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20 Stylist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various stylist interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

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Common Stylist Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in styling?

An interviewer might ask "What inspired you to pursue a career in styling?" to a stylist to learn more about their motivations and what drives them to do their job. It can be helpful to know what inspires someone in their work, as it can give insight into their creative process and how they approach their work. Additionally, it can help to understand what drives someone to excel in their field and how they maintain a high level of creativity and passion for their work.

Example: “I've always been interested in fashion and styling. I love putting together different looks and creating new styles. I also enjoy helping people feel good about themselves by finding the right clothes for them.”

What do you think sets your work apart from other stylists?

This question is important because it allows the interviewer to gauge the stylist's self-awareness and ability to articulate their unique value proposition. In order to stand out in a competitive industry, it is important for stylists to be able to articulate what makes their work unique and why potential clients should choose them over other options. By asking this question, the interviewer can get a better sense of the stylist's professional brand and whether they are positioned for success.

Example: “There are many things that set my work apart from other stylists, but one of the most important things is my attention to detail. I take the time to really listen to my clients and understand their unique style needs. I then use my creativity and expertise to put together looks that are not only stylish, but also flattering and functional. My clients always feel confident and beautiful when they leave my chair, and that is the ultimate goal.”

How would you describe your personal style?

An interviewer would ask "How would you describe your personal style?" to a stylist because it is important for the stylist to be able to articulate their own personal style. This will give the interviewer a better understanding of the stylist's taste and aesthetic. Additionally, it is important for the stylist to be able to explain their personal style because they will need to be able to explain it to clients.

Example: “I would describe my personal style as classic and timeless with a modern twist. I love pieces that are both chic and comfortable, and I always try to put my own unique spin on my outfits. I believe that fashion should be fun, and I love experimenting with new trends. However, I also believe in investing in quality pieces that will stand the test of time.”

Who are some of your favorite designers?

An interviewer might ask a stylist about their favorite designers to get a sense of their taste and style. It is important to know the stylist's favorite designers because it can help the interviewer determine if the stylist's taste aligns with the company's aesthetic.

Example: “Some of my favorite designers include Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, and Oscar de la Renta. I love their unique styles and how they always push the boundaries of fashion.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of styling?

There are many aspects to styling, and each stylist has their own priorities. By asking this question, the interviewer is trying to understand what the stylist believes is most important in their work. This can help the interviewer gauge the stylist's level of experience and expertise.

Example: “There are many important aspects of styling, but the most important aspect is probably creating a unique and individualized look for each client. It's important to be able to understand each client's personal style and then be able to create a look that compliments their features and personality.”

How do you go about finding the right clothing for your clients?

One of the main responsibilities of a stylist is to find the right clothing for their clients. This is important because the clothing that a stylist chooses for their clients can either make or break their overall look. If a stylist is able to find clothing that flatters their client's body type and complements their personal style, then they are more likely to create a look that their client will love. On the other hand, if a stylist chooses clothing that is ill-fitting or does not suit their client's taste, then they are likely to end up with an unhappy client. As such, it is crucial that stylists are able to find the right clothing for their clients in order to create looks that will make them look and feel their best.

Example: “There are a few things that I take into consideration when finding the right clothing for my clients. The first is their body type. I make sure to find clothing that flatters their figure and makes them feel comfortable. The second is their personal style. I try to get a sense of what they like and don't like and find pieces that fit their taste. The third is the occasion. I make sure to find the right balance of formal and casual depending on what they need the clothes for. And finally, I consider their budget. I try to find pieces that are affordable but also make them look and feel their best.”

What is your process for creating a unique and stylish outfit?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a stylist. First, they may be trying to gauge the stylist's creativity and see how they approach putting together an outfit. Second, they may be interested in the stylist's process for selecting clothes that are both stylish and flattering to the client's body type. Third, they may be trying to assess the stylist's attention to detail and ability to put together an outfit that is both unique and stylish.

This question is important because it can help the interviewer to understand the stylist's creative process and see how they would approach working with a client. It can also give the interviewer insight into the stylist's ability to select clothing that is both stylish and flattering.

Example: “First, I start by considering the occasion and the client's personal style. Then, I pull items from the closet that I think would work well together. I try to mix and match different pieces to create a unique and stylish outfit that is also appropriate for the occasion. If needed, I may accessorize with jewelry, belts, scarves, or other items to complete the look.”

What do you think are the biggest challenges you face when styling?

One of the main challenges stylists face is finding clothing that fits the client's budget. It is important to find clothing that is stylish and within the client's budget so that they are happy with the final product.

Example: “There are a few challenges that come to mind when styling:

1. Making sure the outfit is flattering and appropriate for the client's body type - this can be a challenge if the client is not open to trying new things or if they have specific requirements (e.g. only wanting to wear dresses).
2. Incorporating the client's personal style into the outfit - this can be tricky if the client's style is very different from your own or if they are unsure of what their personal style is.
3. Ensuring the outfit is within the budget - this can be difficult if the client wants to purchase items that are out of their price range or if they are not willing to invest in key pieces.
4. Putting together an outfit that is both stylish and practical - this can be a challenge if the client has a specific event or occasion in mind that requires them to dress a certain way (e.g. a job interview) but they also need to be able to move around comfortably and without worry of ruining their clothes.”

An interviewer would ask "How do you stay up-to-date with the latest fashion trends?" to a stylist because it is important for a stylist to be aware of the latest fashion trends in order to be able to advise their clients accordingly. Furthermore, it is also important for a stylist to be able to understand the trends and how they might be interpreted and worn in different ways.

Example: “There are a few ways that I stay up-to-date with the latest fashion trends. I read a lot of fashion magazines, both online and offline, and I also follow a lot of fashion bloggers and influencers on social media. Additionally, I often attend fashion weeks and other industry events to see what designers are debuting for the upcoming season. By keeping up with all of these different sources of information, I am able to stay on top of the latest trends so that I can incorporate them into my work as a stylist.”

What are some of your favorite places to shop for clothes?

An interviewer might ask this question to get a sense of the stylist's personal style. It can be important for a stylist to have a strong sense of personal style because it can be helpful in understanding what kind of clothing and accessories will work well for their clients.

Example: “There are a few places that I really enjoy shopping for clothes. One place that I like to shop is Zara. I love that they have trendy clothing at really great prices. Another place that I enjoy shopping is H&M. They also have trendy clothing at great prices. I also like Forever 21 because they always have new arrivals and you can find some really unique pieces there. Lastly, I like to shop at Target because they always have great sales and you can find some really good deals on clothing there.”

What do you think are the best ways to accessorize an outfit?

An interviewer would ask "What do you think are the best ways to accessorize an outfit?" to a/an Stylist in order to get an idea of the Stylist's creative process and fashion sense. It is important for the interviewer to know how the Stylist would approach accessorizing an outfit because it can give insight into the Stylist's overall design aesthetic.

Example: “There are many ways to accessorize an outfit, and the best way depends on the look you're going for. If you want a more polished look, adding a statement necklace or pair of earrings can dress up a simple outfit. If you're going for a more laid-back vibe, try adding a scarf or hat. And if you want to add a pop of color, consider carrying a brightly colored handbag or wearing a colorful belt. No matter what your style, there's an accessory that can help you achieve it.”

How do you think about proportion and scale when styling an outfit?

One of the most important aspects of styling an outfit is proportion and scale. This is because the proportions of an outfit can make or break the entire look. If the proportions are off, the outfit will look either too big or too small. It is important to get the proportions right in order to create a balanced and flattering look.

Example: “When considering proportion and scale when styling an outfit, I think about what will look best on the individual. I take into account their body type and size, and then style the outfit accordingly. For example, if someone has a larger frame, I might choose to pair them with a top that is more fitted or cropped, to help create a balanced look. Or, if someone is petite, I might choose to style them in an outfit with looser, more relaxed pieces to avoid overwhelming their frame. Ultimately, it's all about creating a flattering and proportionate look for the individual.”

What are some of your favorite color combinations to work with?

An interviewer would ask "What are some of your favorite color combinations to work with?" to a stylist because it is important to know what colors the stylist is most comfortable working with. This question allows the interviewer to get a better sense of the stylist's taste and style.

Example: “My favorite color combinations to work with vary depending on the project I'm working on, but some of my favorites include black and white, navy and white, and red and black. I also love working with jewel tones, like emerald green or sapphire blue.”

What do you think is the most important thing to keep in mind when dressing someone for a special event?

An interviewer would ask a stylist "What do you think is the most important thing to keep in mind when dressing someone for a special event?" because it is important to know how the stylist would approach dressing someone for a special event. This question allows the interviewer to gauge the stylist's level of experience and expertise.

Example: “There are a few things to keep in mind when dressing someone for a special event:

1. The event itself - what is the dress code? Is it formal, semi-formal, or casual?
2. The person's body type - what style of clothing will flatter them the most?
3. The person's coloring - what colors will look best on them?
4. The person's personality - what style of clothing will they feel most comfortable in?”

How do you approach styling for a photoshoot?

As a stylist, it is important to be able to approach each photoshoot with a unique and specific vision in mind. This allows you to create looks that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but that also fit the overall tone and theme of the shoot. It is also important to be able to work closely with the photographer and model to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the final results are exactly what everyone was hoping for.

Example: “I approach styling for a photoshoot by first discussing the overall vision and concept with the photographer and/or art director. We then discuss the specific looks we want to achieve and I pull inspiration images to share. From there, I develop a mood board and color palette to guide my selections. I then pull clothing, accessories, and props from my own inventory or from rental houses. I style the looks on the model(s) and make adjustments as needed until everything looks perfect. Finally, I photograph the looks so that the team has a reference for each setup.”

What are some of your tips for choosing the right shoes to complete an outfit?

An interviewer would ask "What are some of your tips for choosing the right shoes to complete an outfit?" to a stylist in order to gain insight into the stylist's process for choosing accessories. It is important to choose the right shoes to complete an outfit because they can make or break the overall look. Wearing the wrong shoes can ruin the proportions of an outfit and make it look unfinished.

Example: “There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right shoes to complete an outfit:

-First, consider the overall style of the outfit. Is it casual or formal? If it's a more casual look, you might want to opt for sneakers or sandals. If it's a more formal look, you might want to choose dress shoes or heels.

-Second, think about the colors in the outfit. You'll want to choose shoes that complement the colors of the clothing. For example, if you're wearing a black dress, you might want to choose black shoes.

-Third, consider the occasion. If you're dressing for a specific event or activity, you'll want to make sure your shoes are appropriate. For example, if you're going to a wedding, you'll want to avoid wearing sneakers.

-Finally, think about your own personal style. Choose shoes that reflect your personal taste and style.”

How do you think about layering clothing when creating an outfit?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a stylist. First, it shows that the interviewer is interested in the stylist's process and how they approach creating an outfit. Second, it allows the interviewer to gauge the stylist's level of expertise and knowledge. Finally, it helps the interviewer understand the stylist's aesthetic and what kind of style they are drawn to.

Example: “There are a few things to consider when layering clothing to create an outfit. The first is the weather and whether you need to layer for warmth or not. If it's cold outside, you'll want to make sure you have a base layer of clothing, like a long-sleeved shirt or turtleneck, followed by a middle layer of something like a sweater or light jacket. You can then add on a third layer, like a coat or scarf, for extra warmth. If it's not cold, you can still layer your clothing, but you'll want to focus more on creating interest and texture with your layers. For example, you might pair a tank top with a cardigan and then add a blazer on top. Or you might wear a dress over pants. There are endless possibilities when it comes to layering clothing, so get creative!”

What are some of your favorite ways to add interest to an outfit?

An interviewer might ask "What are some of your favorite ways to add interest to an outfit?" to a stylist because it is important to know how the stylist can add interest to an outfit. This can be important because it can show the interviewer how creative the stylist is and how they might be able to help create new looks for clients.

Example: “There are many ways to add interest to an outfit, and it really depends on the look you're going for. If you want to add a bit of edge, you could try pairing unexpected items together, like a printed blouse with leather pants. Or, you could try playing with proportions by pairing a cropped top with a full skirt.

If you're looking to add a touch of femininity, you could try adding a ruffle or lace detail to an otherwise simple outfit. You could also try pairing different textures together, like a silk blouse with a wool skirt.

And if you're just looking to add a pop of color or pattern, you could try adding a brightly colored scarf or statement necklace.”

What are some of your go-to pieces when putting together a last-minute outfit?

An interviewer might ask a stylist "What are some of your go-to pieces when putting together a last-minute outfit?" in order to get a sense of the stylist's fashion sense and personal style. It is important for a stylist to be able to put together an outfit quickly and efficiently, without sacrificing style or fashion.

Example: “Assuming you're asking for my personal go-to pieces:

-A black or white tee shirt. They go with everything and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
-A pair of dark wash jeans. Again, they are versatile and can be dressed up or down.
-A cardigan or blazer. This adds a bit of polish to an outfit and can help transition it from day to night.
-A pair of comfortable flats or sneakers. I always want to be comfortable when I'm running around, so these are my go-to shoes.”

What are some of your tips for taking care of clothing so it stays looking its best?

An interviewer might ask "What are some of your tips for taking care of clothing so it stays looking its best?" to a stylist because it is important to know how to properly care for clothing. Clothing can be expensive, and if it is not properly cared for, it will not last as long. Additionally, clothing that is not properly cared for can lose its shape and look less than stylish. Therefore, it is important to know how to properly care for clothing so that it lasts longer and looks its best.

Example: “Some tips for taking care of clothing so it stays looking its best include:

- storing clothing in a cool, dry place
- avoiding exposure to direct sunlight
- using a garment steamer or ironing clothes as needed
- spot cleaning or dry cleaning garments as needed
- folding and hanging clothes properly”

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