How to Make it: Tips For Becoming a Successful Fashion Stylist

A cheat sheet for one of the industry's coolest gigs.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Written by Matthew Henson (@matthewahenson)

Take a look at every successful rapper, actor, athlete, or celebrity with noteworthy style, and whether they talk about it or not—there is most likely a fashion stylist behind the scenes planning each look, or pulling pieces of clothing from all over the world. From the outside everything looks like a blast, with all of the cool clothes, celebrities, and nonstop parties, but every job has its perks, and well—actual work to do.

You'll need to do research, manual labor (fun fact: A full garment bag can weigh up to 15 pounds), and of course, experience. If you've ever dreamt of being a part of your favorite rapper, actor, athlete, or magazine's style team, you'll need to start at the bottom like everyone else. But you should also take some pointers from a bonafide industry insider to help you rise to the top. Here's How to Make it: Tips For Becoming a Successful Fashion Stylist.

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Learn about fabrics, garment construction, and fit

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Attend fashion-related events

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Stay on top of trends

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Use social media as a tool, not to look like a tool

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Pay your dues

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Build your network and nurture relationships

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Know the difference between a "Personal Shopper" and a "Stylist"

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Figure out your lane

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Know who you want to to work with beforehand

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Do your homework

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