For many, the idea of wearing a Victoria’s Secret swimsuit conjures up images of perfectly sculpted models on pristine beaches, embodying an unattainable standard of beauty. But what happens when everyday women, with different body types and unique stories, step into these swimsuits and attempt to recreate the iconic poses of these professional models? In a bold experiment, BuzzFeed staff members were given the chance to do just that, capturing the essence of Victoria’s Secret swimsuits on real women and allowing them to reflect on their own bodies in a way they hadn’t before. The results were far from what we might expect, offering a refreshing perspective on beauty, self-love, and confidence.
The Photoshoot: Recreating the Iconic Victoria’s Secret Look
The scene was set on the sunny beaches of Malibu, where a group of everyday women—ranging from BuzzFeed staffers to influencers—were given the challenge of wearing Victoria’s Secret swimsuits and recreating the famous model poses. These women, not professional models, were stepping into swimsuits designed to fit a specific beauty ideal, one that has long been associated with perfection. But this wasn’t just a typical photoshoot. The experiment was designed to explore how these swimsuits—often seen as the epitome of fashion—look on real women with different body types, and what feelings arose from being photographed in such an iconic setting.
The women were tasked with embodying the poses and confidence of the models they saw on the brand’s ads and runway shows. Each shot captured a personal moment of self-expression and vulnerability. As the camera clicked away, what unfolded was more than just a photoshoot. It became an opportunity for these women to push past their insecurities and embrace their bodies, flaws and all.
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Overcoming Insecurities: Reflections from the Women
One of the most powerful aspects of this experiment was the reflection the women had on their insecurities. Many of them had never imagined seeing themselves photographed in a swimsuit, let alone recreating the flawless poses of a Victoria’s Secret model. But as the day went on, the women found themselves feeling more confident, even as they confronted their own feelings of self-consciousness.
One participant shared, “I think everyone should get photographed on the beach in a bathing suit at some point in their life… it is a really fun experience that kind of helps you to get over any insecurities.” This sentiment was echoed by another woman, who expressed, “We may not all be models, but the world is a runway for ALL of us.”
It was clear that the experience was about more than just posing in swimsuits—it was about challenging societal standards of beauty and embracing the idea that all bodies are worthy of being celebrated, no matter their size or shape.
A New Definition of Beauty: Confidence Over Perfection
Perhaps one of the most important takeaways from the photoshoot was the realization that confidence is far more important than perfection. For many women, the pressure to conform to society’s ideal of beauty—often portrayed through airbrushed images and photoshopped models—can feel overwhelming. Yet in this photoshoot, it was clear that the beauty of each woman shone through in their self-assuredness and ability to let go of unrealistic beauty standards.
Nina, one of the participants, reflected on the experience by saying, “It’s really hard to be objective about your own body — so when someone says something nice about you, you should believe them.” This simple truth underscores the importance of self-love and acceptance. While the women were asked to emulate the poses of models, they quickly realized that true beauty is found in being comfortable with who you are—not in trying to look like someone else.
Embracing Self-Expression: The World is Your Runway
The photoshoot offered an empowering lesson: the world is a runway for everyone, not just models. Allison, another participant, shared this empowering sentiment, saying, “We may not all be models, but the world is a runway for ALL of us.” The idea that we can all express ourselves confidently, regardless of how we look, is a message that resonates beyond just the swimsuit photoshoot.
As women, we often feel the need to measure ourselves against unattainable standards—whether it’s the flawless body of a Victoria’s Secret model or the perfectly curated lives we see on social media. But the truth is, everyone has a unique beauty, and the key to unlocking that beauty is confidence in our own skin. The women in this experiment learned that embracing their bodies, no matter their size or shape, allowed them to tap into a deeper level of self-expression and self-worth.
No Comparison: Letting Go of Unrealistic Standards
One of the most poignant moments during the photoshoot was when Sheridan shared a valuable insight: “Don’t compare yourself to the model. Very few of us are the model.” It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison, especially when we are constantly bombarded with images of perfection in the media. However, this experiment highlighted the importance of letting go of unrealistic standards and learning to appreciate ourselves for who we are.
While models in magazines and advertisements often represent a narrow and exclusive definition of beauty, the women in the photoshoot demonstrated that there’s no one way to be beautiful. Beauty isn’t a universal standard—it’s a personal and subjective experience that varies from person to person.
By letting go of comparisons and focusing on what makes them feel good, the women found freedom. As Lara put it, “You don’t have to look like Behati to wear a swimsuit. Do what makes you happy and you’ll be OK in the end.” This statement encapsulates the essence of the shoot: beauty and confidence are about owning who you are, not fitting into someone else’s mold.
Confidence is Beautiful: What Makes You Radiate
As the day of the photoshoot concluded, one key message emerged: true beauty lies in confidence. Having airbrushed skin and zero fat doesn’t make someone beautiful—confidence, radiated from within, is what makes you beautiful. “Having airbrushed skin and zero fat doesn’t make you beautiful, having confidence and radiating that confidence makes you beautiful—‘flaws’ and all,” said another participant.
This simple truth is one that too many women forget. In a world that celebrates perfection, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that beauty is diverse, individual, and real. Confidence allows us to step into our power and own our unique beauty, regardless of societal expectations. The women who participated in this photoshoot left Malibu with more than just a set of stunning photos—they left with a renewed sense of self-worth and a deeper understanding of the beauty of self-acceptance.
Related Stories: Breaking the Beauty Stereotype
This photoshoot in Malibu serves as a reminder that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. It’s about embracing who we are and celebrating the journey of self-acceptance. Other related stories continue to challenge and break the stereotypes that have long held us back. From body-positive movements to diverse representations of beauty in the media, these stories continue to inspire us to redefine what it means to be beautiful.
In the end, this photoshoot wasn’t just about swimsuits—it was about recognizing that the beauty of everyday women is just as worthy of celebration as that of professional models. It’s about feeling confident in your own skin and realizing that you are perfect just as you are.
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Conclusion: Confidence is Key
At the end of the day, the real lesson from this photoshoot is that confidence is the true secret to beauty. Embracing who we are, flaws and all, allows us to break free from societal expectations and redefine beauty on our own terms. As these women demonstrated, beauty is not about fitting into a mold—it’s about owning who you are and radiating that confidence for the world to see.
