Maybe you’ve decided that enough is enough. The same old clothes you’ve been wearing for years and years might not feel like you anymore. And when you look for new clothes, it’s hard to find the right outfits that let your inner self-confidence and personality shine through.
That’s where a fashion Stylist can help. When you’re working with a fashion professional, it’s easier than ever to find the perfect clothes—ones that resonate with your personal style and flatter your body type. Instead of falling into the same wardrobe mistakes, a Stylist can step in to transform the way you shop.
The only problem is this: There are so many Stylists out there. Your style is unique, which means you need a fashion Stylist who understands exactly how to meet your needs.
To find the best personal Stylist, you need to be asking all the right questions. Let’s explore the basics of finding the right personal Stylist for you.
finding the right personal Stylist
These days, styling isn’t just for people walking the red carpet. Anyone can access affordable styling services online or in person.
But with all the amazing Stylists out there, how do you pick the right one? Everyone wants to feel good about what they wear, but it takes the right person to bring out the best in your wardrobe. After all, every person is different. It’s going to take the right styling approaches, experiences, and services to get you looking and feeling your best.
So how do you get the ball rolling with your dream Stylist? Here are a few tips to find the best personal Stylist for you.
define your style and budget
It’s hard to find the perfect partnership if you don’t understand your own needs first.
First things first, you need to define your budget. Think about the following questions:
- How much money have you spent on clothes that you don’t wear anymore?
- How much time have you spent agonizing over your clothing options?
- How much mental energy have you spent feeling unsatisfied with your wardrobe?
While you shouldn’t necessarily jump for the cheapest possible Stylist, you also don’t need super expensive luxury styling to get the most for your money. It all comes down to how much your money, time, and energy are worth to you.
Next, you need to think about style. Of course, this is pretty critical. Knowing your own style is the first step to finding a fashion Stylist who’s on the same wavelength. You also need to know your style goals. Maybe you’re in a new stage of your life and want your style to evolve with you. Or you need a full wardrobe overhaul to embrace a completely new look. Whatever that might look like, think about what your style is right now and what you aspire to wear in the future.
research personal Stylists in your area
Next step? Finding the fashion Stylists in your area.
There are a few ways you can go about this, but the easiest way to start your search is online. Try searching location-specific keywords on Google, or take to popular social media platforms for fashion, like Instagram.
Once you have a list of prospective Stylists, it’s time to do your research. Most Stylists will have some kind of online presence, whether it’s a social media page, a professional website, or a fashion blog. Through this content, you can get a sense of the kind of work they do.
You aren’t just looking for someone with a great eye for fashion. Look for moments where their personality comes through in videos, captions, and more. Beyond their stellar portfolio, you want to find a fashion Stylist who matches your vibe and seems like they would be fun to spend time with.
ask friends and family for recommendations
How do you find a Stylist you can trust? By turning to the people you can trust, of course.
Maybe your mom had a great experience with someone and thinks you’d be a great fit for them too. Or maybe a friend heard about someone whose style was transformed overnight by a fashion powerhouse.
If someone you know has already worked with a great personal Stylist, they can offer you a deeper, more personal testimonial than you can find on any website. You can even follow up with questions to dig deeper into the Stylist’s work, from the quality of their styling tips to how they interact with clients.
comb through the reviews
Reviews are like a window into a personal styling service. Through the experiences of their past clients, you can better understand what it would be like to work with them.
There will always be one or two bad reviews, but a pattern of negative experiences can be a huge red flag. On the flip side, having plenty of positive experiences says a lot about how effective, friendly, and helpful a Stylist is.
Above all, reading the reviews should get you excited to work with this person. If you’re reading experiences and you get that “aha” moment where it all seems to click, that’s a great sign you’re moving forward with the right person.
look for someone who listens
This might sound obvious, but it’s something you can’t afford to overlook. The best personal Stylist is someone who can listen.
When chatting with a prospective Stylist, pay close attention to how they listen. Do they talk a lot about themselves? Or do they spend more time focused on you, asking detailed questions, listening intently, and taking notes?
Everyone connects in their own ways. Whether you prefer an informal, chatty session or an intense, passionate conversation, make sure that your Stylist is invested in driving the conversation forward. They should always ask questions about your style and your lifestyle, going beyond the basics to learn more about what you need.
making the most of your personal Stylist
So you hit the jackpot and found the perfect Stylist. They’re friendly, eager to get to know you, great at what they do, and a perfect match for your style goals. What now?
That was just step one. The next step is making the most of your styling experience. If you put in a little work on your end, you can pave the way for your Stylist to deliver the results you’re looking for.
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your sessions.
be honest and open with your Stylist
Honesty is the best policy, and personal styling is no exception. If you’re not open with your Stylist, it’ll be a lot harder for them to truly understand where you are in your fashion journey.
Opening up to someone like this can be vulnerable. It might even make you self-conscious just to admit that you need help with your style. But the right Stylist leads with empathy and understanding. They’re prepared to meet you where you’re at and guide you to where you need to go. All you need to do is break down your walls and share everything they need to know.
communicate your expectations
The best styling experience starts with everyone on the same page. If you and your Stylist have different ideas about how this is going to go, it could end in disappointment.
Make sure to set clear expectations with your Stylist. What do you hope to get out of working with them? Where do you hope to be in the next week, month, or year, and how can your Stylist help you meet those goals?
This isn’t just a one-way conversation. It’s also a chance for your Stylist to respond. They can lay out everything you should expect from your sessions and the eventual outcome. If there are any areas where your expectations don’t align, this is a chance for you to talk it out.
establish a budget
Now is the time to make sure your Stylist knows what you’re expecting to spend. Try setting a range for them to work with so they can make the most of your budget to deliver what you’re looking for. This is also an important part of making sure you’re both on the same page about what comes next.
finding your perfect style match
Having a personal Stylist is about so much more than just clothes. The right Stylist can harness the best parts of your personality and help you bring it to life in your wardrobe. Besides looking good, you’ll feel better too. Personal styling is all about building confidence in how you present yourself to the world.
From a budget match to a personality fit, the best Stylist will meet you where you’re at. Always look for glowing reviews and referrals, a great portfolio, and attentive listening skills, and you’ll be sure to start your partnership with confidence.
There are so many things to consider when making your decision. But just remember this: The perfect personal Stylist is one who makes you feel amazing—in your clothes, in your body, and in your life. Don’t settle for anything less.
Ready to find the best personal Stylist for you? With cabi, your ideal match is just a click away. Find out more about our styling services or get connected with a Stylist today.
