Hiring a Personal Stylist
Personal stylists are image consultants who are usually hired by individuals who are looking for a unique image overhaul and establish a distinct signature style. They help their clients put together outfits and make fashion choices and decisions about their image. These professionals create the most suitable look by choosing clothes and accessories that fit clients’ body types and individual needs. They provide insights on what accessories will complement a particular outfit, what color will suit the client, among other considerations. In addition, they provide assistance with hair and makeup. Even though personal stylists get hired by employers ranging from digital-native platforms and brick and mortar retailers to parts of the entertainment industry, most of them are freelancers or self-employed and work with high profile and high net worth individuals. Sometimes they work on short assignments but may also be hired for long-term personal styling gigs. These styling experts earn an average of $51,117 annually, with a wide range lying from $28,000 to $110,000, including bonuses and commissions. Personal stylists commonly get jobs through client referrals and hence need to build a strong network of clients. With the right kind of experience, these stylists can go on to land gigs as celebrity fashion stylists or as stylists for print and television media.
Tasks crucial to the role
It is essential for a personal stylist to identify clients' tastes and accordingly tailor a look. Some of the typical tasks that a stylist handles include: selecting and purchasing personal style items, such as clothes, shoes, and accessories; providing hair and makeup advice; assessing the client’s existing style, making improvements, and scheduling beauty salon appointments. They are also required to collaborate with suppliers of clothing and make-up, keep abreast of the latest trends and colors by conducting online research and watching fashion channels, and help the client in wardrobe organization.
Requirements of a personal stylist
Personal stylists usually do not need formal education and often gather experience by advising friends and family until they build up a portfolio of clients. Employers, whether they are retailers or individuals, sometimes prefer the candidates to have qualifications in fashion, make-up, or a related discipline or a professional certification offered by fashion schools. Prior experience in the fashion industry can also be advantageous. It is essential for applicants to have knowledge of brands, materials, prints, and styles, to be highly skilled in identifying present and future trends, and to be creative while sourcing and assembling outfits that are on the cutting edge of fashion. Some of the key qualities that employers look at are creativity, a keen eye for beauty and style, confidence, the ability to make decisions under pressure, and strong attention to detail. A successful personal stylist should not only be mindful of the client’s preferences but also be adept at working within budget constraints. They should be adaptable and be willing to travel and work flexible hours. Good time management skills, commitment to timelines, and excellent communication skills are other must-haves.
