Anyone who wants to work as a clothing stylist, also known as a fashion stylist, wardrobe or image consultant, will most likely want to work in the fashion industry’s heart. A wardrobe stylist assembles outfits for celebrities, models, and other public figures, though job descriptions vary. To become a clothing stylist, formal training is not required, but a passion for the industry is. Fashion styling is a competitive industry that should only be pursued by those who have a natural flair for it.
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to becoming a clothing stylist, there are some paths that can point a prospective stylist in the right direction. A student interested in becoming a successful stylist should consider enrolling in a university with a reputable fashion or textile program. Students often learn about the foundations of the fashion industry, as well as its history and future, while pursuing such degrees. It is also possible to learn practical tools, such as how to market oneself and how to use on-the-job materials. During fashion internship season, those with a degree in fashion marketing or textile management may be placed at the front of the line.
To work as a clothing stylist, one must first complete an internship with a magazine, clothing designer, or studio, either while in school or after graduation. Students will learn about the fabrics and styles used by top designers in this class. Students learn how to catalog clothing and how to properly care for it. While these students should already have a sense of style, they will learn how seasoned professionals choose accessories and props for photo shoots. Stylists learn to stay ahead of the current trends because print and TV/movie spots are often shot months in advance.
Having a degree and an internship does not guarantee that a student will be able to work as a fashion stylist. In order to gain some impressive bonus materials for her resume, an aspiring stylist should think outside the box. She should try her hand at writing for some local fashion magazines as a freelancer. Stylists often improve if they work with a student photographer to create a portfolio of fashion-focused photo shoots. To build a clientele base, it also helps to do some pro-bono or low-cost work.
Clothing stylists who want to make a career out of it should be inspired. It’s a competitive industry that quickly weeds out those who aren’t up to the task. During an internship, students should ask questions and request additional responsibilities to stay ahead of the game. They should also cultivate strong relationships with the designers and fashion editors with whom they collaborate. Later in their careers, stylists may need to rely on their mentors’ knowledge — or borrow garments from them.
Clothing stylists should keep up with the latest fashion trends at all times. They need to keep studying color and pattern relationships, as well as how they appear on people of various ethnicities and shapes. A good stylist knows how to hide flaws in the body and make the most of accessories and props. Early in her career, a beginning stylist should consider working as a personal shopper or storefront designer for a department store. When it comes to styling, stylists must learn when to push the boundaries and when to play it safe.
Finally, clothing stylists may need to relocate to a major city. Both New York City and Los Angeles have the potential to be fashion hotspots. Large-scale publications and studios are excellent places to learn and advance your career.