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What does a Personal Stylist do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A personal stylist is a professional consultant who helps people choose clothing and accessories that are flattering and stylish. They may work with individuals or with groups, and their services may be available online or in person.

Personal Stylist job duties include:

  • Advise clients on what clothing, accessories, and makeup to choose to suit their individual style
  • Help clients select outfits for special occasions
  • Go shopping with clients to help them choose new clothes and accessories
  • Coordinate outfits for photo shoots, events, or other occasions
  • Help clients care for their clothing and maintain their wardrobe
  • Teach clients how to shop for clothes and how to mix and match different items
  • Stay up-to-date on current fashion trends
  • Assist with the styling of hair and makeup
  • Help clients plan their outfits for a week or month in advance

Personal Stylist Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for personal stylists, although many have a degree in fashion merchandising, design, or a related field. Certification is available through the Association of Image Consultants International, but is not required. Most stylists have several years of experience working in the fashion industry in some capacity before becoming a personal stylist.

Personal Stylist Skills

  • Fashion
  • Style
  • Shopping
  • Wardrobe
  • Personal Shopping
  • Outfit Coordination
  • Color Analysis
  • Image Consulting
  • Makeup Application
  • Hair Styling
  • Accessories

Related: Top Personal Stylist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Personal Stylist

A personal stylist is someone who helps people shop for clothing and accessories. They may work with individuals or with groups. Personal stylists may work in a retail setting, such as a department store, or they may work independently.

There are no formal education requirements to become a personal stylist, but many stylists have a background in fashion. Some have worked as salespeople in clothing stores, while others have taken courses in fashion design or merchandising. Many personal stylists also have experience working as models or in the modeling industry.

The best way to learn how to become a personal stylist is to shadow or apprentice with an experienced stylist. Many stylists are happy to share their knowledge with those who are interested in the field. There are also many books and online resources that can teach you the basics of styling.

Once you have some experience, you can start marketing yourself as a personal stylist. You can create a website or blog to showcase your work, and you can also submit articles to fashion magazines and websites. You can also build up a client base by working with local boutiques and salons.

Related: Personal Stylist Resume Example

Related: Personal Stylist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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