is usually neutral, easy to watch, not overly "performative."

• The focus is on highlighting the clothing and creating a sense of approachability and realism.

Pageant / Pasarela catwalk

• Not editorial or commercial fashion, leaning towards entertainment.

• Movements are often sensual, captivating, and highly performative.

• Currently, the trend leans more towards allure and drawing attention.

• Previously, this style was generally more elegant, demure, and gentle.

According to image consultant Kate Heussler, each type of runway requires a different walk. Understanding which catwalk you are performing on will help models choose the right presence, avoid incorrect styles, and increase professional work opportunities with designers and clients.

Confidence is the key to a great catwalk

Always walk with confidence

• Confidence is the most important factor that makes you look like a professional model.

• When you believe in your stride, your catwalk will naturally become firm and captivating.

• Even if your technique isn't perfect, confidence still helps the overall performance look more convincing.

Record your catwalk process

• Use your phone to record your walk from multiple angles.

• Observe your posture, rhythm, arms, hips, and facial expressions.

• Reviewing helps you spot small mistakes you don't notice while walking.

Compare and selectively adjust

• Compare your walk with professional models of the same runway style.

• Don't copy entirely, but focus on identifying areas for improvement.

• Adjust each element one by one for clearer progress in your walk.

Turn practice into a reflex

• Consistent practice helps the body remember movements.

• Once you're used to it, you'll catwalk more naturally and feel less psychological pressure.

• At this point, confidence is no longer an "act" but becomes a genuine reflex.

References

1. https://menstylefashion.com/
   walk-walk-step-step-guide-male-catwalk-choreography/
2. https://www.flinthills.k-state.edu/4-h/
   morris-county/fair/documents/Modeling+Tips.pdf
   
3. https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/how-to-walk-like-a-model-76019/
4. https://style.time.com/2013/02/06/
   how-to-walk-like-a-model-in-four-easy-steps-qa-with-casting-director-natalie-joos/
   
5. https://youtu.be/xZ9VaH-YDOg?t=16
6. https://youtu.be/vwzop4A-1BQ?t=11
7. https://youtu.be/3okPwr3moV8?t=4

Translator: Leigh Kennedy Ly.