Personal styling: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What personal styling is

A personal stylist works with you to build outfits that suit your body, your lifestyle and your goals. The work includes a style consultation, a review of your wardrobe and shopping help, so you wear clothes that feel like you.

Signs you need it

  • You own a lot of clothes but feel you have nothing to wear
  • You are starting a new job, moving to a new city or changing your career
  • You want a wardrobe that fits your body and your daily life
  • You want help choosing clothes for a wedding, a big event or a special trip
  • You want to learn the basics of color, fit and shape so you can dress well on your own

What the pro does

  • Asks about your lifestyle, your goals, how much you want to spend on clothes and the clothes you wear most
  • Reviews the clothes you already own and sorts them into keep, change and let go
  • Looks at your shape, coloring and the fit issues you want to solve
  • Builds a list of key pieces, outfit ideas and the colors that work for you
  • Goes shopping with you or shops for you, with a clear list of what to buy
  • Shows you how to combine the pieces and how to keep your wardrobe organized

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Whether the stylist goes shopping with you or only gives advice
  • How much of your wardrobe needs to be reviewed and sorted
  • How many outfits or looks the stylist builds
  • Whether shopping trips are included and how long they last
  • Whether alteration or tailoring advice is included
  • Whether a follow-up session is included after the shopping trip

What a written quote should spell out

  • The session type, such as wardrobe review, shopping trip or full styling
  • The number of hours included and the length of any shopping trip
  • Whether shopping is done with you, for you or both
  • Whether a follow-up session is included, and when it takes place
  • The cancellation and reschedule terms

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can I see before and after examples of wardrobes you have styled?
  • How do you adjust the style to my body shape and my lifestyle?
  • Will you help me shop for clothes, and what happens to the items I buy?
  • What is your training in styling, color and fit?
  • How will you help me keep my wardrobe organized after the session?
  • Do you work within the amount I want to spend, and how do you choose where to shop?
  • What follow-up support do you offer after the session?

Red flags

  • Pushes you to buy a large amount of clothing or one specific brand
  • Will not discuss how much you want to spend or your daily life before the session
  • Makes big claims about changing your appearance or your life
  • Takes a commission from stores without telling you
  • Cannot show examples of wardrobes or looks they have styled

What you can do yourself

You can sort your closet yourself into keep, change and donate piles, and try on a few outfits in good light with a mirror. Take photos of outfits you like, and note the colors and shapes that work for your body. Hire a personal stylist when you need a full wardrobe review, a shopping plan for a big life change, or a second opinion on fit and color from a trained eye.

Licenses and permits

A license is often not required for personal styling, but rules differ by state and city. Ask for a portfolio of before and after wardrobes and proof of styling or fashion training.

Personal styling questions

Will a personal stylist choose my clothes for me?

It depends on the service. Some stylists build a plan and let you shop, and others shop with you. Ask what the session includes and whether you make the final choices.

Does a personal stylist get paid by stores?

Ask the stylist directly whether they receive any payments or discounts from stores. A good stylist tells you about any arrangement that could affect their advice.

How long does a wardrobe review take?

It depends on how many clothes you have and how many outfits you want to build. Ask the stylist for a session length that fits your closet and your goals.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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