The word “wardrobe” is often used as an umbrella term to refer to fashion styling and the costume department. There’s even a common misconception that wardrobe stylists and costume designers are the same thing. Knowing the difference between these two lines of work is helpful if you’re trying to navigate a career in wardrobe – I know I could have definitely benefitted from some additional insight when I decided to jump heels first into styling! Luckily, Style Nine to Five is here to break it down for you.

The difference between costume designers and wardrobe stylists

My introduction to the world of wardrobe was while working as a movie extra in my early teens. Most times we would do our own hair, makeup, and wardrobe, but that never stopped me from making friends with the costume crew and talking fashion! I’d ask them my most pressing questions, and I’ll never forget how one crew member explained how stylists and costume designers differ.

Stylists are image makers. Whether it’s an editorial spread in a print magazine, a couture ensemble for an award show, or an ad campaign, the looks assembled by these style experts are selling you a fantasy or showcasing an important person. Stylists work with brands and people to create a moment. Wardrobe stylists can also work in television, movies, or commercials. This career path might be suited for you if you are looking to work in a fashion marketing capacity or are someone who enjoys working one-on-one with individuals to develop their personal style.

Costume designers, on the other hand, work with a director and production team to create a journey or story. Working mainly in theatre, television and on film sets, these talented individuals are responsible for bringing the creativity, personality, and historic nuances to the garments to accurately depict a story. This requires them to study scripts and do character analysis before designing the garments. If you are someone who is imaginative, has a passion for design and an interest in drama or history, then this may be the wardrobe career path for you.

How to become a costume designer and wardrobe stylist

Career paths for costume designers and wardrobe stylists may resemble each other at the start, but they branch off with each specialization. Schooling is a bonus in this line of work as there are no actual degree requirements. Students in this field attend film or fashion school and benefit from work placements to gain experience.

Many costume designers start out by assisting for others they look up to. Apprenticeship programs also offer wardrobe trainees hands-on experience in the costume department. These programs are often held by production companies and unions such as IATSE and NABET in Toronto or Union of BC Performers in Vancouver. There are several different production companies and unions across Canada and internationally, so it’s a good idea to do the research and get acquainted with those in your region.

Common entries into fashion styling include working in retail, interning at magazines, and assisting other established stylists while curating a portfolio of your own work. Whether you’re looking to work as a stylist or costume designer, you will need to keep a book of your best recent work to show for potential jobs.

Don’t wait until you have experience to build your portfolio – the best way is to begin assembling a collection of work early on and updating it as you go. By creating your own projects, you can get your portfolio started to showcase what you’re capable of. Organize projects that resemble the kind of work you aspire to do, like a short film with a team of peers if you envision a career in costume design, or a fashion zine where you take-on the in-house styling for the publication.

Both stylists and costume designers can provide a range of services and cannot be put in a box. It is possible to create a career that combines both of these facets of wardrobe and so much more! As you navigate these specializations, remember that it takes time to gain experience, climb up the ladder, and forge a reputation to break into the market. Practice makes perfect! Sky’s the limit.

Does your application package need a makeover to land you the position you want? Book a Career Refresh service with Style Nine to Five’s Founder, Christie Lohr, for personalized advice and a fresh set of application assets!

Anita Hosanna is a freelance fashion stylist and creative consultant with a love for community, fashion journalism and fashion tech.

Images courtesy of Anita Hosanna.