What does a fashion stylist do?

What is a Fashion Stylist?

A fashion stylist puts together outfits and creates a specific look for people, photo shoots, television shows, movies, or events. They choose clothing, accessories, hairstyles, and makeup to help a person look their best or to fit a certain theme or mood. Fashion stylists need to know what’s trendy, what flatters different body types, and how to combine pieces to create a strong visual impression.

Some fashion stylists work with celebrities, helping them get dressed for red carpet events, concerts, or public appearances. Others work on magazine photo shoots or fashion campaigns, coordinating with photographers, makeup artists, and designers to create a certain style or concept. Stylists also work behind the scenes on movies and television sets, making sure every outfit fits the story and character.

What does a Fashion Stylist do?

Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of a fashion stylist can vary depending on where they work and who they work with, but here are some common tasks:

• Client Consultation: Meet with clients to understand their style preferences, body type, and the purpose of the styling—whether it's for a photoshoot, event, or everyday wear.
• Wardrobe Selection: Choose clothing, accessories, and footwear that suit the client's needs, the occasion, and the desired look or theme.
• Trend Research: Stay up to date with current fashion trends, designers, and seasonal styles to make informed styling choices.
• Outfit Coordination: Put together complete looks by combining pieces in a way that is flattering, stylish, and appropriate for the situation.
• Fitting and Tailoring: Arrange fittings to ensure proper sizing and work with tailors or designers to make adjustments when needed.
• Collaboration: Work closely with photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, and fashion brands to create a cohesive final look for photoshoots or public appearances.
• Shopping and Sourcing: Shop for new pieces or borrow clothing from designers and showrooms, often working under tight deadlines and budgets.
• On-Set Styling: Be present during shoots or events to make quick adjustments, fix wardrobe issues, and ensure everything looks polished.

Types of Fashion Stylists
Fashion stylists can specialize in different areas depending on their interests and the clients they serve. Here are some common types of fashion stylists:

• Personal Stylist: Works one-on-one with individuals to help them develop their personal style, choose outfits, and build a wardrobe that suits their lifestyle and body type.
• Celebrity Stylist: Styles actors, musicians, and public figures for red carpet events, press appearances, concerts, and other public outings.
• Editorial Stylist: Creates fashion looks for magazines, websites, and advertising campaigns. They often work with photographers and creative teams to bring a specific vision or theme to life.
• Commercial Stylist: Styles models or actors for commercials, catalogues, and brand promotions. The focus is on selling products rather than expressing a high-fashion concept.
• Wardrobe Stylist (Film & TV): Puts together outfits for characters in movies, television shows, or theater productions. Their goal is to help tell the story through clothing that fits the character and setting.
• Runway Stylist: Prepares models for fashion shows, ensuring that each look is styled correctly and fits the designer's overall vision for the collection.
• Virtual Stylist: Offers styling advice and outfit recommendations online, often working with clients remotely through photos or video calls.

What is the workplace of a Fashion Stylist like?

The workplace of a fashion stylist can be quite dynamic and changes depending on the type of work they do. Some stylists spend their time in studios or on location at photoshoots, where they help models or clients get dressed and ensure the clothing looks perfect for the camera. Others may work in retail stores or personal styling agencies, meeting with clients in fitting rooms or private consultation areas to offer fashion advice and outfit choices.

Fashion stylists often work behind the scenes at fashion shows, red carpet events, and film or television sets. These environments are fast-paced and sometimes stressful, requiring quick thinking and problem-solving to handle wardrobe malfunctions or last-minute changes. Stylists working in these settings need to be highly organized and ready to adapt at any moment.

Many stylists also spend time sourcing clothing, shopping at boutiques or showrooms, or working remotely. They may coordinate with designers, photographers, or brands through email or video calls. Freelance stylists, in particular, often juggle multiple clients and projects, making their schedules unpredictable. While the job can be glamorous at times, it also involves long hours, physical work like steaming clothes or carrying garment bags, and strong attention to detail.