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Ever wondered what a stylist does and how they bring their ideas to life? A stylist is more than someone who picks outfits—they craft stories through clothing. Whether working on editorial shoots, runways, or alongside celebrities, a stylist shapes how fashion is seen and felt. But how do you even start in this career, and what does the job involve? Let’s break it down.

A Day in the Life of a Stylist

Being a stylist is all about understanding people and how they want to present themselves. Whether it’s telling a story through a photoshoot or helping a celebrity express themselves during a press tour, the core of styling is finding the perfect fit for a personality and purpose.

The Basics of Celebrity Styling

Celebrity styling is about more than just fashion—it’s about creating a cohesive image. For example, actresses might request looks to align with a movie role they’re auditioning for. Others want to show they’ve evolved after a life event. The stylist’s role is to help them tell that story.

The process begins with a mood board. This sets the tone for the project and keeps the vision clear. Then, research gets underway. Stylists browse collections, jotting down look numbers, designers, and ideas for each appearance. Once the dream looks are selected, they reach out to designers and PR teams to borrow pieces for fittings.

The Importance of Fittings

Fittings are where the magic happens. A stylist ensures everything fits perfectly, complements the celebrity’s body shape, and feels comfortable. It’s also an opportunity to take photos of the looks to see how they appear on camera. These images help finalise decisions and ensure the outfits flow together across appearances, creating a consistent narrative.

Tailoring is critical here. A garment might look great off the rack but needs adjustments to truly shine. Skilled tailoring and the right undergarments bring every look together.

How Stylists Work with Designers

Fashion designers and stylists have a symbiotic relationship. Designers often create a single sample for their runway collections, which stylists borrow for shoots or events. These samples are sent worldwide for trunk shows, sales meetings, and even factory checks, so borrowing them can be a logistical challenge.

Stylists also act as a bridge between clients and fashion houses. Not every celebrity speaks the same “fashion language,” and stylists help translate designer aesthetics into looks that their clients love and feel confident wearing.

My Path to Becoming a Stylist

I started my career working in magazines like Vogue and Interview as an assistant. I managed editorial clothing pulls, styled shoots, and learned how to translate brand visions into stories.

Eventually, I transitioned into freelance styling, taking on a mix of editorial and celebrity work. This gave me the chance to style everything from magazine spreads to runway shows, advertising campaigns, and celebrity wardrobes.

One of my former colleagues from Vogue, Samira Nasr, followed a different path. She’s now the editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar. While our careers diverged, we share a foundation in storytelling through fashion.

Insights from Samira Nasr

Samira brings a grounded approach to styling. For her, clothes are always about a person—not an abstract idea. She focuses on creating believable stories grounded in reality. While whimsical styles work for some, Samira’s strength lies in curating realistic and relatable imagery.

She credits much of her ability to our shared experience at Vogue. Learning from senior editors helped her develop the skill to “edit a rack” of clothes into a cohesive narrative. That same foundation is what shapes her work today.

The Shift in Fashion and Celebrity Culture

When I began working with celebrities, there was a distinct divide between editorial fashion and Hollywood. Celebrity styling wasn’t seen as prestigious, even though it required just as much skill and vision.

Fast forward to today, and celebrities dominate fashion. They’re brand ambassadors, grace magazine covers, and sit front row at shows. Being a celebrity stylist now means you’re also curating looks for the red carpet and public appearances while keeping an eye on the latest trends.

Derek Blasberg, YouTube’s head of fashion and beauty partnerships, reflected on how this shift mirrors changes in the industry. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube have democratised fashion, making it accessible to more people. As stylists, we’ve adapted to this new era by working across digital and traditional media.

Jared Eng’s Take on Red Carpet Styling

Founder of Just Jared, Jared Eng, knows how important photos are. His career showcases red carpet looks, event images, and editorial photography. As a stylist, Jared approaches every outfit with an eye for the camera.

He stressed how crucial it is to understand what works for specific events. Some looks need to be understated, while others should grab attention. Mood boards, event requirements, and client needs all factor into creating the final ensemble.

Getting Started as a Stylist

Breaking into the fashion world can feel overwhelming, but there are many ways to start. You don’t need a degree in fashion. Some stylists come from retail, others transition from unrelated careers, and some get their start through internships or assisting established stylists.

The key is to immerse yourself in the world of fashion and build relationships. Spend time shooting editorials, styling friends for events, or creating content for platforms like Instagram. These experiences help you understand your aesthetic, experiment with styles, and build the crucial hands-on experience needed for client work.

Finding Your Aesthetic

Your aesthetic is your signature. It’s what sets you apart in the competitive world of styling. But it’s not just about clothes—it’s also about how you interpret art, design, and culture.

Spend time experimenting. Style friends. Create mock shoots. Look at how garments work on different body shapes. Developing this “eye” for styling is a tactile process that goes beyond theory.

The Physical Side of Styling

Styling isn’t all glamour. The job involves hauling heavy racks of clothes, managing fittings, and handling tight schedules. It’s hands-on and physical, requiring strong organisational skills alongside creativity.

Building Industry Connections

In fashion, who you know matters. Networking is vital, and good relationships can open doors. Always be kind to assistants and junior staff—they might be in charge one day.

I learned this lesson while working with renowned editor Tonne Goodman. Her polite demeanor and professional manners left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Fashion styling is creative, challenging, and endlessly rewarding. It’s about storytelling, collaboration, and bringing ideas to life. The industry is evolving, and there’s no single path to success. If you’re passionate, willing to learn, and ready to work hard, styling could be the perfect career for you.

So, grab a mood board, hone your aesthetic, and start exploring the world of fashion. It’s not about following trends—it’s about creating them.