We are often influenced by the fashion and style of celebrities whenever we go through a magazine, watch an ad or see an event. Their outfits are trendy, fresh, and suit them well. Behind the limelight and the curtains, there is a professional called a fashion stylist who puts their magnificent look together. But how do you become a fashion stylist?

Fashion styling is one of the most sought-after careers in the image consulting and fashion industry. If you have a creative eye for fashion and a passion to help others look their best, then a career in fashion styling is ideal for you.

Hence, we have put together an article with seven proven steps to becoming a successful fashion stylist. But first, let’s understand what a fashion stylist is and what do they do in detail?

What is a Fashion Stylist and What Do They Do?

A fashion stylist creates and coordinates outfits and accessories for clients. They choose to clothe for photo shoots, events, award shows, movies, television shows, and much more. A fashion stylist is always up to date with the latest trends and experts when it comes to fashion advice.

Fashion stylists cater to numerous industries and they may work with celebrities, musicians, politicians, and high-profile clients. It is their job to make them look appealing as possible.

Hence, becoming a fashion stylist opens up a lot of lucrative opportunities to work across various industries.

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7 Essential Steps to Become a Fashion Stylist:

1. Get the right and relevant education

Just like any other domain, it is important for you to get the right and credible education to kickstart your career as a fashion stylist. As a fashion stylist, you need in-depth technical knowledge about fashion trends, color analysis, body shapes, etc.

Hence, a certification or diploma from a recognized and accredited institute sets you on the right path. You can pursue certification in fashion styling or complete a professional program in image consultant. You can become a fashion stylist after completing your education as an Image Consultant. A professional certification accredited by AICI (Association of Image Consultants International) is always ideal.

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2. Get Experience Through Freelance & Internships

After completing your technical education, it is crucial that you put it into practice and start testing your skills. Applying for an internship or taking up a small freelance project can be a great start for it.

After working with various types of clients in the field, you will be able to map out your niche. Whether you excel at styling celebrities or styling at an award function or television and film. Tons of relevant experience will further help you to build a strong portfolio.

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3. Start Building Your Portfolio or Lookbook

Once you have gained relevant experience in the field, it is time to build your strong portfolio. Your portfolio will feature all your work in terms of looks, themes, brands, and individuals you have worked with.

A comprehensive and well-built portfolio will be the stepping stone to better opportunities ahead. Regardless of where you go, your portfolio will be your professional identification while you work your way through the industry to cement your presence.

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4. Do Your Extensive Research

As a fashion stylist, you must be up to date with the latest fashion trends, and this requires extensive research on your end. The research also helps you develop a pool of knowledge and references to use during your work.

Research in your domain also comes in handy during collaborative projects. It shows that you are abreast with the current trends and have wide foresight into the future. Your research will enrich not only your work but also your portfolio.

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5. Shape Your Unique Perspective

Becoming a fashion stylist makes you an artist at the end of the day. Just like an artist hones his/her art form into something distinctive, you have to develop your own perception.

Since you are doing your research, you have to develop a unique sense of taste for various themes, styles, color combinations, aesthetics, etc. This will eventually become your very own personal vision. A creative vision will thus help you execute better ideas while working with clients.

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6. Keep Updated On Fashion Trends

As mentioned in the previous point, staying updated with the latest fashion trends will help you establish your personal vision. This will be helpful while applying for higher job roles as you can share your extensive knowledge.

This also helps you seem like a confident and well-versed professional. It becomes easier for others to have faith while collaborating with you on a regular basis.

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7. Network With Industry Professionals

The final step to success as a fashion stylist is developing strong networking skills. You have to establish a varied base that includes clients, industry professionals, competitors, etc.

Industry events, conferences, workshops bring you to the presence of key individuals that could result in potential employment. Having a huge network also generates references for you to connect in the future and gain an edge in this competitive industry.

The fashion industry is filled with countless opportunities but is upto to carve your path and make a name for yourself. And we hope this article was able to guide you better in highlighting the roadmap to become a fashion stylist. If you wish to understand what’s the life of a fashion & celebrity stylist like, watch the webinar given below. Our alumni, Oshin Halder and Yuti Malhotra share their experiences of working as fashion and celebrity stylist: