Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. It should align with your passions, skills, and aspirations. Turning high fashion concepts into wearable, meaningful and authentic wardrobes, personal styling is one of the most rewarding jobs in the industry. Ever wondered whether your love for fashion goes beyond curating your own outfits? Here are five key elements all successful personal stylists share.
1. You Have a Passion for Fashion
We’re not just talking about a love for shopping. Creating Pinterest boards, keeping up to date with current runways and admiring iconic, vintage ones…if your passion for fashion runs deeper than most people’s, personal styling could very easily be your calling. Like most within the community, you know that fashion isn’t just clothing; it’s an essential, day-to-day art form that allows people to express their individuality, mood, creativity and more.
2. You Have a Keen Eye for Detail
Personal styling isn’t just about knowing what looks good; it’s also about understanding why something looks good. It requires an eye for detail, from how each item frames the body to how the entire outfit looks and blends together. If you have a taste for the finer details and often notice things others might overlook, you’re likely well-suited for a career in personal styling.
Attention to detail is important because it’s the small things that make a big difference in what a person’s outfit evokes. Understanding all about fabric, stitching, and delicate details will help you create cohesive looks that meet your clients’ needs. This skill also involves being able to spot quality in clothing, ensuring that your clients invest in pieces that stand the test of time, no matter their budget.
Knowing how to balance different elements within an outfit, such as textures, patterns, and proportions, also shows your deep understanding of styling. Your ability to personalise looks based on a client’s lifestyle, body type, and preferences demonstrates your commitment to making fashion accessible for everyone.
3. You Love Helping Others
At its core, personal styling is about helping individuals feel confident and express themselves through fashion. If assisting others and seeing them thrive comes naturally to you, this career path will be very rewarding. Personal stylists often work one-on-one with clients, creating lasting relationships and understanding their unique needs and preferences.
Helping others look their best involves more than just picking out clothes. It’s about boosting their self-esteem and making them feel and look their best, most authentic selves. Your ability to empathise with clients and understand their personal and professional goals will make you a trusted advisor in their fashion journey. For instance, guiding someone through a wardrobe transformation for a new job or special event can be incredibly fulfilling.
In addition, working as a personal stylist often means you’re part counsellor, part confidant, and part coach! Your role is to listen actively, provide constructive feedback, and encourage clients to step out of their comfort zones.
4. You’re Adaptable and Love Challenges
Fashion is an ever-evolving industry, and personal stylists must be able to adapt to changing trends and client needs. Personal styling will keep you engaged and excited if you thrive in dynamic environments and don’t shy away from solving challenges. Whether it’s creating a new look for a client or staying ahead of the latest trends, this career offers constant variety and excitement.
Adapting to new trends and client demands means being flexible and creative. The ability to quickly assess a situation and come up with innovative solutions is essential. Whether it’s a last-minute wardrobe emergency or a complete style overhaul, your adaptability will be key to your success. For instance, you might need to quickly assemble a look for a client’s impromptu media appearance or find a creative way to repurpose existing wardrobe pieces to fit a new fashion trend.
Moreover, the fashion industry’s fast-paced nature means you must continuously educate yourself on emerging trends, materials, and technologies. Staying current through fashion shows, industry publications, and networking with other professionals keeps you at the forefront of the industry, ensuring you can provide the best advice and solutions to your clients.
5. You’re Business-Minded
Running your own styling business requires more than just fashion knowledge. You need to be able to handle marketing, client relations, finances, and day-to-day management. Your proactive mindset will drive you to seek out new opportunities and grow your brand in the fashion industry. For example, you might build an Instagram or TikTok following to showcase your work, connect with new clients and build a positive reputation. We teach you this essential skill as part of our training.
Additionally, building a personal brand involves developing a unique skill set and identity that sets you apart from the rest. This could be a signature styling technique, a focus on sustainable fashion, or specialised services for a specific audience. By understanding your niche and communicating your value to potential clients, you set the foundation for a successful business.
Getting Started with London College of Style
If these signs resonate with you, it’s time to take the first step towards your dream career. The London College of Style offers comprehensive courses that can equip you with the skills, knowledge, confidence and real-life experience to become a valued community member. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your career, LCS has a program that can help you achieve your goals.
Embark on your journey today and transform your passion for fashion into a fulfilling and dynamic career in personal styling.