How to find a personal stylist: everything you need to know
If you’re considering hiring a personal stylist, a million ideas may be flashing through your mind. You may feel relieved and excited when you think about letting someone else simplify the process of choosing an outfit, hopeful at the thought of discovering new styles, or curious about what a stylist can offer.
What it takes to find a personal stylist
A personal stylist may seem extravagant, but anyone who uses one will tell you that they are worth every penny. The right person will bring years of well-tuned experience, know current fashion trends, and instill a sense of confidence in choosing outfits that suit your personal tastes, body type, and lifestyle. Kelly’s advice? “The easiest way to find a personal stylist is to choose someone you enjoy styling.” It’s also important to find a stylist who is attentive and respectful. “You should never feel pressured about things that don’t work for you. Discovering your style is all about creating a look that suits your personality, as well as feeling comfortable and true to who you are.”
So how do you find the right personal stylist for you? We suggest keeping the following points in mind:
Experience and expertise
When you start your search, you’ll find that personal clothing stylists come from a variety of backgrounds, but what they all have in common is helping others look and feel their best. Some studied fashion in school, while others are self-taught. Some are new to the industry while others are veterans in the field. Take Kelly, for example, who has more than 20 years of experience in fashion and retail, including 12 years styling men and women at Nordstrom. She’s in good company, too: many of our stylists have long careers in the fashion industry. When hiring a costume designer, ask about their training, education, and professional background to make sure their experience is a good fit for your needs.
Ability to work within a budget
The cost of a personal stylist is usually closely tied to their experience and the current demand for their services. In-store and online styling services are free at Nordstrom, but if you hire a stylist elsewhere, the hourly rate can range from $50 to several hundred dollars, so talk to a few different stylists to find one that fits your budget. Some may also offer variable rates based on what you can afford.
Once you find the right person, you’ll experience the benefits almost immediately. “Working with a stylist can save you time and money!” Kelly says. “You’ll walk into a room that’s been carefully designed just for you – saving you time in the store – and then you’ll go home with outfits that fit you.”
Their Personal Style Aligns with Yours
Great stylists understand that everyone has their own sense of style. They can easily adapt their advice to your personal tastes. Nonetheless, their own fashion attitude will come through in their choices, so be sure to choose someone whose own style resonates with yours. Signs of a good match? You like the way they dress or the way they dress other clients.
Good communication skills
The best personal clothing stylists are excellent communicators. They are able to hear what you have to say about your closet needs, goals, and fears, and can also listen to your feedback about whether you don’t like or like a certain choice. On the other hand, they should be able to convey why they chose a particular outfit for you and even suggest that you try something new.
They instill confidence
Again, a great personal stylist will help you feel confident in yourself, your attire, and your future clothing choices. This may take some time, but the process begins immediately. “I always think of a first date as a date where we ‘get to know each other,'” Kelly says. “We get to know what works and doesn’t work for your body, the type of closet you need to fit your lifestyle and budget, and your personal style-whether it’s traditional, trendy, classic, or edgy.”
After talking with you, your stylist will create a closet that fits your body, suits your personal tastes, and fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. “Over time, it becomes like shopping with your best friend. We always want you to leave looking and feeling your best,” she adds. What’s more, a stylist can provide you with the skills to make outfit decisions with confidence.
They encourage you to try new things
One of the biggest benefits of hiring a stylist is that they can expose you to fashions you didn’t know existed. Your stylist may be able to introduce you to bold new trends, brands you’ve never heard of, or simple dress code ideas that make everyday dressing easier. Kelly especially likes to offer solutions for the latter. “I love blazers, t-shirts and denim. That pairing always works for me. Layering is an easy styling secret. Take a simple shirt and jeans, throw on a sweater or jacket, and complete the styled look with accessories like scarves, belts and bags.” Whether you’re looking for individual pieces or versatile pieces, a great stylist can pick out outfits you never thought you’d wear and know they’ll look amazing on you.