The fashion industry is one of the world’s most competitive and ever-changing industries. That’s why stylists must be on the cutting edge of fashion trends to stay ahead of the curve. And while some stylists get employed by significant fashion labels or magazines, many more work independently as freelancers.
If you’re a freelance fashion stylist, you know it takes more than just a good eye for fashion to succeed. You must also be organized, efficient, and understand the industry’s business side. So, to up your freelance styling game, check out these best practices.
Staying organized and efficient
Working as a freelancer means you have to wear many hats — from managing your schedule to handling client requests and bookings. And for you to stay on top of it all, it’s important to be organized and efficient. That means having a well-organized portfolio, an online presence, and a system for managing your bookings.
Luckily, keeping track of your work as a stylist is much easier now than in the past. Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest make it easy to curate your looks and connect with clients. And plenty of online booking tools can help you manage your appointments and bookings.
Investing in the right technology tools can help you save time and stay organized to focus on what you do best — styling your clients. In doing so, you’ll be able to take on more clients and grow your freelance business.
Building your brand
As a freelance fashion stylist, your brand is everything. It’s how you market yourself to potential clients and what sets you apart from other stylists in the industry. So, it’s essential to put some thought into your branding.
Your brand should reflect your unique style and approach to fashion styling. And it should be consistent across all your marketing materials — from your website to your social media accounts.
Think about what makes you unique as a stylist and use that to inform your branding. Are you particularly good at styling for a particular body type or occasion? Do you have experience working with plus-size or petite clients? Whatever makes you unique, highlight that in your branding pitch.
Knowing what makes you special as a stylist will make it easier to market yourself to potential clients. And a strong brand will help you stand out from the competition and build a successful freelance career.
Sourcing your materials
Staying up to date on the latest trends is essential for any fashion stylist — freelance or otherwise. But as a freelancer, you must be incredibly resourceful in sourcing your materials. You can’t just walk into a store and buy the latest fashion trends. You have to be proactive in seeking out the best sources for your materials. That means scouring online retailers, visiting wholesale markets, and networking with designers and other industry professionals.
Aside from that, you should know the essential pieces that every freelance stylist needs in their kit. These are essential for any styling job, whether prepping for a photoshoot or getting a client ready for a big event. Here are a few must-haves for your freelance fashion stylist kit:
Fashion Necklaces
A hint of sparkle or shimmer can go a long way in adding some pizzazz to any outfit. That’s why fashion necklaces are a must-have for any stylist kit. When preparing for a shoot or event, be sure to bring along a variety of necklace styles and lengths to suit any outfit.
You can never go wrong with today’s trending edgy layered necklaces. These are delicate, dainty, and can elevate any look. While you’re at it, don’t forget to pack a few statement necklaces for when you need to make a bolder impact. It will surely come in handy during those last-minute styling requests.
Hair Accessories
No styling kit is complete without a few hair accessories. These essential items will help you create any hairstyle imaginable, from headbands to bobby pins. And with so many trendy hair accessories available today, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect pieces to complement any outfit.
Scarves
Look no further than the scarf for a versatile styling tool that you can use in many ways. Scarves are wearable as a headband, necktie, or belt — to name a few. They come in various colors, patterns, and fabrics, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for any outfit.
You can find scarves for any season, so be sure to have a few on hand when styling your clients. They’ll come in handy when you need to add a pop of color or pattern to an outfit.
As a freelance fashion stylist, it’s crucial to stay up to date on the latest trends and have an arsenal of resources at your disposal. Knowing how to organize your materials, build your name, and what pieces to include in your kit will help you prepare for any styling job. With these essential tips, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful freelance career.
