Who, if not Isabel Fiedler, knows that working as a hostess can be a damn tiring job. With more than 500 jobs under her belt, she has a few tips up her sleeve to make the working day easier.
Here she reveals how to succeed in Casting Make an impression, get through a long day (almost) without foot pain and keep your breath fresh - from product tips and hairstyle tricks to emergency helpers.
Your and our motto is: well-groomed, but not vain!
A brief summary of the must-haves for hostesses:
| Must Haves | Description | Purchasing tip |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 white blouses | with long sleeves, no appliqués and a classic collar. | Classic blouse from Orsay for €15 |
| black trousers | at least one pair of elegant black fabric trousers. As customers prefer an elegant appearance, black jeans are not welcome. | a high stretch content follows every movement |
| Shoes | black pumps with 3-4 centimeters heel | Simple pumps between 20 - 40 euros at Deichmann |
| Tights | Shiny tights are a no-go. Don't stand out is the motto. | The Fascino matt tights from DM |
| Costume | The skirt should be knee-length and never shorter. A simple look and a comfortable feel are what count. | Orsay's business outfits with a high stretch content follow your every move thanks to their elasticity. |
OUTFIT
A must for every hostess is her own job description.Outfit. This includes:
2-3 white blouses
Non-iron or low-iron blouses save time.
My tip: At Orsay you can find a beautiful classic blouse for around 15€.
PANTS
At least one, preferably two pairs of elegant black fabric trousers. As customers prefer an elegant appearance, black jeans are not welcome.
SHOES & FEET
The basic outfit includes a white blouse and simple black pumps with a 3-4 centimeter heel. Not higher! Because the inserts can last a long time. It is important to have a soft footbed that the foot can sink into. If you don't have one, you should think about insoles. I recommend soft leather and wider heels for shoes that will be worn for long periods at trade fairs and similar events.
My tip: Simple pumps between 20 - 40 euros at Deichmann.
If the hostesses are provided with a different pair of shoes for the event (because the customer values uniformity), then it would be best to break in this pair at home the day before with thick socks. In general, I would choose shoes half a size larger, as feet usually swell during the day.
If shrinking doesn't help, I use a leather softener spray.
If it's already too late and your foot is rebelling and blisters are on the horizon, then quickly apply a special blister plaster to your shoe! This way, the plaster can stay in place for the entire job and doesn't have to be changed after every shower like it does on the foot.
When my feet are aching and nothing else works, I reach for the ice spray. I always have it with me for emergencies.
In the evening, massage your feet vigorously with ice or cooling gel (or have them massaged by a friend) and then put them up overnight while you sleep. This also helps if the hostess job lasts ten or more days.
COSTUME
Not every hostess needs a costume, but having a business costume is often very practical and makes a great impression at the casting. The skirt should be knee-length and never shorter. A simple look and a comfortable feel are what count. After all, you can only spread a positive vibe if you feel comfortable.
My tip: Orsay's business outfits with a high stretch content follow your every move thanks to their elasticity.
HOSIERY
Shiny tights are a no-go. Don't stand out is the motto. The important thing is Eventthe customer and the atmosphere - the hostesses contribute to this, but they are not the star guest.
When it comes to tights, I've tested expensive versions against cheap ones and have a clear winner.
My tip: The Fascino matt tights from DM.
For jobs lasting several days, I recommend the support tights or knee-highs of the same brand. In my tests, both also withstood a few washes in the washing machine.
HAIR, FRISUR & much more
HAIR
Well-groomed and freshly washed hair is a must for every job.
Every customer pays attention to details. Stringy, shiny hair immediately attracts negative attention. If, for some unknown reason, there wasn't enough time - I have a suggestion:
My tip: Dry shampoo from Syoss "Volume Lift Dry Shampoo" or "Cotton Fresh" from Schauma.
FRISUR
For hostesses, most customers prefer a plait, braided or just tied.
There are several reasons for this:
1. the hair does not have to be constantly wiped out of the face.
2. Hair tied in a plait looks well-groomed even after a long day.
Hairstyle tip: Tie hair into a plait, carefully pull a strand out of the plait. Tie all the remaining hair at the back of the head into a bun. Cover the hair tie with the remaining strand. If necessary, secure hair that is too short with a hair clip.
NAILS
The following applies to nails: clean, not too long nails, subtle colors and preferably no gel nails. Most customers even want unpainted nails for hostesses!
My tip: Nude look (either only base coat or skin tone as top coat)
DEO TIP
As far as fragrance is concerned, opinions differ here too, but one thing is clear: too much perfume is not appropriate and the smell of sweat is an absolute no-go! Of course it doesn't have to be a deodorant with aluminum. If you decide against it, you should reapply quite often. If you want to avoid a deodorant with aluminum for the duration of the job, I recommend the following product:
My tip: "Rexona Shower fresh" because it is subtle and smells fresh.
My recommendation for an aluminum-free deodorant: Achselkuss or Borotalco "Pure". Unfortunately, aluminum-free deodorants don't help if you wear plastic.
To avoid sweat stains under the armpits, I recommend pads that can be easily attached to clothing (also available in drugstores).
FRESH BREATH
Onions or garlic should not necessarily be on the menu the day before. Anyone who tends to suffer from hunger pangs (like almost all of us) should reach for small, sugar-free lozenges. No chewing gum or giant sweets please, as both are the opposite of professional.
LIP CARE
The lip balm must be small, as you usually carry it on your body and don't have large pockets. The balm should also not dry out the lips.
My tip: Bee natural (based on beeswax).
FACIAL CARE
As hostesses, we often work in large exhibition halls and are exposed to air conditioning and therefore dryness, so I recommend using a good moisturizer under your make-up.
My make-up tip: Be sure to apply powder over your make-up. Wake up the cheeks with a touch of blush. Eye shadow should be as light as possible. One coat of mascara on your eyelashes is all you need.
HANDBAG
The hostesses often assist in the checkroom, but should not fill it with their own things right from the start. Large rucksacks and bags are a hindrance. Especially as the valuables can usually not be locked away. The handbag should therefore be simple, small, practical and not of high value.
EMERGENCY HELPER
My top ten for the handbag:
- Change tights in the event of runners
- Plaster
- Mini brush (foldable)
- Hair clips
- Hair ties
- Mini deodorant
- Safety pins in black (rental clothes are not always reliable)
- Make-up to touch up (powder, blush)
- Nail file
- For small appetites: safety nuts or dried bananas
Right next to me
- Ballpoint pen
- Breath lozenges
VOICE
To ensure that your voice is just as strong in the evening as it was in the morning, simply stay in your natural pitch. (The Ah-test helps: say AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH for a long time and you will find your natural pitch). Don't speak higher or lower and always drink plenty of water.
My tip: Yawn. Hidden and behind closed doors, of course! This is how the palate is moistened.
If none of this has helped, tea with honey and ginger can help with hoarseness.
The most important thing: THE INNER HOLDING
A good hostess can still smile after ten hours and it doesn't cost her any energy. How does she do it? The upright posture and the smile on the outside immediately helps on the inside. If she changes her perspective at this moment and sees herself, the pride in the work she has done is an incentive. The thought: 'It's good that I'm doing this now' helps to get through stressful phases. When you are exhausted, the only thing that often helps is LMAA: smile-more-than-everyone-else. And believing in yourself: EVERYTHING IS DOABLE!
