If you dream of transforming people’s lives through fashion, becoming a personal stylist, image consultant or style coach might seem like the perfect career for you. However, like any profession, personal styling is surrounded by myths and misconceptions that can deter or mislead aspiring stylists. Today, I'm here to set the record straight and give you the real scoop on what it takes to thrive in this exciting field.
Myth 1: You Need a Formal Education in Fashion to Be a Stylist
Reality Check: While having a degree in fashion or related fields can be beneficial, it's not a strict requirement. Many successful personal stylists have backgrounds in various disciplines and have built their careers through experience, passion, and continuous learning. Online courses, certifications, and hands-on experience can also pave the way for a successful career.
Focus on developing a keen eye for style, understanding body types, and keeping up with fashion trends. Practical experience often outweighs formal education in this creative industry.
Myth 2: You Need a License to Be a Personal Stylist
Reality Check: Unlike certain professions, being a personal stylist does not require a specific license or certification. This also applies to being an image consultant, fashion stylist, or style coach. While formal training and certifications can enhance your credibility and skills, they are not mandatory and there is no governing body for the style and image industry.
Myth 3: Personal Stylists Only Work with Celebrities
Reality Check: While some personal stylists do work with celebrities, the vast majority work with everyday people who need help enhancing their wardrobe. Your clients could range from busy professionals to stay-at-home parents, all seeking to improve their personal style and confidence.
The demand for personal styling services has grown significantly with the rise of personal branding and social media. More people recognize the importance of looking their best, whether for career advancement or personal satisfaction.
Myth 4: You Have to Live in a Fashion Capital to Succeed
Reality Check: Thanks to technology, you can be a successful personal stylist from virtually anywhere. While being in cities like New York, Paris, or Milan might offer more opportunities, many stylists thrive in smaller cities or even work remotely.
Virtual styling services have become increasingly popular, allowing you to consult with clients worldwide. Platforms like Zoom and social media have made it easier than ever to showcase your work and reach a broader audience.
Myth 5: Personal Styling is All About Shopping
Reality Check: Personal styling is much more than just picking out clothes. It involves understanding your client's lifestyle, body type, and personal preferences. A significant part of the job is educating clients on how to dress themselves, providing wardrobe management, and sometimes even offering emotional support and confidence coaching.
Building a successful styling business requires strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to connect with clients on a personal level.
Myth 6: You Need an Expensive Wardrobe to Be a Stylist
Reality Check: Being a personal stylist is about understanding style, not about having a closet full of designer clothes. Your skill lies in creating looks that make your clients feel confident and look their best within their budget.
Styling is about making smart choices, mixing high and low fashion, and maximizing the potential of what clients already own. You don’t need to wear expensive clothes to demonstrate your styling prowess.
Myth 7: Personal Styling is a Glamorous Job
Reality Check: While there are certainly glamorous moments, personal styling is hard work. It involves long hours, lots of planning, and sometimes physically demanding tasks like organizing wardrobes or shopping for extended periods.
Behind the scenes, it’s about managing a business, marketing your services, and continuously educating yourself on the latest trends and techniques. The reward is in seeing the positive impact you have on your clients’ lives, not just the glamorous moments.
Myth 8: Personal Stylists Don’t Need a Business Plan
Reality Check: Like any business, personal styling requires a solid business plan. You need to define your target market, create a marketing strategy, set financial goals, and manage your business operations.
Having a clear plan helps you stay focused and measure your progress. It’s also essential for securing funding if you need it and for guiding your business decisions.
Myth 8: Success Comes Overnight
Reality Check: Building a successful personal styling career takes time, effort, and patience. You’ll need to build your portfolio, gain experience, and establish a client base. Networking, continuous learning, and persistence are key.
Many successful stylists started small, offering free or discounted services to build their reputation. Over time, word-of-mouth referrals and a strong online presence can help you grow your business.
Becoming a personal stylist is a rewarding career that allows you to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. By debunking these myths, we hope you feel more informed and inspired to pursue your passion. Remember, success in this field comes from a blend of creativity, business savvy, and a genuine desire to help others look and feel their best.
For more tips and insights on becoming a successful personal stylist, listen to The Business of Style Podcast on Apple or Spotify. And, if you're ready to follow your dream and become a personal stylist, enroll now in the personal stylist certificate program.
Happy Styling!
Louisa 💕