You know those people who always seem to be dressed perfectly, whether running to the grocery store or attending a black-tie event? They likely have a stylist or have committed their look to a particular fashion designer or niche. Fashion stylists and designers are responsible for creating or curating an individual's clothing choices to create a specific image or look. 

For stylists, this might mean selecting pieces for a photo shoot, putting together an outfit for a public appearance, or helping everyday people build a stylish and functional wardrobe for fashion designers, starting from scratch and creating new looks, designs, and clothing for the fashion industry. 

Whether you aspire to be a fashion designer or have committed to the pathway to becoming a stylist, there are benefits to both, and both hold an incredible opportunities for creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs. 

What career opportunities for stylists?

As anyone who has ever watched a movie or TV show knows, the clothes worn by the actors and actresses are often just as important as the characters themselves. The clothes help set the scene's tone and give hidden messages about the character's personality. That's where fashion stylists come in. 

A fashion stylist is a professional who coordinates all aspects of a person's visual aesthetic to make them look as fashionable and appealing as possible. Fashion stylists may be employed in a wide array of industries and may work with clients who are famous or want to look their best. Some stylists are famous in their own right. 

Celebrity stylists often work with Hollywood celebrities to help them choose the perfect outfit for a red carpet event or a vital photoshoot. However, stylists aren't just limited to working with stars. Many stylists also work with everyday people who want to look their best for a special occasion. Today, stylists can adopt a virtual position and work with multiple remote customers, creating catered style guides and creating stylist jobs that can be accessed from anywhere in the world. It is easy as typing “find a personal stylist near me” on Google. 

A stylist has a wide range of options regarding tasks that contribute to their occupation. Some of a stylist's duties include the following:

• Attending fashion week and fashion events to hand-pick styles and pieces for clients.
• Visit showrooms, lock in brand deals, and network with fashion brands. 
• Create style guides for clients based on research of current and past fashion trends. 
• Source looks from across the globe from fashion designers. 
• Work with clients to draft a visual or personal aesthetics. 
• Working directly with brands and stores as a buyer



How to become a stylist

Becoming a stylist is complex and can happen in many different ways, and they don't all require you to go to the Fashion Institute of Technology. For most stylists, starting college or an internship with a department store, luxury brand, or retail chain may present opportunities to learn the ropes and network with other fashion designers and leaders in the industry. 

From there, it is up to the stylist to whether they want to become a personal stylist, work with a production company, act as a liaison between stores and stylists themselves, or work with fashion designers to network with celebrities, PR companies, or teams.

How to become a fashion designer

Just like a stylist, a fashion designer has many different avenues to explore when starting up. Here are a few ways a fashion designer can climb to the top of their industry:

• Obtain a bachelor's degree from a fashion design program.
• Work with a store, designer, or fashion brand to gain industry knowledge and experience. 
• Create relationships and network with other designers, fashion week sponsors, celebrities, and agents. 
• Build a comprehensive design portfolio showcasing your style and designs. 
• Partaking in competitions and attending shows to stay updated on industry changes and evolution.

Hanger x Phoenix Fashion Week

Fashion week in Phoenix is quickly approaching, and this year’s designers will be showcasing their unique fashion designs for stylists, customers, and fashion enthusiasts. Buy your tickets here. 

Here are the designers you will be able to see this week at Phoenix Fashion Week:

Ya Se Armo

City of Knowledge

True Harmony

Believe in Yourself

Simply Chic

Pastiche La Femme

Elegant and Urban

Join Hanger 

There is not one specific way a person can start their career in fashion, but there are outlets that will help launch a fashion designer or stylist’s career. Hanger is a platform where creators, style gurus, and artists within the fashion industry can get together, network, and launch businesses into the fashion industry. Hanger provides a space for fashionistas and designers to collaborate and grow together. Learn more about Hanger here.