Stilists

Stilists are professionals who curate and coordinate clothing, accessories, and overall appearance for clients or productions. The term can refer to fashion stylists, wardrobe stylists, editorial stylists, or personal stylists, and in some regions the spelling stilist is common. Stilists may work across fashion, film, television, advertising, and events, focusing on creating a cohesive visual concept or a specific look.

In a production or event setting, stylists develop a wardrobe concept in collaboration with art directors, photographers, designers, makeup artists, and hair stylists. They pull garments from stores, showrooms, or rental houses, assemble outfits, negotiate loans or purchases, and manage fittings, tailoring, and alterations. They also organize lookbooks and mood boards, plan color palettes, and ensure consistency of styling across shoots or appearances. For personal styling, they advise clients on clothing choices, build and update wardrobes, curate outfits for occasions, and may assist with shopping and closet organization. Some stylists specialize in celebrity or red-carpet dressing, while others focus on editorial work for magazines or campaigns or on runway styling for fashion shows.

Common specializations include fashion or wardrobe stylists for magazines or campaigns, editorial stylists for photo shoots, personal or celebrity stylists for individuals, and runway or show stylists for fashion shows. Hair and makeup professionals often collaborate with stylists, though some stylists may also provide grooming services. Training paths vary; many stylists study fashion, design, or communications, while others build expertise through internships, attending fashion events, and practical experience. Strong fashion sense, visual communication, organizational skills, budgeting, and interpersonal ability are central to the role.