All About Styling Resource Preview

HOW TO BE A PROFESSIONAL
FASHION STYLIST & IMAGE CONSULTANT

Stylists can have tremendous influence over the way the public views fashion!
"All About Styling is a great resource for Stylists already working
in the industry and for those wanting to know more about it. As
an established Image Consultant working in the business for 5
years, I will use this resource to keep up with what’s happening in
the industry, build my own professional profile and build relationships
with other Stylists. I will particularly gain value from
using All About Styling as a resource that I can use to find other
Stylists when I cannot fulfill an inquiry, particularly from interstate.
It will also save me time when I can refer budding Stylists
to the site rather than having to respond to their questions about
getting into the industry. I wish something like All About Styling
was around when I was starting my business!"
Sally Mackinnon, Styled by Sally
Lace Bootie by Alaia
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Welcome to All About Styling Resource
How to Be a Professional Fashion Stylist and Image Consultant
Have you always dreamed of becoming a Fashion Stylist or Image Consultant but don't know where to
start? Well, fear not my stylish friend, because this comprehensive resource will answer all of your questions
about becoming a professional Fashion Stylist or Image Consultant.
In this Resource you will find answers to questions such as:
What does a Fashion Stylist do?
What does an Image Consultant do?
How can I become a Fashion Stylist or Image Consultant?
What professional training is available?
How can I gain experience and employment in this field?
How much money can I earn?
In addition there is:
A list of Fashion Styling and Image Consulting courses from across the world that are delivered
both online and in person
A list of additional websites and blogs that you will find useful in your quest to become a Stylist or
Image Consultant
A list of major fashion labels from all around the world
A list of creative Agencies from around the world that employ Professional Stylists
As well as Industry tips, a section on how to self-style, links to videos, interviews, and much more…
We hope you enjoy reading this resource as much as we have enjoyed creating it for you
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What does a Fashion Stylist do?
Fashion Stylist at work
A Fashion Stylist is one of the most popular
emerging professions in the fashion world globally
and is the job title of someone who selects the clothing
and accessories for published editorial features, print or
television advertising campaigns, music videos, concert
performances, and any public appearances made by celebrities,
models or other public figures.
Fashion Stylists are often part of a larger creative
team assembled by the client, collaborating with the
fashion designer,
photographer/director, hair
stylist and makeup artist to put together a particular
look or theme for the specific project.
Fashion Stylists generally borrow and return
clothing and accessories from fashion boutiques
and directly from fashion designers. Items can also be
bought if funds are available. Most boutiques and designers
will want you to leave a deposit or credit card
details in case the garment or accessory becomes damaged
while on loan.
Fashion Stylists may perform the following tasks:
Select items to appear in fashion magazines/media
Select clothing for TV personalities, celebrities or the wardrobe for film or TV characters
Source fashion items and props for photographic shoots or film/TV personalities, or product
placement in fashion magazines/media
Advise on photographic approaches and the selection of locations, props, clothing, models,
makeup artists, photographers, hair stylists and the overall look for photo shoots
Advise and direct the photography of items and clothing selected for promotion.
Liaise with fashion designers, retailers, the media, models/model agencies, photographers,
makeup artists, hairdressers, beauty therapists, personal trainers and the media
Organise and compare fashion parades and events
Write articles on the latest fashion trends
Provide fashion direction to buyers, merchandisers and/or product developers/designers
Speak at events about image and fashion trends
Provide makeup and hair styling services to clients or complete makeup and hair styling on
location for photo shoots
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How do I become a Fashion Stylist?
Fashion styling is one of the most popular emerging professions in the fashion world globally. However
finding work as a fashion stylist is very competitive and one has to work very hard to gain consistent employment
in this field. Unfortunately there are several misconceptions about how to obtain a career as a
fashion stylist - for example:
A Fashion Stylist job is easy to get and can be done by anybody
One can lead a comfortable life after getting a job as a Fashion Stylist
One doesn't have to work very hard to get ahead in this field
It goes without saying that any good fashion stylist must have a passion for fashion and a keen eye
for detail. In addition you must be constantly researching the most recent trends and colour
schemes, be on the lookout for emerging fashion trends and be in the know about fashion labels. It
will help if you watch fashion shows on websites like Vogue, and Fashion TV, read fashion magazines,
fashion blogs and regularly look at top fashion sites like Fashion Gone Rogue.
The Essential skills you will need to gain a career as a successful Fashion Stylist:
Undertake some professional training. While
this is not essential it will not only greatly improve
your credibility, but it will give you a good grounding
in understanding how the industry works and will
definitely open up more doors for you than if you tried
to break into the industry on your own. A good course
should teach you essentials such as fashion history,
cycles and trends, the importance of colour, sourcing
locations, props and outfits, and building your
business amongst other things. There are many
certified courses available today, both online and in
classrooms that can help you become a professional
fashion stylist. Many of them are quite expensive so
please see the page on courses to help you find the
one that is right for you.
Get hands on experience. The best way to do this
is to find and internship with a fashion magazine or an
already established and experienced fashion stylist
who is looking for an assistant. Websites like Free
Fashion Internships, Fashion Jobs and Fashionista
Styling by Elizabeth Sulcer
are great places to find internships all over the world.
You can also call up established fashion stylists
in your area and ask them if they need an assistant. Either way you need to be prepared to work
long and hard for free. An assistant’s responsibilities can vary greatly depending on the stylist and
the assignment. Some are hired only to perform physical labour, such as setting up for a client
fitting or returning samples to a press showroom; others may help the stylist with selecting
wardrobe options, preparing clients for public events, or any other task needed to complete an
assignment.
In addition you will need excellent interpersonal skills, flexibility when it comes to dealing with
different types of clients, a sense of humour, a professional attitude, creativity and the ability to
think outside the box, the ability to work to deadlines, the ability to work in a team, punctuality,
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What does an Image Consultant do?
Image Consultants are paid to show people how to create a fabulous impression, but image is more
than just physical appearance. In addition to how someone looks, we also form impressions based
on how someone talks and behaves.
Image Consultants can therefore offer the kind of advice that can help people land a job, get a promotion,
find someone to love, or just feel good about themselves.
An Image Consultant might recommend wearing different colours or new styles, go through closets
to toss out clothing that isn't working, shop for a new wardrobe, and put together incredible outfits.
They might also advise a change of hairstyle, makeup, or grooming.
An Image Consultant can also serve as liaisons between the client and other professionals who can
improve the client's appearance, such as physical trainers, hairdressers or dermatologists.
Image Consultants can work closely with fashion designers and selected boutiques to develop ensembles
made specifically for the client.
Image Consultants may perform the following tasks:
Assist a client with a makeover, which could
include a colour analysis, wardrobe detox, a new
hairstyle and makeup tips.
Advise people on their vocal communication
(voice, grammar, vocabulary, etc.), non-verbal communication
(handshakes, posture, eye contact, etc.)
and etiquette - from dining to cell phones.
Personal shopping, including purchasing clothing
and accessories on the client's behalf.
Image Consultant at work
Watch the following videos to get more of an insight into being an Image Consultant:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN0V08xRrjM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=KXSTfRB1Uok
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=37&v=p2KhgkZ_ptI
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How do I become an Image Consultant?
Image Consultants have one of the hottest new businesses today, but it is a career path that is also
highly demanding. Below are the essential skills you will need to gain and keep a career as a
successful Image Consultant:
Gain work experience in the fashion, entertainment or corporate industries. Experience in the
following categories is helpful in developing an image consultant career.
Become a member of a professional organization, such as the Association of Image Consultants
International (AICI). You will gain access to training, local chapters, conferences and their image
consultant database.
Enrol in a training course. You can begin with online classes provided by image consulting firms
and move on to a certification program with AICI or another organization. In an industry without a
governing body, certifications can enhance your credentials.
AICI Logo
Find an entry-level job or mentorship. Search listings
for image consultants and offer free work to learn the ropes
of the business. You may want to go outside of your local
area, so that you are not seen as competition to your mentor.
Decide who your target audience will be and what
services you will offer. You will want to choose whether you
will work in the entertainment industry, corporations who
train their executives or another niche market. Develop
your own "recipe for success" in the profession of your
choice to help market yourself to the community
Create a business plan. Any consultant job should be
planned out for at least 5 years, so that you can invest in
start-up costs, begin marketing and plan for business
growth. File applicable business or consulting documents
with your Secretary of State.
Consider starting part-time. It may require 1 to 5 years to build up a client base for full-time work.
You can offer image consulting services after work or on weekends until you have enough clientèle.
Start partnerships with cosmetologists, hair stylists, event planners, real estate firms, businesses,
fashion designers and other professionals. Suggest their services to your clients in exchange for
their referrals.
Invest in marketing materials. A professional website, stationary and pricing materials will identify
you as an expert. Keep a portfolio of success stories for consultations.
As your business grows, invest in more equipment, such as video cameras, virtual makeover
software and materials that clients can take home and review. If you are catering to a corporate
environment, you will want to develop effective presentation skills and materials.
See the end of this resource for a full list of courses from all around the world
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What is a Colour Analysis?
A Colour analysis is the process of determining your natural colour tone so that all clothing,
makeup, hair, and jewellery colours placed near your face will be in harmony with this
tone. When the colours all harmonize, you will look radiant, healthy and fabulous
A personal colour analysis will usually take about 1½ hours
In addition wearing your best colours will:
Make you look healthier, radiant, vibrant, more fabulous (the wrong colours can make you look
tired, sick, pale/washed-out)
Minimize any facial blemishes, discolorations, wrinkles, scars
Draw attention to your eyes
Make your smile whiter and brighter
Ensure your hair colour/highlights flatters your skin tone
Give you confidence
Can save you time and money because you will buy clothing, makeup, shoes, belts, and bags that
all co-ordinate and will look great on you, so you will need less
Watch a video on how to do a colour analysis HERE
Colour analysis chart
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Industry Tips
Tip #1 – How to create a professional looking portfolio
A stylist cannot rely on a job application or résumé to gain work with studios, retailers and individuals.
The stylist's portfolio acts as a demonstration of competency by showing prospective employers the
composition and editing skills of the artist in question. While hair and fashion stylists may learn
technical skills on the job, the ability to build a stylist portfolio is often ignored. The creation of a stylist
portfolio acts as a metaphor for a stylist's ability to turn the average into the extraordinary.
Instructions:
Look at examples of commercial, fashion and student work for your portfolio and taker notice of
the composition, colouring and modeling in the photos.
Hire models from local universities and agencies to pose in new photos for your portfolio. Look for
a diverse group of models who can bring out different elements of hair styles, clothing and stylized
environments to make your portfolio more interesting. Your models should be willing to adjust
hair styles and perform different poses to show your versatility as a stylist.
Find a fashion photographer and locate studio space with sufficient backdrops, lighting and room
to handle your photography sessions. Aspiring stylists should contact local photography studios to
find out rates for renting studio space.
Start to build your portfolio by assembling new and old photos featuring styled objects. Object
work is important for fashion stylists interested in retail work because major retailers advertise
thousands of products in their fliers. If your old work is light on object work, ask your models to
pose with furniture, TVs and other objects to show your artistic sensibilities
Insert fashion photos in your portfolio to show your imagination and composition skills. Fashion
photos are non-commercial in nature, focusing on unorthodox poses and clothing that are
impressions of a designer's ideas rather than actual products. Your ability to match unusual clothing
with background objects and wild hair may impress employers looking for cutting-edge stylists.
Anchor your stylist portfolio with a series of commercial photos that show your ability to bridge
creativity to commerce.
Outsource the creation of your stylist portfolio to an experienced printer in your community. Use a
commercial printer that can reprint images on high-quality paper and use heavy-duty binding to
keep the photos together. Invest in several copies of your portfolio to protect against lost or stolen
documents.
Create an online version of your portfolio to send to prospective employers. Look for a web-hosting
service that can bear high-resolution images and create a simple website that can be viewed around
the clock. In addition to an Internet version of your portfolio, generate a PDF with your images to
send as an email attachment to reviewers.
Websites like Dripbook, Style Portfolios and Behance are not only a great way to see examples of
other fashion stylist's portfolios, but they are great places to add your own online portfolio so others
can find you.
Watch the following videos on How to create a Styling Portfolio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bz2cGWsG8rY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIqCz4wtRJg
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How to Be Your Own Stylist
While being a Fashion Stylist or Image Consultant ultimately means successfully assisting people
with their overall appearance and style, to be a true Artisan at the craft, one needs to be able to
successfully style oneself first. So what are the steps that take us to becoming the perfect self-
Stylist?
Firstly here are some important points that need pondering:
Donna Karan Signatu re Style
What is style? Style is about you
and your relationship to yourself. Fashion is
in the clothes. Style is in the wearer.
What is My SIGNATURE Style?
Find a look that’s all your own based on your
personality, your body and your lifestyle.
Click HERE for more on finding your
Signature Style
Begin with the basics - Building a
wardrobe actually starts with purging. Go
through your closet and toss or donate everything
that doesn’t fit or flatter. Once you’ve
done that, you’ll have a better idea of what
you have to work with and what you need to
put on your shopping list.
Pay attention to detail - There’s a lot more to a look than just a dress, shoes and bag. Reflect on
the total picture when piecing together your ensemble for a meeting, a date or a night out. From lip
and nail colour to hairstyle and even skin tone, the difference between “eh” and “wow” is all in the
little things.
Play dress ups - Experim enting w ith separates, accessories and trends isn ’t the best
way to establish your style; it’s the only way. Rather than rushing in and out of stores like you’re on
a mission, take a Saturday afternoon to invest in yourself and your appearance. Try colours you
haven’t tried before, and be open to new silhouettes and trends. Visit Looklet and Glamstorm –
websites that let you play with fashion concepts for free.
Watch a free 9 part video HERE on how to be you own Fashion stylist
For more on what Style is click HERE
For more on how to be your own Stylist click HERE
For examples of Signature Style click HERE
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Skills of the Successful Self –Stylist
The steps to becoming a successful self-Stylist is understanding the following items and knowing how to
successfully shop for each item:
1: Personal Colour - Are you Autumn, Summer, Spring or Winter? Working out your personal colour
can be somewhat complicated so seeking a professional colour analysis from an Image Consultant can be
a good starting point. For more on personal colour click HERE
For more on the meaning and symbolism of colour click HERE
2: Body Shape and Proportion - Do you have a Pear, Oval, Diamond or Hourglass figure? Knowing this
will help you choose the right kinds of flattering clothes for your shape. For more on body shape click
HERE
Body shapes
3: Hair and makeup - Do you know how to
style your hair and apply makeup to give your
outfit that polished and flawless look? While
your outfit might look great, if your hair and
makeup aren't up to scratch all that hard selfstyling
work will be a complete waste. Doing a
basic hair/makeup course is a great way to
learn professional tips so that you always look
your best.
4: Perfect Fit - Do all your clothes fit you perfectly
or are your pants too loose and your
jackets too tight? While the perfect pants,
dress and blazer may seem elusive, it's just a
matter of knowing what to look for in the
dressing room. For more on perfect fit click
HERE
5: Style Personality - Many of us are across
several style personalities, and we often
change over time as we age. For more on style
personality click HERE. What type of style is
your personality more suited to? Casual,
Classic, Feminine, Creative or Minimalist?
6: Shoes and Accessories - Like hair and makeup, shoes and accessories can either make or break a great
outfit. Again it's important to know how to accessorize to bring out the best in every outfit you wear or
simply change it in a moment's notice with the help of some basic accessories. For more on why accessories
matter click HERE
7: Wardrobe detox - It’s surprising to discover that women only wear 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the
time. If you are one of these women then a wardrobe detox is probably what you need to get rid of the
clothes you no longer belong in your wardrobe. While you can pay a professional to assist you do a wardrobe
detox, you can also follow the golden rules and undertake the arduous task yourself. For more on a
wardrobe detox click HERE
NB: If you're one of the rare few w ho think that im age doesn't m atter, try shopping at a
fine store dressed in what you would normally wear to clean your basement or move furniture. Then visit
the same store looking well-groomed and wearing your best suit. Chances are the staff will treat you
quite differently!
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We hope you enjoyed this informative and in-depth resource on how to be a
Professional Fashion Stylist and Image Consultant
Follow us on Youtube to check out more great Fashion Styling and Image Consulting videos
For all enquiries please email us allaboutfashionstyling@gmail.com
Sources:
Advancing Women
Australian College of Professional Styling
Careertrend
E-how, E-how, E-how, E-how
Ezine, Ezine
Sterling Style Academy
The Fashion Design Manual by Pamela Stecker
That's your Color
Videojug
Wikipedia, Wikipedia
Wikihow
Wisegeek
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