What is a Fashion Stylist and How to Become One

Learn about one of the most desirable and important jobs in fashion today and how to make it your own

Clothes are the building blocks of fashion. How we put an outfit together is as important as each individual piece. Whether it’s on the runway, in a magazine, or in our day-to-day life, styling can transform how a person is seen, for better or for worse.

What is a stylist?

One of the fastest-growing roles in fashion is that of the stylist. Whether it’s Tan French or Anna Wintour, stylists can be useful in a number of settings: they can work with a particular editorial or photographer; for a clothing brand, fashion store, or show; or for an individual like a public figure or just a client seeking help in compiling their wardrobe.

In the following video, Anna Wintour shares more information on her career:

What does a stylist need to know?

A stylist’s work is never done: they need to keep up to date with the fashion industry, what’s going on, and, even better, what is going to be happening.

There are countless ways to keep your ear to the ground but a few of the most important are: attending runway shows; visiting brand showrooms; connecting with designers and creatives; reading; and surfing the net and the countless resources social media, influencers, and online blogs have to offer.

It’s not just about looking forward either: a good stylist should have a firm grasp on the history of the industry. Knowing a vintage Chanel from a classic Yves Saint Laurent will enrich your understanding and appreciation of these icons’ legacy whose influence continues to be felt in fashion today.

An ability to turn to more varied sources will also stand you in good stead. Lesser known designers, and even artists beyond clothing and jewelry, have influenced fashion since its inception, and taking inspiration from them will help you stand out from the rest.

We all know every trend comes back around anyway: knowing where we’ve come from will help us see where we’re going.

Finally, an often forgotten necessity is technical knowledge. While the work of a stylist and a designer are very different, they need to understand each other. This symbiotic relationship has seen many stylists design and designers style, and their expertise includes an understanding of the processes of creating a garment, the necessary materials and where they come from, and the cost in time, money, and energy to make them.

How do you become a stylist?

The fashion world can often feel like a different planet, and exclusivity is one of its key currencies. But that doesn’t mean you can’t join the party.

Experience is worth far more than a diploma so, if you want to learn about the job, jump into the mix as soon as possible. Your people skills can be as important as your creative eye, so make sure you are going to the right places and meeting the right people.

If you’re not a natural socialite, try to approach networking as a job. Make sure you have a clear mission and seek the advice and support you need to achieve it. People respond to clarity, passion, and initiative.

That doesn’t mean you have to be all Devil Wears Prada about it. Your relationships will be your calling card, and maintaining them will require care and attention. Find people you like to work with and for and stay in touch with them. One stylist might blow up thanks to a successful shoot or how great a client looked on the red carpet, but you’re much more likely to get jobs through recommendations and friends: people need to like working with you almost as much as the work itself. You can also learn much more from your professional peers in person than you will from following their Instagram, so get out there and get to know them.

You may also like:

- Sustainable Fashion: Introduction to Upcycling, a course by Ximena Corcuera
- Creative Fashion Directing, a course by la casita de wendy
- Fashion Design: Painting and Embroidering Garments, a course by Ana María Restrepo