How to become a Personal Stylist

If you wish to look ravishing, hire stylist; It never goes wrong! Thankfully the India we live in has plethora of textiles, fashion, regional dresses, and more ranging from Kashmir to Kanyakumari! You can play with colours, clothes, patterns, and more to stun with statement looks. However, what to do when you are not good at choosing the right style and clothes for yourself? That’s where a Personal Stylist can change your game for the better.  

With an increase in the demand for a personal stylist, we bring to you a blog to educate you on how to become a personal stylist, perks of the job, education, jobs, and more. Stay tuned!

If you wish to improve and revamp your style, clothes, accessories, hair, and make up, posture, etiquettes, you go to a professional called a Personal Stylist who then based on your looks, body side, body built, finances, job and other factors, creates a unique customised fashion style for you. Basically, your won fashion genie who guides you, educates you, and helps you buy clothes, shoes, accessories, and more based on current fashion trends.  

Clients of various ages, genders, lifestyles, and financial constraints can be served by personal stylists. They can assist customers with a range of requirements, such as- Choosing the ideal look for an event, wardrobe organisation for a season, building professional looks, and assembling public figures’ attires. Personal stylists may choose to work for themselves or for agencies. While some provide virtual styling sessions, others work in person.  

Understanding the importance of the role and how one can help create confident individuals in it, Pearl Academy’s programs B.Des in Fashion Design and M.Des in Fashion Design and B.Des in Fashion Styling and M.Des in Fashion Styling are crafted to equip students with a robust foundation in understanding and innovating within the diverse realms of fashion styling, current fashion trends, and more.

Although you don’t need a formal degree to be a personal stylist, and having a knack for fashion and style can get you ahead as a personal stylist. However, we bring to you a step-by-step guide to help you foray into this field easily. Have a look!

Pursue Relevant Education

A strong foundation in fashion trends, styles, and design is essential for a career in personal styling. Enrolling in a program like B.Des and M.Des in Fashion Design and B.Des and M.Des in Fashion Styling at Pearl Academy equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel. This program combines business acumen with a deep understanding of the fashion, styling and lifestyle industry.

Upgrade with Additional Courses

Although becoming a personal stylist does not require a formal school or certification, having some relevant training or experience can help you become more knowledgeable and credible. For instance, you can enrol in classes or workshops on personal branding, colour theory, saree draping, style, fashion design, or image consultancy.

Explore more about Image Consulting in How to become an Image Consultant.  

Gain Industry Knowledge

Stay updated with the latest retail and fashion trends through internships, part-time roles, or industry seminars. Practical exposure is invaluable for understanding how retail planning operates in the real world.

Working as an intern or assistant for a fashion magazine, retail establishment, celebrity stylist, or style firm is another way to obtain expertise. To display your work and draw in new customers, you can also make your own website or portfolio.

Build Communication and Collaboration Skills

Personal Styling requires working with various teams. You need to interact with various clients from all aspects of society, groom them accordingly, teach them etiquettes, and more. Developing interpersonal skills will enhance your ability to align business goals with practical outcomes.  

Build a Unique Styling Voice and Portfolio

To grow as a personal stylist, make sure to build a unique niche, target market, and services for yourself. Quick Tip: Don’t forget to build a professional and distinctive brand identity for yourself.  

These are some ways in which you can navigate your career as a personal stylist. It is a creative career where you can bring out the best of people.  

As a personal stylist, you have the freedom to shape your career path based on your lifestyle and professional goals. You can work as a freelancer, an employee of a fashion retailer or consultancy, or even as a contractor for high-end clients, corporate organizations, or fashion agencies. Each option offers unique benefits:

• Freelancing: Provides the flexibility to choose your clients, set your own rates, and design your work schedule. Ideal for individuals who value independence.
• Employee Role: Offers stability and benefits like a fixed income, insurance, and opportunities to collaborate within established teams.
• Contract Work: Allows you to take on short-term projects that fit your interests while still exploring diverse opportunities.

Personal styling offers endless possibilities for specialization. You can carve out a niche for yourself in areas such as:

• Bridal Styling: Helping brides and wedding parties look their best on their special day, with tailored consultations and fittings.
• Corporate Styling: Assisting professionals in building a wardrobe that reflects their roles and enhances their confidence in the workplace.
• Editorial Styling: Collaborating with photographers, designers, and magazines to create stunning looks for photoshoots and publications.
• Celebrity Styling: Working with high-profile clients to craft standout looks for red carpets, events, and media appearances.

To diversify your income streams and attract a broader clientele, consider offering complementary services, such as:

• Online or Virtual Styling: Use digital tools like video calls and styling apps to reach clients worldwide, breaking geographical barriers.
• Personal Shopping: Provide a hassle-free shopping experience by selecting pieces that match your clients' needs, preferences, and budget.
• Wardrobe Management: Help clients optimize their existing wardrobe by organizing and curating outfits for different occasions.
• Closet Organization: Transform cluttered wardrobes into functional spaces by categorizing, decluttering, and recommending storage solutions.

You can also explore entrepreneurial ventures, such as:

• Launching a Styling Studio: Open your own boutique or styling consultancy to cater to local or high-end clientele.
• Creating an Online Platform: Build a personal brand through blogs, social media, or YouTube to showcase your styling expertise, attract clients, and even collaborate with fashion brands.
• Developing Styling Courses: Share your knowledge by creating online or in-person courses for aspiring stylists or individuals seeking to enhance their fashion sense.

Success in this field often depends on your ability to network and adapt to trends. Attend fashion events, collaborate with designers, and engage with fashion communities to stay updated and relevant in the industry.

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Personal styling is a dynamic and rewarding career that blends creativity, fashion expertise, and a deep understanding of client needs. Whether you prefer the flexibility of freelancing, the stability of employment, or the diversity of contracting, this field offers limitless opportunities to express your creativity while building a fulfilling career.

By expanding your services to include online styling, personal shopping, wardrobe management, and closet organization, you can attract a diverse clientele and achieve steady growth. With the right mix of expertise, innovation, and a client-focused approach, you can make a lasting impact—helping individuals feel confident and stylish. In the ever-evolving world of fashion, personal stylists have the unique ability to turn style into empowerment—one client at a time.