If you’re looking at taking the first exciting steps towards establishing yourself in the world of freelance fashion styling, look no further.
Below are 6 tips designed to get you feeling fabulous and filled with a fetish for freelance fashion.
In Vogue
When considering becoming a freelance fashion stylist, it’s important to be aware of the industry texts and standards. Luckily, fashion industry texts are widely available and recognisable in the form of magazines, blogs, videos and forums. In order to remain as up to date and ahead of the curve as possible, it’s a good idea to read widely and often.
Read the opinions of others while also forming your own sense of aesthetic. If you don’t like something, ask yourself ‘why?’ If there’s a particular aesthetic or trend that appeals to you, it’s just as important to unpack why you’re attracted to it. A little knowledge can go a long way when you’re trying to help others come to terms with their own personal style.
Choose A Course, Of Course
A great way to learn the ins and outs of the fashion styling industry is to take an accredited course. Fashion styling is a growing market, and learning from a professional, experienced stylist can give you an edge over your competitors. Personal stylist courses, like the program offered by Professional Styling Academy, can teach you how to network, how to build lasting contacts, and how to best establish your footing in a growing market.
Free And Easy
While you’re setting up your freelance business, it’s a good idea to develop a small, loyal client base. There’s no better place to start than by offering to provide your services to friends and family. While they receive your newly-honed expertise and guidance, you can ask for their testimonies and personal stories/journeys to be documented as a step in building your professional portfolio.
Building an effective portfolio is a crucial part of achieving success in such a visually and aesthetically driven industry. It’s important to consider the quality of your images, words and outcomes, and the way in which you choose to present them to potential clients. The method in which you present your portfolio is also important – if you’re looking to attract a younger market, consider an online portfolio. An older, more mature market will have other preferred portfolio presentations (an ad in legacy media, for example).
Shine On
In many ways, you will be your own greatest styling success story. Your ability to present yourself in a way which shows off your fashion nous is perhaps the most important first indicator to potential clients of your suitability as a fashion mentor.
Consider your own grooming and presentation as investments in the ongoing success of your business. Small touches, such as well-manicured nails, shiny hair, and lint-free clothing are signs to your clients that you have an eye for small details. They also make you appear more professional and polished.
Where possible, take the time to regularly re-evaluate your skincare and makeup routine. Dated or unsuitable makeup can affect the entire look and appeal of an outfit, while also giving potential clients the wrong impression. If your threads say ‘2017’ while your face says ‘1993’, there’s a change lurking in your near future!
Social Butterfly
How would you describe your social media presence? Are you an Instagram wallflower? Is a tweet something you’ve only ever heard a bird do?
Social media is increasingly effective as both a promotional tool, and as a method of customer contact and referral. Your choice of social media platform, and how you interact with customers is also important. Do your research and try to work out whether you’re a Facebook business or a Pinterest business (or neither). There’s a world of possibility and potential which may come to life with a greater understanding of each platform and its market share.
Be A ‘People Person’
It’s useful to develop a love of people watching.
To silently witness the people around is to conduct a study in potential customers. Ask yourself how you would approach and best help a stranger, and why your instinct makes certain choices and judgements about their style. Fashion styling is almost as much about psychology as it is about aesthetics, having a small grounding in perception can only be a helpful tool.
Freelance fashion styling is an exciting career path filled with opportunities. While there are many potential paths which can be followed, there are ways to make a smoother transition to success. By navigating a few small, strategic steps, you’ll be well on your journey to sartorial success.