So you’ve decided to take your first steps on the journey to becoming a fashion stylist, and now that you’ve made the leap, it can be hard to gather your thoughts and inspirations into a compelling visual form.

Below are 6 tips aimed at helping you find your super-styling muse, and ways you can communicate this effectively to boost your career and your client base.

Look Out!

If you’re aspiring to a career in fashion styling, it’s important to keep your eyes open. Widen your circle of inspiration by seeking out new experiences and adventures. If you’re able to travel, it’s an excellent way to absorb influences and ideas.

Sometimes even a weekend away in a new environment is enough to trigger a new way of seeing, or some new aesthetic insight. Separate cities within the same country (think of the differences between Melbourne and Brisbane in Australia) will help to convey that there are cultural, climatic and environmental considerations to take into account when styling a client. Seeing these differences play out in situ is a very valuable experience.

Take Notes

A surefire way to ready yourself for a successful career in fashion styling is by undertaking fashion stylist courses. Armed with insider information, tips and tricks, you can be assured that your confidence and competence will skyrocket.

Completing a formal course will also allow you to make contacts and connect with likeminded individuals. It’s also a great way to update your knowledge and inspiration arsenal – industry professionals have seen and heard it all, and are willing to share their invaluable insight with you as you undertake your journey.

Culture Vulture

As with any new learning pursuit, it’s a good idea to read widely and read often. Seek out information and inspiration through the publications and journals of other countries, continents and cultures.

Think of the differences between French Vogue and British Glamour magazines. By being able to absorb and reflect on differing source materials, you will more ably form your own aesthetic opinion and style, while also grounding yourself with knowledge of emerging trends and markets on a global (not just local) scale.   

Cross Over

Art. Architecture. Music. Literature. These may seem like separate and disparate forms, but they’re all inter-related as they impact and influence our aesthetic sphere, and help to form our understanding of the world.

Understanding how wider design trends can be adapted and applied into your fashion styling will help to keep your business relevant, modern and interesting in a wider sense. It will also mean that you’ll never lack source material – whether it’s a song, a building or a sculpture. Artistic inspiration is everywhere and available for free.   

A Musing

If you’ve ever looked at another human being and thought ‘I love their style’, then you’ll find this next tip is a nod to simple instinct.

Try to deconstruct the fashion choices of people you find particularly stylish. Ask yourself questions like ‘why does this work’, and ‘why do I like this?’ By treating stylish friends and acquaintances (or even celebrities) as your muse, you will have an initial roadmap to some styling ideas, and reasons why these ideas are appealing or just ‘work’.

By unpacking simple questions you will begin to understand more nuanced notions inherent in fashion (and art and design). It can also be equally helpful to deconstruct fashions and fittings that you don’t particularly like – constructively think about why choices don’t work, and how you would change or improve outfits to create more visually compelling and flattering looks.

Pin It Up

Remaining up to date and filled with fresh inspiration is easier than ever in the digital world. Sharing platforms such as Pinterest and Reddit allow users to gather and discuss current trends, fascinations and inspirations. Pinterest is particularly helpful as it allows users the ability to create a digital pinboard where they can visually curate inspiration and get feedback from other users.  

A career in fashion styling is ever-changing, interesting, and filled with inspirations from all the senses. Remaining open to new experiences and interests, and reading widely will help to ensure your ongoing success, and will keep you current, relevant and avant-garde well into the future.