How to Smize Like Tyra Banks: Tips for Photogenic Eyes

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Tyra Banks has been modeling since age 15, so it’s no surprise that she’s mastered the art of — and coined the phrase — “smizing.”

“Smizing,” as Tyra noted during the 13th cycle of “America’s Next Top Model,” is “smiling with the eyes.”

It is a precious skill for a model to have. The 39-year-old actress, producer, and author recently visited the Lower East Side Girls Club grand opening gala in New York City to show off her “smizing” prowess.

Tyra Banks, the fashion icon who brought the term "smizing" to prominence, is sporting a center-parted hairstyleTyra Banks, the fashion icon who brought the term “smizing” to prominence, is sporting a center-parted hairstyle (Credit: WENN)

Supermodel Tyra Banks coined the term Smizing on her reality TV show America’s Next Top Model. It combines the words “smile” and “eyes” and refers to smiling with one’s eyes.

To “smize,” one should raise their cheekbones slightly, squint their eyes, and think of something happy. This creates a more genuine and expressive smile than simply smiling with the mouth.

Tyra sported a chic long-sleeved wrapped dress that showed off her tiny waist. However, the dolman sleeves made the dress look rather unflattering.

A type of loose sleeve that flows from the shoulder to the wrist, with a deep armhole, dolman sleeves are named after the dolman, a loose-fitting garment worn by Ottoman soldiers.

Tyra Banks confidently showcased her model figure in a stunning black dolman-sleeved dressTyra Banks confidently showcased her model figure in a stunning black dolman-sleeved dress at the Lower East Side Girls Club Grand Opening Gala held on November 12, 2013, in New York City (Credit: WENN)

Tyra kept her accessories simple, opting only for hoop earrings and two large cocktail rings.

The height difference between Tyra Banks and Rosario Dawson is approximately 3 inches (7.3 cm), with Tyra Banks being taller at 5 feet 10 inches (177.8 cm) and Rosario Dawson measuring 5 feet 6 ¾ inches (169.5 cm).

Tyra Banks, standing at a statuesque 5 feet 10 inches (177.8 cm), and Rosario Dawson, with her graceful 5 feet 6 ¾ inches (169.5 cm) stature, posed elegantly in black outfits at the Lower East Side Girls Club Grand Opening Gala, showcasing their distinct heights and stylesTyra Banks, standing at a statuesque 5 feet 10 inches (177.8 cm), and Rosario Dawson, with her graceful 5 feet 6 ¾ inches (169.5 cm) stature, posed elegantly in black outfits at the Lower East Side Girls Club Grand Opening Gala, showcasing their distinct heights and styles (Credit: WENN)

Tyra finished off her all-black ensemble with a pair of Gianvito Rossi pumps. They complemented her outfit and added a few inches of height.

Tyra Banks's feet in black suede and leather Gianvito Rossi pumpsTyra Banks’s feet in black suede and leather Gianvito Rossi pumps (Credit: WENN)

These pointed-toe shoes are suede and trimmed with tonal patent leather.

Tyra Banks's feet in black ankle cuff Gianvito Rossi pumpsTyra Banks’s feet in black ankle cuff Gianvito Rossi pumps (Credit: WENN)

Her unique pumps also feature a curvy opening, wide ankle-wrap cuffs, and gold-toned zippers at the back instead of traditional straps and buckles.

Black Gianvito Rossi Ankle-Wrap Pumps

Black Gianvito Rossi Ankle-Wrap Pumps

Black Gianvito Rossi Ankle-Wrap PumpsBlack Gianvito Rossi Ankle-Wrap Pumps, $865