What Does a Fashion Consultant Do?

Fashion consultants are the people who help you find the perfect outfit for a special occasion, or give you advice on what to wear when you’re going out on a date. They work with clients one-on-one or in groups to assess their needs and tastes, then recommend clothing options that fit their budget and style preferences.

Fashion consultants may also be responsible for styling models and other individuals who appear in advertisements or other media content. This might include helping them choose outfits that complement their features or body types, as well as coaching them on how to strike a pose or stand in a way that looks appealing on camera.

Fashion Consultant Job Duties

A fashion consultant typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Recommending clothing styles and brands to clients based on their preferences and body types
• Providing style advice on grooming, makeup application, hair care, and fashion accessories
• Helping clients choose outfits for special occasions such as weddings, business conferences, or job interviews
• Providing fashion advice regarding wardrobe selection and possible changes in lifestyle that may improve an individual’s sense of style
• Helping clients choose appropriate clothes for upcoming events such as parties or weddings
• Advising clients on appropriate style for different occasions and seasons
• Helping clients choose clothing colors, materials, and styles that best complement their skin tone, body type, and personal style preferences
• Providing style advice on general appearance, including hair cut and color, make up application, and nail care
• Recommending brands, styles, colors, patterns, and fabrics to clients

Fashion Consultant Salary & Outlook

Fashion consultants’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the type of clients they work with. They may also earn additional income through commissions or bonuses.

• Median Annual Salary: $49,500 ($23.8/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $60,500 ($29.09/hour)

The employment of fashion consultants is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.

Fashion consultants will be needed to help retailers and manufacturers understand how changes in fashion trends affect consumer demand for clothing and accessories. However, the growth rate of this occupation is projected to be slower than average because many retail establishments are reducing their number of sales associates in order to increase productivity.

Related: Fashion Consultant Interview Questions and Answers

Fashion Consultant Job Requirements

A fashion consultant typically needs the following qualifications:

Education: Fashion consultants typically need at least a high school diploma or GED. Many fashion consultants choose to pursue a two-year associate degree in fashion merchandising or fashion design. These programs teach students about the fashion industry, including the latest styles, fabrics and colors, and how to use social media to promote their work.

Training & Experience: Fashion consultants typically receive on-the-job training in the form of an orientation period with a company. During this time, they learn about the company’s products and services, as well as the best ways to interact with customers. They may also learn about the company’s computer systems and software.

Certifications & Licenses: While certifications are not usually required to become a fashion consultant, they can be useful for building your professional network and demonstrating your abilities to potential clients.

Fashion Consultant Skills

Fashion consultants need the following skills in order to be successful:

Fashion knowledge: Fashion knowledge is an essential skill for fashion consultants. They use this skill to understand the latest trends and predict what may be popular in the future. They also use this skill to help their clients find the right outfits for their body types and personal styles.

Communication skills: Communication skills are necessary for fashion consultants to communicate with clients and other professionals. You may need to communicate with clients via email, phone or in-person, so it’s important to be able to communicate effectively. You may also need to communicate with other professionals, such as designers, to help clients find the right clothing for their needs.

Listening skills: Fashion consultants listen to their clients to understand their needs and preferences. They also listen to their clients’ feedback to understand how their recommendations are working. This information can help them tailor their recommendations to their clients’ needs.

Product knowledge: Fashion consultants need to have a thorough understanding of the products they’re selling. This includes knowing the different types of fabrics, the different types of stitching and the different types of fasteners. You can use your product knowledge to help customers find the right products for their needs.

Problem-solving skills: As a fashion consultant, you may be tasked with helping clients overcome challenges in their wardrobe. For example, you may help a client find a new outfit for an interview after they’ve lost a significant amount of weight. In this case, your problem-solving skills can help you find a solution that works for them.

Fashion Consultant Work Environment

Fashion consultants work in a variety of settings, including fashion houses, retail stores, and design firms. They may also work freelance, which gives them the opportunity to set their own hours and work from home. However, most fashion consultants work full time and some work more than 40 hours per week. Many fashion consultants travel frequently to meet with clients, attend fashion shows, and visit manufacturers. Some fashion consultants may also travel internationally.

Fashion Consultant Trends

Here are three trends influencing how fashion consultants work. Fashion consultants will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Rise of the Digital Shopper

The rise of the digital shopper is a trend that is quickly changing the way that people shop. With the help of smartphones and tablets, shoppers can now research products and make purchases from anywhere in the world.

This trend has created a need for fashion consultants who are familiar with the latest trends and can help customers find the perfect items for their needs. By staying up-to-date on the latest styles and designs, consultants can provide valuable advice to customers who are looking for something special.

More Focus on Personalization

As consumers become more tech-savvy, they are looking for ways to personalize their shopping experiences. This means that fashion consultants will need to focus on providing personalized recommendations that meet the specific needs of each customer.

By understanding what makes each customer unique, consultants can create a shopping experience that is tailored to their individual tastes. This can lead to increased loyalty and sales for businesses.

A Desire for More Transparency

Consumers are becoming increasingly interested in transparency in the fashion industry. They want to know where their clothes come from, how they are made, and who makes them.

Fashion consultants can capitalize on this trend by becoming experts in sourcing and manufacturing. They can then use this knowledge to help clients find suppliers that offer high-quality products at reasonable prices. In addition, consultants can also help clients understand the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry.

How to Become a Fashion Consultant

A fashion consultant career can be a great way to get started in the fashion industry. It’s a great way to learn about different styles and trends, as well as meet people who are involved in the fashion world.

To become a fashion consultant, you need to have a strong knowledge of fashion and style. You should also be able to communicate your ideas clearly and sell them to others. A good fashion consultant is able to see the big picture and understand how different pieces work together to create a whole look.

Advancement Prospects

Fashion consultants can advance their career by becoming a stylist or working as a personal shopper. A stylist is someone who helps people choose clothing and accessories for a particular occasion or event. A personal shopper is someone who helps people choose clothing and accessories for their everyday needs. Both of these positions require fashion consultants to have a keen eye for detail and a good understanding of the latest fashion trends. In addition, fashion consultants who are able to build strong relationships with their clients will be more successful in these roles.

Fashion Consultant Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we believe that every person has their own unique style. Our fashion consultants help our clients find the styles that suit them best and make them feel their best. We’re looking for a fashion consultant with a passion for fashion and a keen eye for detail. The ideal candidate will have experience working in the fashion industry, as well as a strong understanding of current trends. He or she will be responsible for providing one-on-one consultations to clients, helping them choose the right clothing and accessories for their individual style.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Understand and articulate the unique selling points of each designer represented
• Develop a deep understanding of the needs, wants, and style preferences of each client
• Help clients build their wardrobe by selecting individual pieces that work well together and flatter the client’s body type
• Stay up-to-date on current fashion trends and forecast future trends to advise clients accordingly
• Assist with event planning and execution, including but not limited to trunk shows, sample sales, and in-store events
• Achieve personal and team sales goals set by management
• Maintain excellent relationships with both new and existing clients through consistent follow-up and exceptional customer service
• Proactively seek out new business opportunities through networking and cold-calling
• Effectively manage time and prioritize tasks in order to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Handle all transactions accurately and efficiently in accordance with company policies
• Keep the sales floor clean and organized, and ensure all displays are properly merchandised
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Proven experience as a fashion consultant or in a related role
• Excellent knowledge of the fashion industry and current trends
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills
• Able to build strong relationships with clients and provide excellent after-sales service
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• High school diploma or equivalent; bachelor’s degree preferred

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Proven track record of achieving sales targets
• Creative flair and ability to think outside the box
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required
• Strong visual merchandising skills
• Previous experience working in a luxury retail environment