The Road to Becoming a Fashion Stylist
Photo: Patrick McMullan
Stylist / Designer Rachel Zoe with client Kate Bosworth
Do your friends often ask you to help put outfits together for them because they are impressed with your eye for fashion? When you watch the Oscars do you think ‘Oh no that look is all wrong!’? Maybe you’re meant to become a Fashion Stylist!
Fashion Stylists, also called Wardrobe stylists, and often Celebrity Stylists, are responsible for the head to toe look of their clients. Some Stylists build their client’s day-to-day wardrobe, but most are just retained for major events, parties, music videos, and cover shots. Fashion Stylists often create their own client base to work with for these specific events, while others are employed with magazines, TV shows, or other media – and work with their guests.
You likely won’t be able to jump right into being a Fashion Stylist however – and the route you take to get there can vary. You need to show an aptitude for colour and style, and some sort of education is generally recommended. Careers in Fashion Styling typically start a two to four year degree program followed by an internship in styling, or another related fashion job. Although some schools offer specific programs in styling and similar fields, you don’t necessarily need a specific fashion degree - there are some other ways to get into the game.
Reality show star, and designer Rachel Zoe started off with a Psychology degree before she became an editor, then a stylist. Erin Walsh, stylist to Kerry Washington and Sarah Jessica Parker, received a Bachelor in Theatre Arts before she started her job in the fashion department at Vogue.
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Look for courses and degrees which interest you, and can be translated into
a unique perspective when you start your fashion career. Anything artistic – particularly arts, visual design, fashion merchandising, or business related education is a great first step. If you are just starting out, a 2 year program from a recognized program might just be enough to get your foot in the door. The rest is up to you! Have fun, we wish you the best of luck!
