What does a Fashion Stylist do?

A Fashion Stylist’s work centers around creating a particular style or look using clothing and accessories. Fashion Stylists might work for Fashion Designers, clothing labels, department stores or media outlets. They may help public figures create a specific appearance or work with several private clients.

A Fashion Stylist who works for a fashion label might put together outfits for fashion shows or photo shoots for advertising campaigns. A Personal Fashion Stylist helps clients identify their style and build a wardrobe showcasing it. When working with a public figure, a Stylist may use fashion to create a persona or reinforce positive feelings about the figure.

Fashion Stylist skills and qualifications

Some skills for your Stylist job description may include:

• Knowledge of fabrics, patterns, color schemes and clothing details

• Ability and willingness to stay current on changing fashion trends

• Familiarity with different body types and flattering designs

• Creativity and vision

• Collaborative skills and willingness to work with Designers, Photographers and Directors

• Active listening and verbal communication skills

• Organizational skills

• Problem-solving and flexibility

Fashion Stylist experience requirements

It’s common for a Fashion Stylist job description to list experience in the field as a requirement. This may involve work as a full-time employee or intern. Some organizations may accept related experience, such as working as an Associate in a boutique or as a Personal Shopper. Work experience in buying, inventory management, merchandising or designing may also be helpful.

Fashion Stylist education and training requirements

While a Fashion Stylist doesn’t need an advanced degree, some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in fashion, merchandising, design or a similar field.

Skills-based hiring may also be suitable for your company. Consider reviewing candidates’ portfolios and developed skills instead of their prior education.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the Fashion Stylist job description isn’t what your company needs, try one of these similar job description examples:

• Fashion Designer

• Merchandiser

• Retail Buyer

Fashion Stylist job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Fashion Stylist and a Fashion Designer?

A Fashion Designer creates clothing and accessories. They conceptualize the designs, make sketches, decide which fabrics to use and figure out how to assemble them. Fashion Stylists work with clothing and accessories that are already designed. They put different pieces together to create a specific look. Both roles require creativity and knowledge of the fashion industry.

What makes a good Fashion Stylist?

A Fashion Stylist generally needs to understand the fashion industry. It may be helpful if candidates are flexible and willing to try different concepts to align with various designers and companies. Good communication can also enable the Fashion Stylist to understand their clients’ requests and explain their vision.

How do you attract talent with your Fashion Stylist job description?

When you write a Stylist job description, include your brand voice to ensure candidates know what your company represents. Detail the duties of a Fashion Stylist with your brand, what types of clients they may work with and what projects they may style. You might also mention the perks of the job, such as receiving free clothing samples, attending fashion events or traveling for styling jobs.

What should you look for in a Fashion Stylist?

You may check for previous fashion industry experience to look for knowledge of the market. A fashion internship can take the place of full-time work. You could also ask for a portfolio to assess a candidate’s styling abilities.