the personal stylist: part 1 of 2

Whenever my husband and I go to parties we invariably find ourselves cornered (in separate corners, mind you) by various people fascinated with what we do for a living and asking for advice. Not that we can’t provide you with some great tips but it is rather difficult to provide you anything of value over a 5-minute cocktail conversation without going into detail and then wondering if we should send you a bill for our time. We’d much rather not talk about our jobs and learn more about you and the things that make you tick. This ‘observer’ trait is rampant within both our industries.

He’s an architect and I’m a personal stylist (as you’ve probably already figured out since you’re here at Wardrobe 911.) Our work is decidedly different but we do share at least one thing in common with regard to our careers: most people don’t understand what we do; or more accurately, how we do what we do. Although I can’t speak for the architects out there, I can at least speak for those of us who are professional personal stylists and wardrobe consultants and try and help alleviate some of the mystery. Hopefully it will help you decide if it’s a service you’d like for yourself or if it’s something you’d like to do as a career.

What do personal stylists do?

If you’ve seen the Rachel Zoe Project or watched Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style or What Not to Wear, you understand the glamour side of it. But getting to the finished masterpiece (you, only better) takes time and work – something that isn’t shown on these programs. And remember, Rachel Zoe is the only one out of these shows that is a personal stylist by trade and works with individual clients. The rest have been in the fashion industry as journalists and professors but didn’t have a styling practice before they rose to TV fame. (Although that doesn’t mean they aren’t talented, it just means they are only public spokespeople for the trade, not personal stylists.) Here is my list of what makes a great personal stylist.

A great personal stylist (or wardrobe/image consultant)…

• Guides you in developing YOUR style and helps manage your wardrobe on a monthly or seasonal basis.
• Works with you in identifying your best styles based on your body type and physical characteristics.
• Has a working knowledge and technical expertise in identifying great fit for various body types.
• Knows how to sew, understands garment construction and various alterations and design principles.
• Is able to clearly and professionally articulate to you WHY something works or doesn’t work for you.
• Understands color theory and principles and can assist you in utilizing colors that harmonize with your coloring and personality.
• Has an extensive network and working knowledge of various beauty professionals, stores and designers to help you realize your image goals.
• Understands the fashion industry and knows intimately how fashion works from both the designer viewpoint and the retailer viewpoint.
• Has a ‘superpower’ creative ability for effortlessly putting together seasonal wardrobes and outfits for you.
• Knows the various protocols and is able to assist you with dressing for events with ease
• Has a great knack for organizing your closet and managing your wardrobe so you don’t become overwhelmed.
• Pulls the right items for you when shopping and doesn’t rely on the store staff for help in selecting items for you.
• Guides you throughout the process so that you blossom into a stylish and confident individual.

A good personal stylist will literally fall in love with her (or his) clients. This can only be done if they take the time to get to know you. If they aren’t asking you questions about yourself and your desires and they only discuss what they can do for you, they don’t have everything it takes to assist and guide you. The one thing I’ve noticed that separates the great stylists from the rest is that they have an intuitive gift for reading people. It’s something that I don’t think can be learned if you don’t already have it.

All that aside, it is hard work and it’s not glamorous like most people believe (‘oh you get to shop all day and spend people’s money!) I am very careful and cognizant of my client’s budgets (everyone has one) and I am so focused on them that I never really have the chance to shop for myself.  It’s kind of like the gal that works in the donut shop that ends up hating donuts. Don’t get me wrong – I love clothes and fashion but if I’m doing a shopping appointment, I’m so tired of the stores by the time it’s complete that I like to just meet up with my husband for a glass of wine.  Thus, the cocktail hour is my time to chill, observe and relax…and hopefully not dish anymore advice for the day.

Next week’s article of this two-part series will cover how to determine if  working with a stylist is something that is right for you and how to ensure that your style goals are met.

=====

Want to become a personal stylist and learn how to be the best? Learn more our Style Institute.