Fashion Stylist

Work activities include: contacting public relation (PR) companies, manufacturers and retailers; finding the best range of merchandise to be used in a shoot; hiring, borrowing or purchasing garments and props, getting these garments to the studio or location and deciding which works best; dressing people, such as models, used in the shoot; building up a network of contacts; and keeping a keen eye on what is fashionable at any given time.

Companies who employ stylists include magazines, newspapers, retail organisations, advertising agencies and music production companies. Some stylists are self-employed. Stylists may progress from editorial assistant work on fashion magazines where there is constant contact with PR companies, manufacturers and retailers.

Rates of pay can vary widely - see the section on Fashion Designer for more information.

Freelance work is common and rates can again vary widely. You could negotiate fees based on the size of company and your own track record.

You will usually need a relevant degree that teaches both design and technical skills and will give you the practical knowledge needed to work in the industry.

To search for colleges and universities offering fashion and textile-related courses and degrees, use the course search on this site and check with individual colleges and universities as entry requirements vary.

You will need to put together a portfolio of work experience that you can take along to interviews.

As the industry is very competitive (more than 3,000 fashion and textiles students qualify from higher education each year), any work experience you gain will give you an advantage when it comes to getting a job.

See the Can U Cut It website for advice on finding work experience and more information about careers in the fashion industry.