If you want to become a successful fashion stylist and you really enjoy planning looks for others, I’ve got some useful tips for you. With a little effort and time, you can plan everyday outfits, wedding parties and even red carpet events.
While it’s a career that is difficult to break into, you shouldn’t be afraid if challenges and give up. Like every other career path, a fashion stylist career requires time, passion, skills and knowledge. You can’t become a successful fashion stylist overnight, so make sure you put enough effort into your career development.
1. Choose the right direction
It’s important to know who you want to be. You need to know the difference between a fashion stylist and a personal shopper.
A personal shopper typically goes shopping for their client, collecting a small selection of clothing that their client is more likely to purchase. A personal shopper knows their client’s existing taste and can easily shop for it.
A fashion stylist, on the other hand, creates and controls the image of their client. If you are a fashion stylist, you should always make sure your clients look their best, developing relationships with famous designers as well as navigating politics to get the best prices.
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2. Be ready for challenges
Fashion industry sometimes expects you to work hard for free. I know it’s terrible, but there are a lot of people who want to work in the fashion industry so most employers take those who are really passionate to work for free.
Don’t be afraid to take unpaid internships. It’s a great opportunity to get great connections, references and knowledge.
3. Learn everything about fabrics
If you are going to become a fashion stylist, you should learn everything about fabrics. I’m not telling you to enter a fashion school, you can go to some department stores and try to compare different fabrics. Take a look at things from various price ranges, and see the differences.
Pay attention to the design and cut, and ask a shop assistant about what makes the great things really great. When you see more and more pieces of clothing, you start recognizing cheap and expensive fabrics and brands before looking at the label.
4. Know your trends
You should know exactly what is trendy, what is not, what is coming up, and what is corny. These things are important. Don’t rely on designers or your clients. On the flip side, some clients might want to copy a certain look, or to keep away from what their rivals are wearing.
You should always be aware of what is happening in the fashion industry. One of the easiest ways to do that is to read fashion blogs and magazines each day.
5. Attend fashion shows
Attending fashion shows is a fun yet expensive way to stay relevant in the fashion industry. Whether you go to public events early on, or you manage to score an invite, it’s amazing to see what’s coming down the runway.
It’s a great opportunity to see the cuts and fabrics close, and learn how they look and move. If you can afford to visit fashion weeks in London, New York, Milan and Paris, it’s even better.
6. Use social media
Using social media can also help you become a successful fashion stylist. Social media is not only for uploading images of your favorite dresses and showing how you can party and what you eat for lunch.
You can follow designers and stylists, and see what they’re sharing. Social media will help you know what’s happening in the fashion industry without spending a wad of cash on fashion shows.
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7. Communication
If you are going to become a fashion stylist, make sure you know everybody. Attend fashion shows, join in conversations, and be on the scene. At first, you will feel self-conscious, but then you will gain fantastic confidence and get lots of friends that will help you make your biggest dream come true.
I have had a wonderful time speaking to fashion stylists to figure out these tips! The fashion industry can be extremely competitive, but you can certainly have great success, if you put lots of effort into it.
Are you ready for a challenging fashion stylist journey? If yes, then what are you waiting for?
