What do Personal Stylists do?

Personal stylists can help transform a person into an even better version of themselves, one they feel happier and are more comfortable with. Also known as a wardrobe consultant or image consultant, personal stylists help a range of people, including everyday people and those constantly in the public eye, make choices regarding fashion and their overall look. They can be very helpful for those who are too busy or too unsure of how to change their look, but who want to do so.

Personal stylists will usually work with an individual one-on-one, and will, in most cases, be a freelancer. They work with those in need of updating their look, those in a rut, or those that just need some help developing their own style. It is not always about what the client thinks is best initially; a personal stylist gives recommendations based on the client's desires, body type, lifestyle, and already established fashion likes and dislikes.

An education is not necessary to become a personal stylist, but it can help immensely. Degrees in fashion design or marketing are common in this field. The most important factor is presentation and personality of the stylist, as well as experience. A good place to start can be retail, where a budding stylist can learn about fashion, the industry, how to manage customers, and how to help customers find just what they are looking for.

Good personal stylists need to be friendly and outgoing as well as patient. They need to be able to communicate extremely well, and be able to listen to and compromise on what a client wants and needs. Personal stylists also need to be up-to-date with the latest fashion trends, enjoy shopping, and always market themselves by keeping their look fresh, stylish, and put together.

When working one-on-one, the personal stylist does not simply take her client shopping, pick out a few pieces, and send her on her way. The initial step will usually be a consultation to listen to the needs and wants of the client. The next step may be to go through the client's wardrobe and pull out pieces that do not work, identify pieces that do, and find out what is missing and needs to be purchased. Only then is the client taken shopping to pick out vital pieces, and given detailed instructions on how to make the most of the clothing she has.

Personal stylists may also do special events, such as a wedding or a business meeting, where the client needs to make a positive impression during what could be a life-changing event. Relying on a stylist can help relieve any questions about appearance so the client can focus on what really matters. The guidance can also instill a bit of extra confidence in the client, knowing that she looks her best, which means she can feel her best and present herself accordingly.

A little time and effort investing in a personal stylist may lead to some big and positive changes. Whether the changes are for personal or professional reasons, a personal stylist's recommendations can be useful in the present as well as in the future. The help can make a lasting impact in the overall confidence of the client, which is one of the most important aspects of the job.