What Type Of Stylist Are You ?
With the popularity of styling careers at an all-time high now, there's a demand for stylists more than ever. That means that companies, celebs, and potential clients need people like you to fill that role.
When people think of a stylist they usually think of a celebrity glam squad getting the star ready for the red carpet, but that's just one of the several different paths you can take your career. Stylists are crucial to behind the scenes operations of corporate companies (ie. Net-A-Porter, FarFetch, Nordstrom) to Paris fashion shows to TV show crews and even commercials.
You know those Helpful Honda commercials, guess who had to dress those guys in those blue shirts? Best believe a stylist was on set to make sure those shirts were perfectly tucked into those khakis and got paid a pretty penny to do so. (Hint: Sometimes the least glamorous jobs have the biggest budgets, but that's for another post).
So with all of these possible paths, the question is, which type of stylist do you want to be? You don't have to make up your mind right this second but let's go over your options:
Celebrity/Red Carpet
Probably the most well known of them all, celebrity stylists help their clients get dressed for red carpets, press appearances (to promote their shows/movies), and sometimes even for their daily life. During peak award season, established stylists can command upwards of $10,000 a DAY for celeb clients and most stylists have multiple clients at a time. If their client is promoting a big movie or show, the studios provide these budgets for the stars to look on point.
Fashion Editorial
These are the stylists who create the gorgeous images you see in the glossy magazines. Editorial stylists can work as a salaried member of a magazine or as a freelance contributor. On an editorial team, you work with photographers, hair, MUAs, creative directors to bring the Editor-In-Chief's vision to life for that month's issue.
Commercial (ads+commercials)
Commercial stylists work on print/TV ads. This includes any type of ad you can think of from the car commercial example we previously used to the happy family sitting around the table print ad you see in a cooking magazine. Though not the most glamorous, they comes with big budgets and will pay the bills. These types of jobs usually come through agencies or by word of mouth.
Personal Styling
With the first 3 paths we discussed, you will find those jobs in big cities but you can do personal styling absolutely anywhere. You can style anyone from the "everyday woman" who needs your help finding something to wear to a gala to CEOs who want to convey a more powerful look through their wardrobe. No matter who it is, your job is to bring out their confidence and see their beauty. You can find personal styling clients just about anywhere and you're in control of your rate.
Fashion Shows
You didn't think Karl Lagerfeld designs ten 50-piece collections per year AND styles the runway shows did you? Stylists work alongside fashion houses or independent designers to bring a fresh, new perspective to the collection as well as choosing the right accessories and shoes to bring the entire look together.
TV Wardrobe Styling
Not to be confused with costume designing (the person who creates the look of TV/movie characters by shopping for outfits or designing original character clothing). TV wardrobe stylists can be found dressing news reporters, weather forecasters (have you ever seen a weather girl wear the same thing twice?) or even now, reality shows need stylists. Believe it or not, your favorite Housewives had the help of a stylist picking out her wardrobe all season long and on the finale.
E-Commerce Styling
You know all of those sites you go shopping on? All of them have stylists to make sure clothing, shoes, accessories (jewelry/bags) look appealing to customers. Working for an e-commerce company provides the most consistent income, but be prepared to work under your company's specific guidelines with little to no room for your creative input.
Which area of styling are you most interested in making your mark?