How To Become a Fashion Stylist
Fashion stylists help people put together the perfect wardrobe and makeover their personal style. If you have a knack for fashion, enjoy working with others and can communicate well, this could be an excellent fit for you.
To become a fashion stylist, you’ll need to have some experience in the industry. You can gain this by working as a retail associate or at a fashion magazine or boutique. You’ll also need to have some design training or experience working with fabrics and textiles.
The best way to learn what it takes to become a fashion stylist is through internships or apprenticeships with established professionals in the field. If you can’t find an internship or apprenticeship opportunity, consider volunteering at an event where you can meet professional stylists and get some real-world experience dressing clients for special occasions.
If you’re interested in becoming a fashion stylist, but don’t have any formal training yet, there are several online courses available that will walk you through everything from choosing fabrics to creating your own line of clothing designs.
How To Become Fashion Stylist
What is a fashion stylist?
A fashion stylist is responsible for creating and coordinating outfits and accessories for a variety of clients. Stylists may choose clothing for models or influencers, as well as for photo shoots, retail displays, and mannequins. It’s also a stylist’s responsibility to choose props and accessories for television and film. A fashion stylist is always ahead of the curve on upcoming trends and is the go-to source for fashion advice. Some famous fashion stylists are Basia Richard, stylist to Selena Gomez; Annabel Tollman, stylist to Shakira and Liv Tyler; and Michaela Erlanger, stylist to Meryl Streep and Lupita Nyong’o.
What do you need to become a fashion stylist?
1. Land an internship
Finding an internship at a fashion agency or house is an excellent starting point, especially if you want to be a celebrity stylist. Much of the fashion industry works based on recommendations, so working as an intern and then as an assistant to a stylist allows you to learn from the best while also making meaningful professional connections. Internships give you the chance to understand the real stylist experience under the guidance of a mentor.
2. Create a lookbook
Begin to put together a lookbook or portfolio to showcase your work as a stylist. The lookbook allows potential clients to see your best work so you can build a more extensive and high-profile client base. An appropriately crafted portfolio can help you land jobs and clients, and kick-start your stylist career.
3. Build your network
Use your internship or assistant position to begin polishing your networking skills. Connecting with other industry professionals helps you make valuable connections and create a reputation for excellence. Word-of-mouth can make or break a career in the fashion industry, and you want to build a strong network to help earn a loyal clientele.
4. Do your research
While a day in the life of a fashion stylist can involve a lot of hustle and bustle, it often includes days in front of the laptop doing research. Take the time to research different looks and stay on top of upcoming trends in the styling world. Many stylists use research to create new styles or anticipate needs and wants for future photo shoots.
6. Hone your distinctive point of view
Be sure to refine your aesthetic view as an artist and stylist. Taste is personal, and your style may not be understood at first by others. Nevertheless, you must be patient and passionate about your vision, and you need to believe in yourself. A stylist’s job is to interpret an idea and execute it. That’s a process that can only be learned by going out there with your creative mindset and making it happen.
7. Complete a relevant degree or qualification
Even though a degree isn’t necessary for this field, taking courses and earning a diploma as a fashion stylist can give you an edge in a competitive market. Classes can help you better understand art and fashion history, hair and skin care, as well as the different types of stylist positions available, such as:
- Corporate styling
- Personal styling
- Celebrity styling
- Editorial styling
- Commercial styling
- Wardrobe/show styling
- Personal shopping.
You can also establish connections with the teachers of your classes, which may help you find an internship and begin to develop your professional network. Supplementary courses in business management can also help you if you want to start your own business as a stylist.
What are the job prospects and salary of a fashion stylist?
Fashion is never out of style, and therefore the job prospects for this industry typically hold steady from year to year. The average starting salary in the UK for a junior stylist is around £15,000, while a more established stylist is likely to earn between £22,000 – £35,000. Stylists who land large corporate or celebrity clients can also make considerably larger salaries than the average.
Bring your style to the runway
You can create your visions and bring them to the world by becoming a qualified fashion stylist. Enrol in the Fashion Stylist & Image Consultant course from the International Career Institute today and start to bring your creative style to life.
