If you are someone who loves fashion and knows all the current trends, then becoming a fashion stylist might be a good career option.
Being a fashion stylist means you will be working in a fast-paced environment. You will need to be aware of the industry trends and be open to learning new things. It’s a rewarding career that would allow you to work with notable personalities and brands. You can also use social media to your benefit and create your personal brand.
This article will walk you through the key steps to begin your journey in fashion styling.
Do You Have the Skills & Interest to Become a Fashion Stylist?
Before you pursue a formal course, make sure you have all the basic skills needed to become a fashion stylist.
- Creative Drive – Fashion stylists need to constantly come up with creative solutions. You will need to think of unconventional ideas and work with different aesthetics. A creative drive will help you in problem-solving and help you be relevant.
- Knowledge About Fashion – You would need to have a knack for fashion and a sense of style if you want to make a career in fashion. You can teach yourself a little fashion history, understand fashion trends, and learn about body types to get started.
- Basic Terminology – Get acquainted with some basic fashion terms. This would help you with your entrance tests and PIs. It would also kickstart your journey when you join a fashion school.
- Know the Industry – Follow notable people from the industry to understand some basics of how it functions. This way you can avoid being overwhelmed when you start an internship. It would allow you to understand the work culture and adapt better.
Is Professional Training Important?
Depending on your interests and current qualifications, there are a number of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees/diplomas you can pursue. You can also opt for certificate courses alongside your degree to specialize in fashion styling as a niche.
- Fashion Styling courses would help you understand the little intricacies of the field
- You will understand the global and Indian fashion scenario
- You will get a peek into the industry & understand trends
- A degree will help you learn about forecasting, celebrity styling, and other important topics
- You can develop a portfolio to approach potential clients & recruiters.
Is Industry Experience Helpful?
Your curriculum would probably include internships, workshops, & classroom projects. This is a crucial step in becoming a fashion stylist. You can also apply for internships on your own.
Industry exposure will broaden your understanding of both the craft and the industry. You can find bigger opportunities and build healthy professional relationships as well.
- Keep an eye out for vacancies or follow brands/designers you admire on social media to know when they need interns.
- Try working with start-ups and other similar ventures in the beginning
- You can also collaborate with designers and fashion photographers for independent projects
How to Build a Portfolio?
Your portfolio will let potential clients and recruiters understand your work. You don’t need to include everything. Be picky, and include only the ones you think are the best.
- Use photographs that are clear and high-quality.
- Include looks and ideas behind looks.
- Write brief descriptions & concept notes to explain your ideas clearly.
- You will need to make your portfolio look humane and authentic. Include mood boards, brainstorming, sketches, swatches, and references.
- Create a layout that reflects your aesthetic. Be consistent and subtle with your layout.
- You can work on a physical portfolio that includes fabric & color swatches, embellishments, and highlights tactile textures. You can also create a website that acts as a portfolio to reach out to clients and recruiters online.
How to Network?
Networking involves connecting with professionals from the industry. You can connect with fellow stylists, photographers, accessory & fashion designers, and other professionals. This is an essential step towards becoming a fashion stylist.
- Use social media to your advantage. You can post glimpses of your work and define your aesthetic.
- Connect with alumni groups from your institute.
- Join online forums for stylists & designers to know about the latest trends and stay updated.
- You can also connect with brands and follow their work to expand your horizons and look for better opportunities.
How To Apply For Jobs?
There are quite a few opportunities for fashion stylists. You can work with brands, and designers, or go solo as a freelance stylist.
- Assist stylists at the start of your career.
- Look for vacancies in design houses and apparel companies.
- Collaborate with other professionals for independent projects.
- Reach out to your network and promote your work through your portfolio website and social media.
Conclusion
Becoming a fashion stylist requires a love for fashion, resilience, and the drive to explore and experiment with different styles and aesthetics. You would need to know about the changing trends, understand software used in the industry, and have a basic knowledge of related fields.
AAFT’s School of Fashion offers a bunch of courses that would cater to your needs as a budding fashion stylist and meet industry standards. These courses are multi-disciplinary and would equip you with all the knowledge and skills you need to navigate the fashion industry.
