You love fashion. You follow the trends, know your favourite designers, and dream of working in the industry, but every time you think about making it your career, you feel overwhelmed. Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. So many aspiring fashion professionals get stuck at the starting line, unsure of what job they even want, how to build a resume that stands out, or who to talk to in such a competitive space. The good news? There is a way in—and it starts with a few focused steps.
1. Get Clear on What “Working in Fashion” Actually Means to You
The fashion industry isn’t just runway shows and designer labels. It’s vast and includes roles in:
• Buying, styling and merchandising
• Marketing and PR
• Social media and content creation
• Design and product development
• Ecommerce and operations
✅ Do this now:
Open your Notes app or a Google Doc and write down:
• 3 fashion-related careers that interest you
• Why they appeal to you
• What kind of work environment you imagine (office, remote, creative studio, etc.)
This simple exercise can start to reveal which direction suits you best.
2. Do a Mini Industry Audit
Research people who are already doing what you’d love to do. Look them up on LinkedIn or Instagram, read interviews, and pay attention to what they studied, where they worked, and how they got their foot in the door.
✅ Do this now:
• Search “fashion marketing coordinator” or “fashion buyer” on LinkedIn and look at profiles
• Follow 5 industry pros on Instagram or TikTok
• Watch 1 YouTube video or read 1 blog about someone’s fashion career journey
The goal? Get inspired—and see what’s possible.
3. Build Experience Where You Are
Don’t wait for a “perfect” job to start gaining experience. Work retail to understand customer needs, offer to style a friend’s shoot, write trend recaps for a personal blog, or volunteer at fashion events.
✅ Do this now:
• Sign up to volunteer at a local fashion show or market
• Offer to shoot or style 3 looks with a friend and post them on Instagram
• Start a free Substack or Medium blog where you write weekly trend breakdowns
• Real experience doesn’t have to come from a job title. What matters is what you’re creating and learning.
4. Start Talking About Your Goals
Let people know you’re serious about working in fashion. Post on LinkedIn, DM someone in the industry with a thoughtful question, or reach out to someone whose work you admire. The more conversations you start, the more visible you become—and fashion is all about visibility.
✅ Do this now:
• Post on LinkedIn: “I’m starting my journey toward working in the fashion industry—would love to connect with others in this space!”
• Message someone on LinkedIn: “Hi (Name), I love your work as a fashion merchandiser. I’m just starting out. Do you have one piece of advice you’d give someone hoping to follow a similar path?”
• Comment meaningfully on a fashion creator’s post
These baby steps build your network, and your confidence.
5. Refresh Your Application Materials
Even if you don’t apply right away, get your resume, LinkedIn, and cover letter ready. That way, when an opportunity shows up (because it will), you’re not scrambling.
✅ Do this now:
• Add a strong “Professional Title” to your resume (e.g., Aspiring Fashion Buyer | Trend-Focused, Customer-Centric)
• Update your LinkedIn headline and summary to reflect your career goals
• Write a general cover letter you can later tweak for specific roles
And keep it all in one easy-to-find folder (trust us, future you will be grateful).
Ready to Take Action?
👟 Not sure where to begin?
Get our free Fashion Career Starter Kit and take the first steps with confidence.
🔥 Already serious about landing a role in fashion?
Grab our Break Into Fashion Workbook—your step-by-step guide to starting strong, standing out, and landing the job.