From working with celebrity clients to styling models for photo shoots, a fashion stylist career provides exciting opportunities to share your passion for style with a variety of interesting people. There are many different arenas in which fashion stylists use their talents, from music videos to advertisements to TV shows and movies. They may also work with designers or public relations experts.

Good fashion stylists know how to accentuate the positive attributes of the people they dress. Choosing the right outfit to flatter someone—in a way that is appropriate for each event—is an art. Fashion styling requires extensive knowledge of the fashion industry and a knack for matching your clients with the clothing that will support the image they want to project.

Tasks:

1. Select items to appear in fashion magazines/media
2. Select clothing for TV personalities, celebrities or the wardrobe for film or TV characters
3. Source fashion items and props for photographic shoots or film/tv personalities, or product placement in fashion magazines/media
4. Advise on photographic approaches and the selection of locations, props, clothing, models, makeup artists, photographers, hair stylists and the overall look for photo shoots
5. Liaise with fashion designers, retailers, the media, models/model agencies, photographers, makeup artists, hairdressers, beauty therapists, personal trainers and the media
6. Organise and compare fashion parades and events
7. Speak at events about image and fashion trends
8. Provide makeup and hair styling services to clients or complete makeup and hair styling on location for photo shoots

Key skills for Stylists:

• Fashion Knowledge and Adventurous Style – When putting together a look, fashion stylists must consider a number of factors, such as color and fit. Knowing what clothes will flatter a variety of body types is important in fashion styling. Successful fashion stylists see the possibilities in clothing. They can take conventional pieces and use them in unconventional ways. They are clothing innovators.
• Ability to Communicate – Fashion stylists need to be able to find the compromise between their own style and opinions and their clients' wants and needs. They need to be able to influence without overpowering.
• Business Sense – Most fashion stylists are self-employed, so they need to be able to run their own businesses. They must maintain client relationships and handle administrative tasks or hire others to do them.

Average Salary (2013):

United Kingdom: £19,500 to £37,050 per year
United States of America: $45,099 per year
Australia: AU$51,679 per year

Qualifications and training required:

Many employers prefer a minimum of a two-year degree for fashion stylist positions. Several colleges offer associate's degree programs in fashion merchandising, which can provide aspiring stylists with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the industry. Classes include the science of textiles, history of fashion, visual merchandising, and retail buying. Programs may involve experiential learning, such as speaking with local fashion businesses and attending fashion meetings. Students may be required to complete internships and/or assemble portfolios by the time of graduation.

Some employers prefer individuals with bachelor's degrees.