Clothes stylists help their clients choose clothes.
Anyone who wants to become a clothing stylist, often referred to as a fashion stylist, costumer, or image consultant, probably wants to work at the heart of the fashion industry. While job descriptions vary, a wardrobe stylist often assembles clothes for celebrities, models, and other public figures. No formal training is required to become a clothing stylist, but a passion for the industry is. Fashion styling is a competitive industry and is best left to those who have a natural flair for fashion.
A clothing stylist has a keen eye for fashion.
While there is no right or wrong way to become a clothing stylist, there are paths that can lead a potential stylist in the right direction. To be a successful fashion designer, a student may consider attending a university with a reputable fashion or textile program. While earning these degrees, students often learn about the building blocks of the fashion industry, including its history and future. You can also learn practical tools, such as learning how to market yourself and use materials in the workplace. Those with a degree in fashion marketing or textile management can put themselves at the top of the line during fashion internship season.
A fashion stylist coordinates accessories with clothing to create eye-catching looks.
To become a clothing stylist, you can first get an internship, during school or after graduation, with a magazine, stylist, or studio. Here, students will become familiar with the fabrics and styles used by top designers. Students learn to properly catalog and care for clothing. While these students should already have a knack for fashion, they will learn how seasoned professionals decide what props and accessories to wear for photo shoots. As commercials and TV/movie commercials are often shot months in advance, stylists learn to stay ahead of current trends.
A fashion stylist may work with a particular client to create an individual look.
Having a degree and an internship on your resume does not automatically mean a student will become a clothing stylist. An aspiring stylist needs to think outside the box to get some amazing bonus materials for her resume. She should try freelance writing for some local fashion magazines. Stylists often improve when they team up with a photography student and do a few fashion-oriented photo shoots to build a portfolio. It also helps to do some free or low-cost work to build a customer base.
Aspiring clothing stylists must be motivated. It’s a competitive business and one that easily weeds out those who just can’t do it. During an internship, students need to ask questions and stay ahead by requesting additional responsibilities. Most importantly, they must build strong relationships with the fashion designers and editors they work with. Stylists may need to draw on the expertise of these mentors, or borrow clothes from them, later in their careers.
Clothing stylists must always be up to date with trends. They should continue to study the relationships of colors and patterns, and how they see people of different ethnicities and shapes. A successful stylist knows how to hide body flaws and use accessories and accessories to their advantage. A budding stylist should consider working for a department store as a personal shopper or store designer early in her career. Stylists must learn when to go the extra mile and when to play it safe.
Lastly, clothing stylists may need to consider moving to a big city. New York and Los Angeles are two potential hotspots for the fashion industry. Reputable magazines and studios are a great place to learn and move up the career ladder.