How to Become a Successful Fashion Stylist?

Are you in love with fashion? Do you frequently turn heads with your outstanding sense of style? Then you might have been born to be a Fashion stylist! As a fashion stylist, you will use your exquisite sense of style to dress celebrities and models while getting paid for it.

Sounds like heaven, right?

Without further ado, let us learn how to become a successful fashion stylist.

Who is a Fashion Stylist?

Have you noticed that actors, entrepreneurs and musicians always show up looking awesome? They all have a Fashion stylist working behind the scenes to prepare their wardrobe. A fashion stylist handles all aspects of a person’s appearance – from their fedora to their monk straps – so that they look their very best.

Fashion stylists select clothing for models, actors, influencers, photoshoots and retail store mannequins. They also choose the props for TV series, movies, ads, commercials and videos.

What Does a Fashion Stylist Do?

Apart from keeping up with the latest style trends, a fashion stylist has the following major responsibilities –

• Analyze previous trends and predict upcoming style trends
• Attend fashion shows and other fashion industry events
• Developing a personal image for celebrities
• Researching clothing and fashion accessories
• Communicating and handling retailers, designers, wholesalers, design agencies, magazine publications
• Coordinate with hairstylists, photographers and makeup artists to create unique looks for clients

Essential Tips to Succeed As a Fashion Stylist

To be a successful fashion stylist, you need to have in-depth knowledge about trends, fashion history, colour schemes, art, design and clothing materials.

The tips given below will help you along the way –

Get some industry experience

If you want to work with the best, you have to be the best! The first step in establishing yourself as a fashion stylist is to get some hands-on experience. For beginners, try landing an internship at a fashion agency. This will equip you with the skills, qualities and other requirements to boost your career. You also gain valuable mentorship from an experienced designer or stylist while working.

Plus, you develop priceless industry connections and can get recommendations. This will help you bag a better job later on.

Develop your network

Now that you have some connections and recommendations under your belt, start building your network. Connecting with the designers and industry professionals will help you stay updated on the latest industry events.

You also have to attend plenty of fashion shows and beauty pageants to gather new clients.

Create your unique style

You may be dedicated to craft the perfect image and style for your client. But that does not mean you have to lose your individuality. It is your style statement that sets you apart. So, always look for sources of inspiration, rather than just following the herd.

Make sure you always add a bit of personal touch to every cloth, design or look you create.

Sell yourself! 

Yes, you read that right. Being a stylist, you can’t be shy while self-promotion. This means trying to highlight your work and talent whenever you can. Using your networking skills, try getting invitations to parties, fashion shows, promotions and product launches.

Use social media wisely

If you are active on social media, it will be very helpful. Use the platforms wisely to showcase your work and gather valuable comments or reviews. You can also follow designers, stylists and celebrities to stay updated with the latest trends.

You will also know the ins and outs of the fashion industry this way.                    

Difference Between a Fashion Designer and a Fashion Stylist

A fashion designer develops and designs the clothing. He or she has the responsibility to create patterns, sketch designs, sew the fabric and ensures it’s fitting. Fashion designers create fashion trends and alter existing style statements.

On the other hand, a fashion stylist analyses the current trends and picks up the clothing to create a look for their client. He or she creates a personalized style or look for a celebrity or model, whereas a designer creates clothes for the masses.

Career Scope for Fashion Stylist

A fashion stylist can work in the following areas –

• Entertainment industry
• Social media
• Fashion houses
• E-commerce
• Along with photographers and product developers
• Personal styling

A talented fashion stylist can be employed as a personal shopper or a makeover stylist. They are also hired on a contractual basis.

The average salary of a fashion stylist in India is ₹ 26,221 per month, which can go up to ₹ 53,000 and more with experience. Companies hiring them include Myntra, Amazon, H & M, Raymond, Wooplr and Marks and Spencer.

Conclusion

A career in fashion styling can be rewarding and fulfilling. You can begin with a diploma in Fashion Styling followed by a post-graduate diploma. With experience, you can slowly create your brand or work independently.