7 Fashion Industry Secrets Every New Stylist Should Know

Once dominated solely by a need for beautiful attire, the fashion industry has become increasingly nuanced. It now requires sourcing sustainably produced raw materials and understanding consumer spending, all while interpreting trends and incorporating them into innovative designs.

That’s quite a tall order, and it can seem rather daunting to new stylists. But don’t worry too much about it, because having just a little insider knowledge can give you a competitive edge. We’ve got you covered, with tips for everything from networking to staying in step with trends.

Discover the top 7 fashion industry secrets every new stylist should know.

1. Build a Strong Network

Networking is an essential part of climbing through the ranks in any industry. And it’s just as relevant to the world of high fashion.

As soon as you become a stylist, the need for networking begins. Start attending fashion events where you can meet designers.Join professional organizations in the industry to meet with key players in the fashion world. And leverage social media to make your name known.

2. Stay Updated with Trends

Fashion trends, like all other trends, reflect the changing socio-political and cultural landscapes. They are constantly evolving. And while some trends do return for an encore, they are never exactly the same as the first time around.

It is in your best interest as a stylist to stay up-to-date with these ever-changing lifestyle trends. Fashion magazines and websites, and especially social media fashion influencers, are your daily and weekly go-to for trendspotting.

Fashion weeks and runway shows offer seasonal glimpses into the most relevant sartorial trends that stand out from the rest.

3. Develop a Signature Style

Every stylist has a distinctive signature style. For example, Rachel Zoe’s style leans toward bohemian-chic, while Elizabeth Saltzman’s style is more detailed and polished. Don’t compete with these stylists to Hollywood’s stars. Develop a style that is uniquely yours.

Develop a style that sets you apart. It will make it easier to market your talents and skills and attract the right clients. But to refine your own aesthetic, you must learn to articulate your style identity and style goals.

Which types of silhouettes speak to you, and why? How do color and print enhance your vision of style? What type of statement do you want to make with the outfits you curate? Answer these questions, and you will start to identify your signature style.

4. Master the Art of Personal Branding

You are more than just a stylist, you are a brand. Creating a personal brand is crucial to your career development as a stylist. But it is just as important to promote your brand.

Establish an online presence, with a website and social media account. Social media marketing is proving invaluable to fashion brands big and small.

Build a professional portfolio of high-quality images that you can share across your online platforms. But whatever you do, ensure that you present a consistent brand image. This will ensure that you are easily distinguished from other stylists. It will also help to build trust in your brand.

5. Understand the Business Side

Being a fashion stylist isn’t all glamorous. You’ll have to manage your finances, draw up contracts, and maintain client relationships. Fortunately, you’ll find countless resources online.

Consider doing an introductory course in business skills or basic bookkeeping. These will stand you in good stead when running your business. Alternatively, look for mentorships that will offer you the skills you need from people with experience in the industry.

6. Gain Hands-On Experience

Regardless of how much you’ve learned in your personal stylist training, it is the hands-on experience you gain in the field that will teach you the most.

The more experience you gather, the more expertise you will acquire. These are not the same. Experience is the combined knowledge you amass over time. Expertise, on the other hand, is the higher level of specific skill you gain over that time.

Get some practical experience and start building your expertise. Do this through internships with fashion houses or by assisting established stylists on photographic shoots. This strategy will help you build your professional network and can lead to referrals while you’re still building up your brand.

7. Cultivate Professional Relationships

You must cultivate professional relationships with clients, designers, and other industry professionals.to achieve success, but don’t forget to maintain them. You are now a business, and good client communication and business relationship management are vital to the success of any business.

Business relationships require a high level of professional etiquette. By shadowing other stylists to gain experience, you will have noticed how they communicate with clients and designers. This will give you insights into how you, too, can communicate effectively.

Final Thoughts

These 7 fashion-industry secrets have helped other stylists like yourself successfully navigate the world of fashion. And if utilized properly, they will do the same for you. Because with the right knowledge and the right amount of dedication, anyone can carve out a fascinating career in the fashion industry.

It all comes down to being confident in your own style. As Rachel Zoe famously said, “Style is a way to say who you are, without having to speak”. So make the most of these tips, and allow your unique style to tell the fashion world you’ve arrived.

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With love,

FWO