How To Become a Fashion Stylist & Link Up On the Edge #210
How do I become a fashion stylist?
Making beautiful people look more beautiful is not an easy task. It requires someone with a keen eye, someone who can make people look just the way they are, and someone who loves fashion.
Fashion is frequently changing and a fashion stylist needs to always be ahead of everyone when it comes to trending styles. As an industry that is in a constant state of change, this makes being a fashion stylist the hardest career ever as one has to keep up with the ever-changing fashion trends. Otherwise, the only person you will ever be able to style would be yourself.
Most fashion stylist positions are found in bigger cities and the positions are competitive. There is also a growing trend of online professional stylist services. If you have been wondering how to become a vibrant and competitive stylist, there are a few tips below to help you on your way.
1. Find inspiration.
Find that one super stylist who makes you eager to be the person who can style a frump into a fashionista, a Mrs. Carter into a Queen Bey. Your favorite stylist may not be a Karla Welch or a Jessica Paster, but if you know a personal stylist who gives you the drive to want to help other people look and feel their best, then you are off to a good start.
2. Get educated.
Most colleges nowadays offer degrees in fashion. If you are really interested in a career as a stylist, you can enroll in classes to work toward that degree. While a degree may not be necessary, it will give you an edge and make you a more competitive candidate as most styling companies prefer an individual with at least an associate’s degree. Attending fashion school will familiarize you with topics like the history of fashion and expectations in fashion and styling meetings. Classes in fashion will also help provide you with the skills and knowledge that are essential for success in the industry.
3. Gain experience and network.
The first place to gain experience in this field is through an internship. Take advantage of this opportunity as if your career depends on it. Well, because it does. Your internship period will determine the kind of stylist you are going to be as you gain more exposure to qualified fashion stylists.
Working diligently with an experienced and successful stylist will also help garner a good recommendation for your next position. Erin Walsh is a great example. When you network and get to know people in the industry, you can ask them how they became successful stylists. You can begin your career by working for small retailers to gain experience styling customers. This is essential experience as well because most stylist positions require at least four years of industry experience.
Above all, it is really important to also get yourself certified as a personal stylist. This certification will give you credibility in the fashion industry and open more doors to more opportunities. And always make sure that you are presenting yourself as the best dressed stylist. So much hinges on first impressions and you have to set the example of your styling capabilities in your own wardrobe. If you need some ideas to help improve your styling skills but you are working on a limited budget, you can try some self-styling techniques for some practice.
Have you ever considered becoming a personal fashion stylist? Maybe you already are a stylist. If so, please share any tips or experiences that may be helpful to aspiring stylists.
And now the featured favorites from last week.
Reader Favorite (Most Clicked)
Kellyann of This Blonde’s Shopping Bag shared her post, Friday Favorites-Hello September! There is a little bit of everything in this fun post from home decor to fashion to beauty to the most adorable family tree ever! Do go check it out.
Fashion Favorite
Karen of Lady in Violet shared the coolest Denim Jumpsuit. I struggle with styling jumpsuits so I am always drawn to fabulous ones that are styled to perfection. And how great are Karen’s shoes and clutch?
Non-Fashion Favorite
Jeanne of Selep Imaging shared her gorgeous Mosaic Garden Table as well as some other stunning mosaic pieces that she has created. I would love to be this creative!
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
34 Comments
Jennifer
As a stylist, it’s not easy and it’s not glamorous at all. It’s hard work. I sit on the floor a lot working.
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jennifer, thanks so much for sharing your experience! I love that all of my stylist blogger friends are commenting. It is so interesting to hear about. I have only styled people in a retail environment but it really is harder than it looks. Even similar body types wear clothing differently. You also have to constantly boost confidence and read body language as well. I hope you have a great weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
Since I am a fashion stylist, I agree with most of this. Lol! You don’t necessarily have to go to school. It’s all about the experience in my opinion. Got to pay your dues! It’s been nice to working with clients again recently. People are finally feeling comfortable with me in their home. Thanks for the link up Shelbee!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Yay, Kathrine, I am so glad that you commented on this post! I know many of my blogging friends are stylists and I am very interested in your feedback on the topic. I have only briefly looked into it after working many years in retail. I do love styling people and helping them feel and look their best. But there just isn’t really a market in my area for personal stylists. I am so happy to hear that you are able to get back to meeting with clients! Have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Wesman
So very interesting. I learned a bunch. Did not know this. Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Patrick! I honestly did not know very much about this industry either. So it was a learning experience for me as well! I hope you have a great weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy Bertoldi
Loved loved reading this- especially since that’s my job!! Great post!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lucy! I know a lot of my blogging friends are stylists so I am definitely interested in your feedback on the topic! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Melissa
I totally agree with all points! I first started as a stylist before opening my store and I agree on all points!! Inspiration is key and learning is a never ending aspect of this business. As trends start evolving, you have to learn about them and who can benefit from those pieces. My tip is to know who you target to. When you target to everyone, you end up targeting to no-on and don’t feel bad about it. For example I don’t really style men, unless its for a photoshoot. We all have our expertise where we shine through our work.
xo
Mel
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Mel, thanks so much for sharing your tips and experience in the business! I worked many years in retail and styled many different people of all ages, shapes, and sizes. And it really is trickier than I think people realize. Even similar body types wear clothing differently. You always have to account for the person’s personality as well. Something may look great on their frame, but if it does not suit their personality, you can tell immediately by their body language. It is so important to find that balance between clothing looking great but also making you feel great and the two things are not always in accordance with one another. I hope you are well! Have a fabulous weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Elizabeth Walker
Totally agree with your viewpoints! Thanks for the nice-written post!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Elizabeth, thanks so much! Have a great weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Gata Collins
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Gata! Have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin
Those pictures are so fun!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Tamar! I had fun choosing them! Have a great weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
Cool the read the comments too! Don’t know much of the industry but I think depending who you work with can be a really fun job! I think I would be a mom fashion stylist: kind of like a personal shopper or help you figure out what to wear and how from what you have.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Mireille, thanks so much! I was really enjoying all the wonderful comments from the stylists in our blogging community. There are quite a few of them. It is super interesting to me as well. I would love to style people but there is just no market for that profession where I live. I think you would be a fantastic mom fashions stylist! Have a great weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
Interesting! I have wondered how a person becomes a stylist. (Not out of any desire to become one, but curiosity.)
Have a great weekend!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Michelle, thanks for stopping by! I found this information super interesting, too! Have a great weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
I think I’d be a terrible stylist—I’d just make everyone look like me! 😉 Have a great weekend, friend!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Cheryl, I totally laughed at that because I am kind of the same way! Although I have successfully styled people when I worked in retail without letting my own personal taste interfere too much. Actually, my favorite people to style were teenagers when I worked at Charlotte Russe! They actually are willing to take more chances with their style choices. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Katie
Sounds like such an interesting profession! Thanks for sharing and for hosting!
-Katie
http://www.hellokatiegirlblog.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks for reading, Katie! I hope you have a fabulous weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lauren Renee Sparks
I don’t want to be a stylist. I wish I had one!!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my goodness, Lauren, you just made me laugh right out loud! I don’t really want to be one either. I enjoyed it for a bit while I worked in retail, but it is hard work! Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
ratnamurti
I’m really short. And somewhat tubby. I’ve had two friends, both stylists, try to put me into flowing tops. I look even rounder in them. The best stylist whom I ever used, was a friend who took me to a second-hand warehouse, and spent hours finding nice clothes for me to wear. I still appreciate that, and would love to pay her to do it again.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Ratnamurti, I love that you had a friend to help you out with that. And second-hand shops are the best places to get creative! I love styling others but I am not that great at it because I really only ever learned how to dress myself. But I can certainly be a helpful shopping companion as I think I have a good eye for proper proportions! The rest is up to personal taste after that I think. Thanks for commenting, my friend. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Darlene
One truly must have the “eye” to be successful at styling others! Or, as you say, the education to develop one and the experience to use it! Interesting read, Shelbee. Have a great weekend, my friend.
xx Darlene
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Darlene! I found it rather interesting as well. I loved styling people when I worked in retail, but my style is so different from others that it can be difficult to break away from that when styling others. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura Bambrick
I think it would be so hard to become a stylist! I have so much respect for those who are (and those who can afford them)! Haha!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I can relate to that, Laura! I think it is really much harder than we might imagine. But I think any job dealing directly with people can be challenging! Have a great weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
lorean
I’ve taken several courses on the subject and even styled a few friends for special events – I was sooo stressed, luckily it all turned out great. They looked and felt fab on a budget.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh wow, Lorena, it sounds so interesting and fun, but I am sure it is really stressful as well. Thanks for sharing your experience with me!
xoxo
Shelbee