In a world where image matters more than ever, personal fashion stylists have become indispensable assets to individuals seeking to elevate their style game. From celebrities to everyday people, fashion stylists are in demand for expert advice on clothing, accessories, and overall presentation has skyrocketed.
If you have an eye for fashion, a knack for understanding individual preferences, and a passion for helping others look and feel their best, a career as a personal fashion stylist might be your calling.
We’re exploring the steps you need to take to embark on this exciting journey and establish yourself as a trusted authority in the world of style. Joining us is the ultra-talented Vancouver-based personal stylist, Michelle Addison. She shares her tips on how to become a personal fashion stylist, getting started in the industry, and what the path to becoming a successful stylist looks like.
What Does a Fashion Stylist Do?
Before diving into the practical aspects of how to become a professional fashion stylist, it’s essential to clearly understand what the role entails. Fashion stylist job responsibilities include:
• Creating visually appealing outfits for individuals, editorial shoots, creative campaigns, or events.
• Select clothing and accessories to convey a specific message or aesthetic, ensuring that every detail contributes to their clients’ desired look and feel.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest trends, fit, fabrics, designers, and brands to provide clients with cutting-edge fashion advice.
A typical personal fashion stylist’s job description covers everything from pulling clothing from stores and online, putting looks together, fitting sessions, dressing clients for events, personal shopping, and more. For Michelle, a typical day includes working in a variety of settings on numerous projects. She says, “I start my day either seeing clients at their homes for closet edits or closet reviews in the morning. Then I head into Holt Renfrew where I see clients in the personal shopping department.”
Fashion stylist assistant jobs include steaming garments, running errands like taking clothing to the tailor or making returns, unpacking online orders, administrative duties, and delivering garments to clients’ homes or campaign shoot sets.
Whether you’re a styling assistant, junior stylist, or a seasoned pro, if you want to be successful as a stylist, prepare to work hard and wear many hats in a fast-paced environment with great diversity and variety. As Michelle says, “It’s one thing to dress yourself, but it’s another to dress someone else.”
Getting Started as a Fashion Stylist
“How do I start my styling career?” is a question that Style Nine to Five Founder, Christie Lohr hears often. Michelle shares her own path to success with us, from pitching herself to hustling and finding her niche.
“I didn’t really start styling until I was in my early 30s. I had a personal styling business and I pitched a personal shopping job at The Room with another stylist. Things moved pretty quickly and I did everything from celebrity styling to styling the Real Housewives of Vancouver, blogging, and being a style contributor for CTV. I hustled. I moved to Nordstrom when they opened and now I’m at Holts. I’ve always worked freelance as a stylist and a personal shopper—I really like doing both.”
We asked Michelle to give her advice for starting as a stylist and the first steps that an emerging stylist should take. “I think if anyone has a passion for clothes and helping people feel good in them, it’s a good career path. I would suggest getting very familiar and knowledgeable about all the current brands and how they fit. It’s also a good idea to start dressing in your immediate network, for example, if you’re a mom you’ll know how to dress other moms.”
Michelle also shares that you don’t need a huge start-up fund to get going. “Even if you don’t have a ton of money to buy expensive clothes when you first start out, just remember that your unique eye is worth so much more than expensive clothes. I think if you’re good at your job, you can go to ANY store and pick out the best things, even at the thrift store. Not everyone can do that and trust me, it’s worth something.”
Challenges of a Career in Styling
Like any fashion industry job, being a stylist isn’t all glitz and glamour. It takes hard work and there are challenges and setbacks that come with the job. For Michelle, there are some aspects of the job, like administrative work, that are a necessary evil, but they’re balanced by the benefits and the parts of the job she likes best.
She says, “I find all aspects challenging and that’s what makes it interesting. There are more creative aspects which I enjoy better than some of the sales parts. I really love helping clients put outfits together and the best part of my job is my clients. I’ve met the best people and they make my days better. But I don’t love paperwork and invoicing.”
When first starting her career in styling, Michelle faced challenges that many other entrepreneurs can relate to. “I think building a great client base was really difficult. I really leaned into making one connection at a time and working referrals. Time management was hard when I was a mom to a little one and I never felt like I had enough time. I tried my best and feel like the flexibility of my job as a freelance stylist helped a lot,” she says.
Whether you’re just stepping into the industry or you’re a styling veteran, there will always be obstacles to overcome. You’ll also be faced with long hours, administrative or “grunt” work, and plenty of less-than-glamorous parts of the job. Fortunately, you’ll be doing what you love and working in a career that you’re passionate about—the good can easily outweigh those less desirable aspects if you’re good at what you do and love your job as a stylist.
Actionable Advice for Becoming a Fashion Stylist
Loving fashion is one thing, but having the drive and determination to become a successful stylist takes next-level commitment. If you’re passionate about pursuing a fashion styling career, check these to-dos off your list and you’ll be well on your way.
Develop Your Fashion Knowledge
Becoming a stylist starts with a deep understanding of the fashion industry. Immerse yourself in all things fashion-related, following fashion trends, studying designers, and familiarizing yourself with different clothing brands price points, fits, and aesthetics.
Follow fashion publications, blogs, and social media accounts of renowned stylists to stay updated with the latest trends, aesthetics, and techniques. You’ll also want to become an expert in the following knowledge areas:
• Styling tricks and tips
• How outfits are put together
• Proportions and the rule of thirds
• Principles of color theory
• Tailoring techniques
• Body types
• Silhouettes
• Fabric types and compositions
Learning this information inside and out will serve as your foundation as a stylist and give you the know-how needed to confidently work with clients
Network and Make Connections
We asked Michelle how important networking is for stylists and she shared her tips for building a strong professional network. “I think starting in your own space is a great place to build a network—you go to the gym and start meeting clients there. Or you work in a clothing store—start engaging with people and offering your services,” she says.
She also stresses the importance of styling yourself as a way to break the ice and make connections, saying “Dressing well does attract clients. Whenever I go to an event and someone likes my outfit, I can start a conversation that can lead into offering to help them.”
Create and foster relationships with designers, retailers, and boutique owners who can provide access to exclusive merchandise and collaborations. Establishing a strong network not only opens doors to new opportunities but also enhances your credibility as a stylist.
Use social media to expand your network and engage with industry insiders. It’s also a great way to showcase your style and promote your services. Michelle says, “Instagram has been instrumental in helping my business. I also had a great run as a style contributor for CTV that really helped solidify my career in Vancouver.”
Grow Your Skills
We asked Michelle what key skills are essential for success as a stylist. “People skills, work ethic, entrepreneurship, creativity, being really good with color, and really, really loving fashion,” she shares.
Effective communication skills are essential for success as a fashion stylist. You’ll need to liaise with clients, designers, retailers, and other collaborators to ensure your vision is executed seamlessly. Clear and concise communication, whether conveying your styling ideas, negotiating terms with clients, or providing direction on set, is a must-have.
You’ll also need to cultivate strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and logistical details. Attention to detail, time management, and being able to work under pressure are crucial for succeeding in a fast-paced styling environment.
Gain Practical Experience
Hands-on experience is invaluable for aspiring fashion stylists. Seek opportunities to assist established stylists on photo shoots, fashion shows, or editorial projects. Working as an assistant will allow you to learn from seasoned professionals and give you practical insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of a stylist.
Working for a fashion retailer is another way to gain experience, learning what makes customers look and feel their best, how different brands fit on the body, and what trends consumers gravitate to.
Take advantage of internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions at fashion magazines, retail stores, or styling agencies to gain industry experience and build your network.
Expand Your Creativity
Creativity is at the core of fashion styling, as it allows stylists to conceptualize unique and innovative looks. Experiment with different silhouettes, mix and match clothing pieces, and explore various aesthetics to develop your own signature style. Stay open-minded, curious, and proactive about learning new techniques, exploring emerging trends, and experimenting with different styles. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone, take calculated risks, and embrace opportunities for growth and innovation.
Cultivate your creativity by engaging in activities such as sketching outfit ideas, creating mood boards, or offering to put outfits together for friends and family. Don’t be afraid to push boundaries and think outside the box—your ability to innovate and think creatively will set you apart.
Build a Strong Portfolio
Your portfolio serves as your visual resume and showcases your styling expertise to potential clients. Start by arranging photo shoots with friends, family, or aspiring models to create a diverse range of looks that highlight your creativity and versatility. Collaborate with photographers, makeup artists, and hairstylists to produce high-quality images that capture your styling prowess.
Include a variety of styles, themes, and settings in your portfolio to demonstrate your ability to cater to different tastes and occasions. As you gain more experience, regularly update your portfolio with your latest work to reflect your growth and evolution as a stylist.
Create an online portfolio or website to showcase your work to a wider audience and make it easily accessible to potential clients, employers, and industry professionals.
Provide Exceptional Service
As a personal fashion stylist, your primary goal is to provide personalized styling solutions that cater to your clients’ individual needs and preferences. Take the time to listen to their style goals, lifestyle requirements, and budget constraints to develop customized recommendations that align with their vision.
Offer a range of services, including wardrobe consultations, personal shopping, and special event styling, to accommodate different client needs. Provide honest feedback and guidance while respecting your clients’ tastes and comfort zones. Building trust and rapport with your clients is essential for fostering long-term relationships and generating referrals
Be Persistent and Resilient
Breaking into the fashion industry as a stylist can be challenging and rejection is inevitable along the way. That said, it’s essential to remain persistent, resilient, and committed to pursuing your passion for styling.
Embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth, learn from setbacks, and stay focused on your long-term goals. Develop a thick skin and cultivate resilience to cut through obstacles and setbacks with grace and determination. Remember that success in a fashion career requires perseverance, patience, and a relentless drive to succeed.
What Education Do You Need To Become a Stylist?
Is it possible to become a fashion stylist without a degree? Absolutely, although education can also help. Whether you’re formally educated or self-taught, the most important thing is to have a continuous interest in learning, as the fashion industry evolves at a fast pace.
If you’re looking for courses that are best for fashion stylists, do your research and consider enrolling in fashion workshops or certificate programs offered by reputable institutions or fashion academies. In Canada, there are lots of digital learning options from schools like The Cut Design Academy and Toronto Fashion Academy or choose from online programs around the world like Parsons School of Design or Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design.
Along with any formal learning, gaining hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships with established stylists can offer invaluable insights into the day-to-day realities of a styling career. Use these opportunities to build your portfolio, network with industry professionals, and refine your styling techniques.
The Bottom Line
Becoming a personal fashion stylist is a rewarding journey that requires dedication, creativity, and a genuine passion for fashion. By following these steps and incorporating your unique flair and personality into your work, you can carve out a successful career as a trusted style advisor.
Remember to stay true to your vision, continually refine your skills, and always strive to exceed your clients’ expectations. With perseverance and a commitment to excellence, you can turn your love for fashion into a fulfilling and lucrative styling career.
Special thanks to Michelle Addison for contributing her expertise! Check her out on Instagram for invaluable styling inspiration.
Looking for insight and inspiration on how to become a fashion stylist? Book a Career Meeting with Style Nine to Five Founder, Christie Lohr. She’ll give you her insider perspective, discuss your strategy, and provide actionable tips for taking your career to the next level.
Jeanine Gordon is a freelance content marketer with a passion for creating stellar strategies for global brands and small businesses alike, specializing in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.