How to Become a Fashion Consultant

Have you always been the one to turn heads with the outfits you wear? Do your friends often ask you to pick out a suitable outfit for them? If you eat, sleep, and breathe fashion, why not become a fashion consultant?

You will be able to work with clothing as a career, guiding others regarding the world of fashion. Although it sounds easy, being a fashion consultant is a complex career. You not only need be knowledgable in terms of fashion, you need to successfully assess a variety of individuals and situations.

As a fashion consultant, you need to assess various personalities, body types, and careers environments. You will need to adapt, being an excellent problem-solver. If this sounds like something you'd enjoy, why not look into being a fashion consultant?

A day in the life of a fashion consultant

Depending on the position, daily tasks may vary. With that being said, fashion consultants focus on improving the wardrobe of others. The following tasks and components are associated with this career:

• Help clients choose an appropriate outfit for a selected situation
• May work within a business or personal environment, helping with clothing style choices
• Suggest accessory options
• Closet organisation
• Help with shopping and clothing related purchases
• Manage or update a wardrobe
• Colour and style analysis
• Holding seminars and making presentations

There are a wide variety of possible sectors that you would work within. Fashion consultants work for both private and public companies, within the media, retail, and politics. In terms of media, fashion consultants may contribute to both radio and television programmes. As a fashion consultant, you could also work within the national or local press.

Desired skills when becoming a fashion consultant

Many are naturals when it comes to fashion. Others study fashion for years, developing their passion. The following are skills and interests that allow individuals to excel within this career:

• Can effectively work with people, taking an interest in the ways they can help others
• Excellent communication skills
• A natural talent towards colour and style
• Great listening skills
• Positive attitude
• Give great advice that puts clients at ease
• Self-motivated
• Can successfully run their own business

Education and entry requirements

This career does not have any specific entry requirements, but there are most certainly areas that are useful in terms of prior experience. If you would like to become a fashion consultant, it's great to have experience in areas such as:

• Marketing and Sales
• Consultancy
• Retail
• Fashion Therapy
• Hair and Beauty
• Management
• Training and Coaching
• Public Relations

Many fashion consultants will start their own business after they have relevant experience or training. There are a variety of degrees that you can obtain relating to the fashion industry. Some of the areas that offer degree programs are; design, beauty therapy, marketing, media communications, and more. To find more information regarding these degrees, please visit the UCAS website.

There are a number of training courses that will be required in order to build a positive reputation. Some of these courses include; style and body analysis, colour and style analysis, wardrobe management, personal shopping, make-up application, and more.

You can find training through various providers, some of which are recognised by the FIPI (Federation of Image Professionals International). Please visit the FIPI website for further information.

Income

Income will vary based on the sector and the clients you receive. The most successful consultants are those who build their client base, while maintaining a positive reputation. 

Career development

Once you begin your business, you will need to build a reputation for yourself. This can be a lengthy process, so do not get discouraged. You will need to promote your skills and services through effective advertising and PR. Many fashion consultants will begin part-time, while they are still working in their retail or fashion job. This allows individuals to build up their clients, while bringing in the needed funds to continue their business.

Network throughout your local community, targeting businesses and other groups of interest. Get yourself out there, displaying all that you offer. Start a blog, and several social media accounts. A website is also a great idea.

You can post all the latest fashion trends, along with all your contact information. Let prospective clients know what services you offer (e.g. formal events and day-to-day fashion). Do not be afraid to contact people who you think would benefit from your business. You cannot lose, you can only benefit.

Once you build a career for yourself as an experienced consultant, you can apply for a Masters membership. The Masters Award will show potential clients that your work meets high standards.

So if you're drawn to everything fashion, why not make a career out of it? Help others, getting people excited about fashion. For many, fashion is a foreign world. It will be your job to bridge this gap, offering the latest trends. 

Make a difference, offering your skills and passion to those who need your assistance. Begin building your portfolio today. Your career as a fashion consultant may be around the corner.