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- Create stylish outfits for photo shoots, video shoots, or personal clients
- You'll need an excellent knowledge of fashion and a distinctive creative flair
- Most fashion stylists are freelancers so you'll need to spend some of your time promoting your business
As a fashion stylist you'll use your knowledge of fashion and creative skills to put together outfits for your clients. You might work as a personal stylist for an individual (often people in the public eye), or you might work as a freelancer or for an agency for photoshoots, fashion shows, social media, or product displays.
You'll need to keep up-to-date with the latest trends, designers, and styles, and you'll need to be able to respond to your clients' brief or personal style rather than just choosing the things you like personally.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Read the fashion press to keep up to date with trends
- Meet with clients or potential clients to help understand their needs
- Put together mood boards
- Source clothing from stores or from designers
- Source and cast models
- Style models on set
- Direct hair and make-up artists
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
Because of the international nature of the fashion industry you may find that you have opportunities to travel and attend events.
Many stylists work as freelancers, and may work for multiple clients at any time. If you're a freelancer you may need to spend part of your time promoting yourself and your business and doing your business administration.
You'll need
There are no specific qualifications needed for this role, but you'll need to show that you have excellent fashion knowledge and personal style. You'll need to build up a portfolio of your styling work, and this could include work you've done as a volunteer or your own personal style. Studying for a fashion degree or another related course in fashion will help you develop an understanding of the industry, build your fashion knowledge, and help you make contacts and build a portfolio, but it is not essential.
For example, you might start by developing your own fashion blog or social media channel where you develop an audience who are interested in your fashion knowledge and personal style. This requires patience and dedication, but can be a really good way to get started and get noticed in what is a highly competitive industry.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could progress to become a senior fashion stylist, or set up your own business/consultancy.