How to Be Wardrobe Stylist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 26, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Working as a Wardrobe Stylist can be a very rewarding job. When successful, it can lead to an increased sense of creativity, satisfaction, and even financial success. The Wardrobe Stylist is responsible for selecting clothing and accessories to help create the desired look for their clients.

By understanding their clients' style and body type, they can create outfits that not only look good but are also flattering and age-appropriate. To achieve success, a Wardrobe Stylist must have excellent knowledge of fashion trends, be able to work with a variety of budgets, and be able to communicate effectively with their clients. With these skills, a Wardrobe Stylist can create unique and stylish looks that make their clients look and feel their best.

Steps How to Become

Earn a college degree. Many wardrobe stylists have a bachelor's degree in fashion merchandising, fashion design, fashion marketing, or a related field.
Gain experience. Consider working as an intern in the fashion industry to gain insight into the wardrobe styling business.
Build a portfolio. Take photos of yourself styling models or friends, and create a portfolio of your work to show potential clients.
Network with fashion industry professionals. Connect with people in the fashion industry to learn more about the wardrobe styling business and make connections that can lead to job opportunities.
Promote your services. Create a website or blog to showcase your work and market yourself as a wardrobe stylist.
Stay current on fashion trends. Monitor fashion magazines, websites, and blogs to stay up to date on the latest trends in clothing and accessories.

As a wardrobe stylist, it is important to stay ahead of the trends in the fashion industry and maintain a high level of knowledge and skill in order to remain qualified. One of the best ways to do this is to constantly educate yourself on new fashion trends and styles, attend fashion shows and conferences, and network with other industry professionals. staying up to date with the latest technology and software used in the industry is essential for keeping up with the competition.

Finally, investing in specialized wardrobe styling courses or workshops can be a great way to develop additional skills and stay ahead of the curve. By taking these steps, wardrobe stylists can remain well-qualified and be prepared for the changing demands of the fashion industry.

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Job Description

Demonstrate a passion and knowledge of fashion trends to clients.
Consult with clients to determine their individual style, body type, and needs.
Assist clients in selecting clothing, accessories, and hairstyles that flatter their body type and reflect their personal style.
Collaborate with photographers, fashion designers, and makeup artists to create a cohesive look for photoshoots and fashion shows.
Create innovative looks for music videos, award shows, and other special events.
Provide advice on color coordination, fabric textures, and jewelry selection.
Ensure that garments fit properly and make alterations as needed.
Create looks that are appropriate for the occasion or event.
Source items from designers, stores, thrift shops, and online retailers.
Coordinate with hair and make-up professionals to complete the overall look.
Retouch photos using Adobe Photoshop and other software programs.
Develop mood boards to illustrate concepts and ideas to clients.
Stay up-to-date on fashion trends and emerging labels.
Maintain a positive working relationship with clients and vendors.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of current fashion trends
Creative styling ability
Ability to interpret clients individual style
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to assess body shape and proportions
Expertise in color coordination
Knowledge of fabrics and textures
Eye for detail
Time management and organization skills
Knowledge of fashion industry
Ability to work with a range of budgets
Knowledge of different clothing brands and stores
Knowledge of garment care
Ability to network with other professionals in the fashion industry
Proficiency in computer software such as Adobe Photoshop and InDesign

Having a keen eye for fashion is essential for wardrobe stylists. Having an understanding of the latest trends, color combinations and fabrics are key to helping clients find their desired look. Knowing how to mix and match different clothing pieces, accessorize and create unique looks is also essential.

Strong organizational skills are necessary to keep track of the different clothing and accessories needed for styling sessions. Interpersonal skills are also important for wardrobe stylists to be able to connect and communicate with clients, understand their needs and preferences, and provide suggestions that will make them feel confident and look their best. Creative problem solving is also an important skill for wardrobe stylists as they often have to come up with solutions to unexpected problems that arise during styling sessions.

Finally, the ability to multitask and stay organized will help keep wardrobe stylists on top of their game.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have styling wardrobes?
How do you stay on top of the latest trends in fashion?
What techniques do you use to build a wardrobe for a client?
How do you work with clients to identify their individual style preferences?
What challenges have you faced when styling wardrobes?
How do you handle difficult clients and difficult wardrobe requests?
How do you select pieces that flatter and enhance each individuals body type?
How do you handle budget constraints when styling wardrobes?
How do you stay organized and manage multiple clients at once?
What would you consider your greatest strength as a wardrobe stylist?

Common Tools in Industry

Clothing Racks. Clothing racks provide a convenient way for wardrobe stylists to store and organize clothing items. (eg: rolling garment racks, adjustable height garment racks)
Mannequins. Mannequins are used to display clothing items and to help wardrobe stylists create looks. (eg: torso mannequins, full-body mannequins)
Clothing Steamer. Clothing steamers are used by wardrobe stylists to remove wrinkles and freshen up clothing before a photo shoot. (eg: handheld garment steamer, table top steamer)
Sewing Kit. Wardrobe stylists use sewing kits to make quick repairs to clothing items. (eg: needle and thread, fabric scissors, buttons)
Garment Bags. Garment bags are used by wardrobe stylists to store and transport clothing items. (eg: hanging garment bags, waterproof garment bags)
Clothing Hangers. Clothing hangers are used to hang clothing items and keep them wrinkle-free. (eg: wooden hangers, velvet hangers)
Fabric Dye. Fabric dyes are used by wardrobe stylists to dye fabric in order to create a specific look or to match a particular color palette. (eg: liquid fabric dyes, powdered fabric dyes)
Iron and Ironing Board. An iron and ironing board are essential tools for wardrobe stylists who want to keep clothing items looking sharp and wrinkle-free. (eg: steam iron, travel ironing board)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Image Consultants International (AICI)
Fashion Group International (FGI)
American Association of Professional Image Consultants (AAPIC)
Professional Association of Image Consultants (PAIC)
International Image Consultants Network (IICN)
International Association of Stylists and Image Professionals (IASIP)
American Society of Image Consultants (ASIC)
National Association of Image Consultants (NAIC)
International Association of Professional Wardrobe Stylists (IAPWS)
Professional Photographers of America (PPA)

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Common Important Terms

Personal Shopper. A professional who shops for clothing and accessories for their clients, typically based on their individual preferences.
Image Consultant. A professional who provides advice and guidance on a persons overall look and style.
Color Analysis. A process where a professional helps to determine the best colors to wear based on a persons skin tone, hair color, and eye color.
Closet Organization. A process of organizing a closet to maximize space and create an efficient storage system.
Accessories. Items that can be worn to add detail, color, and texture to an outfit.
Visual Merchandising. The practice of displaying merchandise in a store in an attractive way to encourage customers to make purchases.
Textiles. Materials used in clothing and accessories that come in a variety of fabrics, textures, and patterns.
Branding. The use of logos, slogans, images, and other visual cues to create an identity for a company or product.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Wardrobe Stylist?

A Wardrobe Stylist is a professional who works with clients to select clothing, accessories, and hairstyles that are appropriate for their particular needs, such as a special occasion, photoshoot, or performance.

What qualifications do Wardrobe Stylists need?

Wardrobe Stylists typically need at least a high school diploma and an eye for fashion and style. Some may possess a degree in fashion styling, design, or merchandising. Additionally, they should possess knowledge of the current trends and be well-connected with the fashion industry.

What are the responsibilities of a Wardrobe Stylist?

The primary responsibility of a Wardrobe Stylist is to advise clients on clothing and accessories that enhance their look. This may include selecting items from stores or from the client's own closet, organizing items for photoshoots, and styling hair and makeup. Additionally, Wardrobe Stylists may be required to create a budget for clothing and accessories and manage inventory.

How much does a Wardrobe Stylist make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Wardrobe Stylists in 2018 was $42,150. However, wages can vary depending on experience and location.

What skills are necessary to become a successful Wardrobe Stylist?

Successful Wardrobe Stylists must possess strong interpersonal skills in order to communicate effectively with clients. Additionally, they should be highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks at once. Knowledge of current trends in fashion, design, and merchandising is also essential. Finally, they should have an eye for detail and be able to create stylish looks that suit their clients' needs.

Web Resources

Digital Wardrobe Stylist | UC Berkeley School of Information www.ischool.berkeley.edu
EMBA Program Helps Wardrobe Stylist and ... - Saint www.stmarys-ca.edu
Wardrobe Stylist - teenvogue.parsons.edu teenvogue.parsons.edu