Fashion Styling Careers: What Does a Fashion Stylist Really Do (and How to Start)?
- Milan Fashion Campus
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
Have you ever wondered what a fashion stylist actually does — beyond choosing outfits? In reality, fashion styling is a professional career path with many specializations, from creating editorial fashion stories to working behind the scenes on film sets or helping individuals build personal style.
If you’re searching for how to become a stylist, fashion stylist roles, or what does a fashion stylist do, this guide will walk you through the four main career areas in styling, the essential skills, portfolio tips, average salaries, and how to train professionally — online or in Italy.
Fashion Styling Careers
✨ What Are the Main Roles of a Fashion Stylist?
Fashion styling careers are usually divided into four categories:
1. Editorial & Creative Styling
These roles are the most expressive and artistic.
Editorial Stylist: Collaborates with fashion magazines to create high-concept looks for covers and fashion spreads.
Runway Stylist: Works with designers to style the looks presented on the catwalk, ensuring visual consistency and creative direction.
Key skills: Fashion history, trend forecasting, storytelling, Photoshop or Canva, and beginner knowledge of 3D fashion tools (e.g. Clo3D).Salary: €150–€400 per shoot (freelance); up to €1,000/show for runway styling.
2. Commercial & Brand Styling
This is where fashion meets marketing and sales.
Commercial Stylist: Styles looks for advertising campaigns, catalogs, and commercials.
E-commerce Stylist: Prepares garments for online stores and ensures clarity and appeal in product photography.
Product Stylist: Specializes in styling fashion accessories or props for flat-lay or still-life shoots.
Visual Merchandiser: Uses styling to design retail displays and store windows that boost sales.
Key skills: Brand understanding, visual composition, CMS/e-commerce tools, merchandising logic.Salary: E-commerce stylists earn around €2,000–€2,500/month; commercial stylists: €300–€800/day.
3. Personal Styling & Image Consulting
These stylists work directly with people — from celebrities to private clients.
Celebrity Stylist: Dresses public figures for red carpets, events, and campaigns.
Personal Stylist: Helps clients develop everyday style, body awareness, and wardrobe planning.
Personal Shopper: Recommends and purchases outfits for clients, often in luxury retail.
Key skills: Body shape analysis, color theory, emotional intelligence, and trend adaptation.Salary: Personal stylists charge €100–€250/session; celebrity stylists can earn €3,000–€5,000+/month.
4. Support Roles & Production Styling
Essential behind-the-scenes positions.
Wardrobe Stylist (Film/TV): Manages the wardrobe on set and ensures continuity during shoots.
Assistant Stylist: Prepares garments, handles logistics, and supports lead stylists during photoshoots or fashion shows.
Key skills: Organization, fashion logistics, garment care, and team coordination.Salary: Assistant stylists earn €80–€150/day; wardrobe stylists on film sets: €2,000–
€3,500/month.
🧰 Technical Skills Every Fashion Stylist Needs
If you're serious about becoming a fashion stylist in 2024, here are the essential technical skills recruiters and clients look for:
Basic use of Adobe Photoshop, Canva, and Lightroom for styling decks and moodboards.
Knowledge of 3D styling platforms (Clo3D, Style3D) for digital presentations.
Fashion software for lookbook layouts or e-commerce input (CMS, Shopify).
Garment handling skills: steaming, tagging, returns, and shoot prep.
Understanding of PR pull systems and showroom logistics.
📁 How to Build a Fashion Stylist Portfolio
Your portfolio is your business card — here’s how to build it strategically:
Focus on your niche: Editorial, commercial, or personal? Curate your best work accordingly.
Show process, not just results: Include moodboards, fitting notes, and styling credits.
Start with test shoots: Collaborate with photographers, models, and makeup artists to build experience.
Go digital: Use platforms like Behance, Adobe Portfolio, or a clean Instagram grid to showcase your work.
💰 Fashion Stylist Salary – What Can You Expect?
Here’s a quick look at the average fashion stylist salaries in Europe and Italy:
Role | Average Salary (monthly) | Freelance Rate |
Editorial Stylist | Project-based (€200–€400/shoot) | |
E-commerce Stylist | €2,000 – €2,500 | €150–€300/day |
Personal Stylist | €100–€250 per session | |
Celebrity Stylist | €3,000 – €5,000+ | €500–€1,000 per event |
Assistant Stylist | €80 – €150/day | |
Wardrobe Stylist (Film/TV) | €2,000 – €3,500 |
Salaries vary based on location, experience, clientele, and whether you’re freelance or in-house.
🎓 Best Fashion Styling Courses – Online & In Italy
Want to turn passion into profession? Here are some top-rated fashion styling courses:
In Italy (English-taught):
Online (International):
📌 Conclusion: Is Fashion Styling Right for You?
Whether you dream of working with magazines, dressing celebrities, or helping everyday people feel confident, fashion styling is a career where creativity meets real impact. With the right training, tools, and portfolio, you can turn your passion for fashion into a meaningful profession.
If you’re ready to get started, explore Milan Fashion Campus's hands-on, internationally recognized styling programs — available online and in Milan, the heart of fashion.
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