What Does a Fashion Stylist Do?

Fashion stylists are responsible for creating the look and feel of a fashion shoot or campaign. They work closely with designers, models, photographers, and other creative professionals to ensure that every element of a project is cohesive and consistent.

Fashion stylists often have an eye for detail and an innate sense of style. They use these skills to help their clients create the best possible image for their brand or product. In addition to styling shoots, they may also be responsible for selecting wardrobe options for models or helping them select outfits that complement their features or body type.

Fashion Stylist Job Duties

Fashion stylists typically have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Providing styling advice to clients to help them select clothing that best suits their body type, lifestyle, occupation, personality, and budget
• Collaborating with hair and makeup artists to determine the best style choices for each client
• Taking photos of models wearing clothing items during fashion shoots to use in advertisements and catalogs
• Coordinating with photographers to determine the best location for a shoot based on the client’s needs
• Helping clients choose appropriate outfits for special occasions such as weddings, job interviews, and parties
• Working with buyers from retail stores to select items for their inventory based on style trends
• Developing an overall concept for a fashion shoot based on the client’s needs or preferences
• Assisting clients with selecting appropriate wardrobe items for events such as weddings, birthdays, graduations, or other special occasions
• Critiquing clients’ existing wardrobes based on current fashion trends in order to make recommendations for improvement

Fashion Stylist Salary & Outlook

Fashion stylists’ salaries vary depending on their level of education and experience, the company size and geographic location. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of commissions and bonuses.

• Median Annual Salary: $76,500 ($36.78/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $87,500 ($42.07/hour)

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

Demand for fashion stylists depends largely on the overall health of the retail industry. As more people shop online, fewer people may visit brick-and-mortar stores and need the services of a fashion stylist. However, as e-commerce continues to grow, demand for fashion stylists in online retail establishments is expected to offset some of the decline in demand for these workers in traditional retail establishments.

Related: Fashion Stylist Interview Questions and Answers

Fashion Stylist Job Requirements

A fashion stylist typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: Fashion stylists typically need at least a high school diploma or GED. Many fashion stylists 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 stylists typically receive on-the-job training from their employers. This training may include learning the company’s policies and procedures, as well as the products and services they offer. It may also include shadowing other employees to learn the workflow and procedures for the job.

Fashion stylists can also receive training through internships. Internships allow aspiring fashion stylists to gain practical experience in the fashion industry. They may work under the supervision of a fashion stylist to learn how to style clients’ hair and makeup, as well as how to assist them in selecting clothing. They may also learn how to assist clients with their purchases and how to interact with them.

Fashion stylists can also receive training through formal education. Some stylists complete internships as part of their education. Others may take courses in fashion merchandising or styling to learn more about the industry.

Certifications & Licenses: A stylist can pursue a variety of certifications to increase their earning potential and refine their skills.

Fashion Stylist Skills

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

Fashion knowledge: Fashion stylists should have a strong understanding of the latest fashion trends and styles. This can help them make informed decisions about the clothing they select for their clients. They should also have a good understanding of the different types of fabrics and how they can affect the overall look of an outfit. This can help them make suggestions about the types of clothing their clients should wear.

Communication skills: Stylists must be able to communicate with their clients and other members of the fashion industry. They must be able to explain their vision for a client’s look and help them understand the importance of various fashion elements. Stylists must also be able to communicate with other members of the fashion industry, such as designers, to ensure they understand each other’s needs.

Trend spotting: Fashion stylists use their knowledge of current fashion trends to help clients select outfits that are in style. They also use trend spotting skills to help clients find new styles that are unique to their personal tastes. This can help them stay up to date on the latest fashion trends and find outfits that are stylish but also affordable.

Product knowledge: Fashion stylists have a thorough understanding of the latest fashion trends and styles. They know what products work best with different hair and skin types and how to apply makeup to complement different styles. This knowledge allows them to make informed decisions about the products they use on clients.

Organization: Stylists often work on multiple projects at once, so it’s important for them to be able to prioritize tasks and keep track of their work. They also need to be able to manage their time effectively so they can complete all their work on time. This can include keeping track of client information, project details and deadlines.

Fashion Stylist Work Environment

Fashion stylists work in a variety of settings, including fashion houses, design studios, boutiques, and department stores. They may also work as freelance stylists, working on an as-needed basis for individual clients or for fashion magazines. Many stylists work long hours, including evenings and weekends, to keep up with the demands of the fashion industry. The work can be stressful, as stylists must be able to work quickly and efficiently under pressure. They must also be able to deal with last-minute changes and unexpected problems.

Fashion Stylist Trends

Here are three trends influencing how fashion stylists work. Fashion stylists 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 Personal Stylist

The trend of personal styling is on the rise, as more and more people are looking for help in creating a wardrobe that reflects their unique style. This has led to an increased demand for fashion stylists, who can help clients find clothes that fit their personality and budget.

As the trend of personal styling continues to grow, fashion stylists will need to develop skills in areas such as color analysis, pattern matching, and shopping for deals. They will also need to be able to work with a variety of different budgets and sizes, in order to meet the needs of all their clients.

More Focus on Wellness

The fashion industry is shifting towards a focus on wellness, which means that stylists will need to be well-versed in health and fitness trends.

This shift is being driven by celebrities and other high-profile individuals who are using their influence to promote healthy living. As a result, fashion stylists will need to be familiar with the latest exercise and nutrition trends in order to keep up with the demands of their clients.

A Greater Emphasis on Personal Style

The trend of a greater emphasis on personal style is having a major impact on the fashion industry. As customers become more discerning about the products they buy, stylists will need to be able to provide them with personalized recommendations that reflect their individual tastes.

In order to be successful in this environment, stylists will need to be able to understand what makes each customer unique and then use that knowledge to create a shopping experience that is tailored to their needs.

How to Become a Fashion Stylist

A fashion stylist career can be a great way to get your foot in the door of the fashion industry. As a fashion stylist, you’ll work with designers, models, and photographers to create looks that are on-trend and flattering. You’ll need to have a strong knowledge of fashion trends and be able to see how pieces can be combined to create new looks.

To become a fashion stylist, start by building up your portfolio of work. Create looks using different combinations of clothing, accessories, and makeup. Then, reach out to designers, models, and photographers to offer your services. Network with other fashion professionals to stay up-to-date on the latest trends.

Advancement Prospects

Fashion stylists typically start out working as assistants to more experienced stylists. As they gain experience and a strong portfolio of work, they may be able to advance to the position of lead stylist or creative director. Some stylists may open their own businesses, either working as freelance stylists or owning their own salons.

Fashion Stylist Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we believe that fashion is about more than just clothing; it’s about self-expression, confidence, and individuality. We’re looking for a fashion stylist who shares this belief and can help our clients find the perfect looks to express their unique personalities. As a stylist at our company, you will be responsible for consulting with clients, assessing their needs, and selecting and assembling looks for them. You will also be responsible for staying up-to-date on the latest fashion trends and helping our clients stay ahead of the curve. If you have a passion for fashion and a flair for style, we want you on our team!

Duties & Responsibilities

• Understand the client’s needs and wants for each project in order to provide the best possible styling
• Research current trends, looks, and designers that would be appropriate for the project at hand
• Pull clothing, accessories, and shoes from stores or showrooms for each shoot or event
• Work with the hair and makeup team to ensure that the overall look is cohesive and complementary
• Dress the client(s) for each shoot or event, making sure that they are comfortable and confident
• Stay within the budget set for each project
• Return all clothing and accessories to the stores or showrooms after each shoot or event
• Keep up-to-date on current trends, looks, and designers
• Attend fashion shows and events as needed
• Maintain strong relationships with store managers and personal shoppers
• Manage a team of assistants as needed
• Be available to work long hours, weekends, and holidays as needed

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Proven experience as a fashion stylist or similar role
• Excellent sense of style
• Up-to-date with the latest trends and looks
• Able to put together complete outfits from individual pieces
• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
• Good organizational and time management skills
• Great communication and people skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in fashion, design, or related field
• Experience working with fashion designers or brands
• Familiarity with fashion software such as Photoshop and Illustrator
• Extensive knowledge of fashion history and current trends
• Strong networking skills