A virtual fashion stylist, much similar to a fashion stylist, is someone who helps their clients with their style choices. A stylist defines a ‘personal style’ for their clients. Depending upon the client, or the kind of event, advise whether to go with a suit and tie, or the classic striped shirt and skinny jeans. A virtual stylist is likely to never meet their client in person. They make use of several online tools and apps to ease their jobs. Most stylists have a look-book which the client uses to peep into the latest fashion trends and give the stylist a stepping stone for what kind of style they are into.
Steps To Become A Online Fashion Stylist-
Step-1 Formal Education:
While it’s not an absolute necessity to have a bachelor’s or Master’s degree to be a stylist, a formal university education certainly helps provide a roadmap to help carve your career path. Fashion stylists generally have a UG degree in Design and Fashion studies.
Step-2 Building an Online Portfolio:
A portfolio for a fashion stylist is like a resume, it showcases clients your work. It’s a professional website that neatly contains all your best work so the client can get a feel for your creative sense and expertise. A good portfolio is extremely important for attracting new clients.
Step-3 Build an online presence:
Whether you are planning to get hired by a firm or work as a freelancer, an online presence could certainly help you get noticed by potential clients and employers. Social Media can be a great networking and marketing tool. You can start by building an Instagram/Facebook page and a professional LinkedIn account you can be used to connect with the right people.
Step-4 Search for Gigs:
Gaining experience is the most important part of any career. Your first few clients could be the hardest to find. You can ease this process a bit by listing yourself on job boards, finding gigs on various freelancing websites or pitching yourself to customers, and building a network. Experience will not only improve the client’s trust but will also help you develop your niche.
Skills Needed To Be A Virtual Stylist-
1) A keen interest in fashion trends:
Perhaps the most important skill for the job is to have a strong interest in fashion. To have a strong inclination to follow the latest trends, being able to observe which of them will stay for longer and which will die out in about a week.
- Communication and Listening skills:
Another equally important skill set is listening and communication. It’s important that as a stylist you know what your client is looking for. The client might despise bell-bottom pants even though they’re trendy. In that case, it’s important to communicate to the client about trends versus their tastes, before you suggest they put on a pair for their date night.
- Understanding Aesthetics and body types:
Different apparels appear different depending upon the person’s body type. An essential feature of styling is being able to pick out the right colors, fit, and fabrics for the style. Outfits also are contextual to the kind of events. A classic suit and tie are great for a professional talk, while a bright-colored and well-tailored shirt could be great for the bachelorette party.
- Negotiating:
Just like any profession, it’s crucial to never sell yourself short. Whether it’s a freelance gig or a job interview, a stylist must know the real value of their skills and ensure not to bend over when it comes to paying.
How Much Do Virtual Stylists Make?
Virtual stylists can make an average of $47822(source GlassDoor).
Beginner Stylists with little experience can charge starting from $15 an hour to experienced stylists charge up to $50 an hour. Stylists dealing with celebrity clients can charge up to $500 an hour.
Conclusion
If you are someone with an artistic itch and a love for fashion trends, a virtual stylist can be a great career option. Stylists get to explore a variety of trends and genres of fashion. As a virtual stylist, you can even get to enjoy a flexible schedule and work at hours convenient for you.
Do you need formal education?
Ans: No, a degree may help, but it’s not a compulsion.
How do you get your first clients?
Ans: List yourself on various job boards and portals.
What tools should I use to showcase?
Ans: You can create a look-book. You can add pictures of yourself wearing various fits or you can build a Pinterest board.
