Marketing research finds that gen Z consumers cannot separate themselves from their love for fashion. This notion means that there is space for fashion stylists to thrive in the industry. After finding success in new media, fashion stylists might even find themselves becoming designers or being part of the costume department of TV shows and films.
There is no shortage of opportunities for people who have a good eye for making an outfit look good. Those who want a career in fashion only need to look hard and work their way to the top. If you have a natural eye for what makes an outfit look good, you might find success as a fashion stylist. Here are some tips to help you achieve this goal:
Study, Study, Study
Just like every other discipline, there is a method and science to fashion. Trends come and go, but theories last forever. This is why fashion stylists must have a grasp on the basics of the following topics:
- Essential elements of fashion and clothing design
- Textiles and fabrics
- Color theory
- Basic sewing
- History of fashion
- Designers and what they are known for
- The architecture of clothing and how they are structured
- Current and future trends
- Cultural moments that define the future of fashion
These are just some basics that every fashion stylist needs to have a basic idea of. While it’s impossible to have a comprehensive knowledge of all these topics, fashion stylists need to know the general principles if they want to thrive in the industry.
Create a Killer Online Portfolio
Since fashion styling is all about visuals and aesthetics, social media marketing will be your best friend. It is a free resource that you can maximize to reach your target audience, increase your brand awareness and reputation, and make a name for yourself in the fashion world. So many relevant fashion stylists found success through platforms like Instagram and YouTube. So if you feel like you have a remarkable voice and aesthetic, consider uploading your work online and tagging celebrities and influencers. Use unique hashtags to set your account apart too—something that incorporates your name or the name of your brand.
Explore Other Business Ventures
While you’re starting as a stylist, it’s important to have other more lucrative endeavors going on in the side. This is especially true since you might not be able to see big revenue in the first few years. If you have some capital, consider exploring other more profitable business ventures related to fashion, like a closet design franchise that you can incorporate into your fashion styling business. Aside from helping clients find the best possible outfits for their special occasions or help them shop, you can also help them organize or upgrade their closets.
Make Sure You Have Something New to Say
The thing about fashion trends is that they can be beaten to death, with celebrities and their stylists all doing the same thing. One example is the 90s trend that took over gen Z and millennial celebrities in the past year and a half. All of a sudden, everyone looks like they’re about to become extras on “The Nanny” or “Friends.”
As a fashion stylist, the most significant skill you need in your arsenal is the ability to look beyond current trends. The industry is incredibly saturated, with so many micro-influencers trying to gain a piece of the lucrative online pie. You definitely will be competing against people with more resources, engagement, and followers. If you truly want to stand out, you need to create your own brand of style, distinct from an ocean of repetitive aesthetics. This means not being afraid to experiment and giving yourself the space to explore styles before they are even considered trendy. The key to being ahead of trends is having a grasp of world events, too. Make sure you stay up-to-the-minute on what is happening globally to have a head start on where fashion trends will go next.
Start Small
And last but not least, don’t be afraid to start small. Establishing foundations often takes a long time, and creating an impressive list of clientele will not happen overnight. Start with your family and friends who might trust you. Don’t hesitate to offer services for free if they will help your portfolio. And if you have the time, shop at Goodwill or other thrift stores to find some hidden gems.
Finding success in any field takes time and a lot of hard work. So lead with passion, determination, and drive, and put yourself out there. Good luck!
