At Build Your Shop, we know that a mannequin is more than just a way to flaunt garments; it's a part of your store's visual merchandising strategy. The way you dress and position your mannequins can quite literally be the difference between attracting clients and driving sales. No matter whether you're operating a boutique, fashion shop, or need to show off a new line, the ability to dress a mannequin cost-effectively is the key to maximising its potential use.
In this post, we're going to show you the latest tips and practices in dressing up a mannequin, right from how you create eye-catching displays to matching your unique brand personality. We'll write about some tips and trends in what to do to maximise sales for your discounted mannequin and how to craft displays to hook one's eye and invite sales.
1. Choosing the Right Mannequin for Your Display
Before dressing your mannequin, you should first choose the correct mannequin for sale. Different types of mannequins are intended for different clothes and store layouts. Some of the following models are worth trying:
Full-Body Mannequins: Full-body mannequins are ideal for showing complete outfits, as they can enable you to show the top and bottom at the same time. Full-body mannequins are flexible and usually come in realistic or abstract styles, depending on the look you're going for.
Torso Mannequins: If you are going to show tops, jackets, or shirts, torso mannequins would be the perfect option. Torso mannequins allow for more focused exposure of the upper section of the garment, thus getting it more focus.
Leg Display Mannequins: Best for showing off a variety of pants, leggings, or skirts, leg mannequins highlight the bottom half of an item. These are especially useful when marketing trendy athleisure wear like leggings or yoga pants.
Headless Mannequins: Headless mannequins are an affordable choice and merely highlight the clothing. These are often used when accessories, such as necklaces or scarves, are in the spotlight for the clothing.
When selecting a mannequin to sell, consider the kind of clothing you're showcasing and the impression you want to give about your business. The right mannequin can enhance the beauty of your store and make your clothing come alive.
2. Choosing the Right Outfit for Your Mannequin
After having selected the suitable mannequin, now comes the turn of selecting an outfit that will turn heads. There are a few tips that would help you in dressing your mannequin right:
Fit is Important: Ensure the clothes fit properly on the mannequin. Too tight, the clothes will look unnatural; too loose, and they cannot accentuate the form of the outfit. Tailoring the clothes around the size of the mannequin is crucial, so ensure the proportions are suitable.
Layering: Layering is an excellent technique for creating depth in your presentation. Mixing a jacket with a shirt and pants, or incorporating pieces like scarves or hats, can add texture and interest to the appearance of the mannequin. When layering, make sure that every piece goes well with the rest, creating a harmonious look.
Colour Coordination: The apparel you choose should have complementary colours. In case you're using contrasting colours or going for monochrome, make sure the outfit looks intentional. Bright colours tend to attract attention, while neutral ones create a more classic, mature look. Consider your store's colour scheme and image when choosing apparel.
Utilise Accessories: Accessories are the key to completing any mannequin display. Hats, scarves, belts, and jewellery can bring an outfit to life and give your mannequin a finished appearance. Be careful to notice the size and positioning of the accessories so that they do not overwhelm the clothing.
Pay Attention to the Details: Minor details like cuffed sleeves, tucked shirts, or trendy shoes can do a lot in filling out the overall look of your mannequin. These finishing touches tell customers how clothing is to be worn and invite them to envision themselves wearing the garments.
3. Dressing Mannequins for Different Trends
Fashion trends always change, and how you dress your mannequin for sale should also reflect the same. Some of the current fashion trends in mannequin styling include:
Athleisure and Relaxed Poses: As athleisure becomes increasingly popular, mannequins are now being attired in relaxed, casual poses. Stiff, formal poses are a thing of the past as athleisure mannequins are shown in a relaxed pose, as if they just stepped out of the gym. The trend creates a connection with customers who are looking for comfort, functionality, and style.
Sports-Inspired Poses: For activewear shoppers, you can position your mannequin as if it were engaging in such sports activities as yoga, jogging, or cycling. These poses help to emphasise how versatile athleisure wear is and can be worn for workouts as well as ordinary activities.
Dance and Movement: Mannequins can also be styled to convey movement, especially for activewear and performance clothing. If your store offers dancewear, try positioning mannequins in dancing or twerking poses, highlighting the flexibility and movement of the garments.
Minimalist Displays: For a clean, modern look, utilise minimalist displays. This could be dressing mannequins in plain, crisp clothing with little or no accessories. Minimalist displays are appropriate for shops handling modern, high-fashion types of clothing and that desire a high-end, classy appearance.
4. Creating Dynamic Displays with Grouping
Group displays allow you to display multiple outfits at once, creating a cohesive narrative that engages customers. The following are some tips on grouping mannequins for maximum impact:
Create a Scene: Instead of standing mannequins next to each other, try to position them within a scene that tells a story. This can be achieved by dressing mannequins in complementary outfits, such as a collection of mannequins in workwear, athleisure, or evening wear. Grouping mannequins within a scene that reflects the way of life of your target audience can attract more eyes.
Use Multiple Mannequins to Make an Impact: Group mannequins in several poses and angles together to produce an active display. For example, in a sports wear display, you can have one mannequin in running stance, one in yoga stance, and one in sitting stance. These varied poses give movement and dynamism to the display.
Show a Total Collection: When opening a new collection, set up mannequins in multiple outfits of alternative items from the collection so customers can have an idea about the entire collection. You can have one mannequin in a top and pants, and another with a jacket or accessory belonging to the same collection. That way, customers can see how items can be paired.
5. Tips for Keeping Your Mannequin Display from Toppling
Once you have dressed your mannequin, the last thing you would desire is to have it fall over or be destroyed. Below are some basic tips to ensure stability:
Use Sturdy Bases: Most good-quality mannequins for sale come with sturdy bases that ensure stability. Make sure the base is properly attached and heavy enough to support the mannequin.
Sandbags or Weights: If you are using mannequins in potentially more top-heavy poses (e.g., athletic or dance poses), use sandbags or additional weights at the bottom to provide extra support.
Check Regularly: Always check your mannequin displays regularly, especially if they are in public areas where they may be knocked against. Ensure the mannequin is stable and the clothing is still in the position you intended.
6. Conclusion: Make Your Display Stand Out
Dressing a mannequin is not simply dressing a form; it's telling a story, setting a mood, and asking customers to imagine wearing the clothing. The right mannequin, properly selected clothes, and creative styling can distinguish your retail space and drive sales.
At Build Your Shops, we offer a huge variety of mannequins for sale to match every style of clothing and store aesthetic. If you're highlighting the latest athleisure trend or creating an edgy, minimalist vibe, the perfect mannequin and display configuration can make or break the style. Keep reading for advice that will make your mannequins pop and project the personality of your brand onto the front stage of every display.
