When I first became a stylist I was so focused on everything I could do to ensure my clients had the most amazing experience, and I’m fortunate to have succeeded in that over the past 10 years. But what I’ve come to realise is that there are just some things I will absolutely NEVER do as a stylist as it would compromise my values and integrity, so here they are:
1. Never claim to be a stylist without being skilled and qualified:
I truly believe that a stylist is someone who has invested in their education and acquired the skills to really help someone achieve transformational change, not just in their wardrobe, but in their confidence. Social media has given fashion lovers such an amazing platform to showcase their style and aesthetic and how they put clothes together for themselves.
It’s not enough anymore to just love fashion and be able to put together a really great outfit for yourself using your own wardrobe. The power of a qualified and professional stylist is the ability to remove our own bias and judgement for what we believe fashion is or should be, and instead, work with the individual preferences and goals a client shares to achieve their outcome.
2. Never dress a client as a direct copy of your preferred style:
This is something I get asked often – will you just dress me like you and take me to the stores you like?
And my answer is always, it’s not about me, it’s about you. In fact, I am not attached to any brand, store or look in particular. But what I am attached to is nailing the look they have been trying to achieve and seeing that translate in their body language, smile and confiendece.
A skilled stylist can dress anyone, irrespective of their shape, size, budget, lifestyle, location, age and demographic. I’m so grateful to have studied with Australian Style Institute who provided me with the framework to deliver for my clients and receive the most amazing testimonials constantly.
3. Never encourage a client to spend over their budget:
Style doesn’t need to be expensive. In fact, the best style can be super affordable and even achieved on the tightest of budgets. As a stylist, part of my responsibility is to research thoroughly in order to achieve the client’s outcome.
What I mean by that is, I look for garments that will not only fit and flatter my client’s shape, but also provide maximum return on investment for functionality, versatility and their lifestyle.
Over the years I’ve worked with clients who have budgets of $200 up to $3000. And everything in between. And for some clients they already have everything they need right there in the wardrobe, they just need fresh eyes to bring new ideas to the table. So there is no need for a shopping budget at all.
4. Never convince your client they look good in something if they don’t feel good in it:
Funeral story:
And it’s in these moments that we scurry back behind the curtain to whip it off as quickly as possible without falling over and we start to wonder if we could trust their opinion if we stepped out in something else, because, didn’t they see what you saw?
In these moments, a sales assistant’s credibility as an expert and the trust between them and the customer is shattered.
And as a Stylist, we have all the information we need to really understand our client, their limits, their rules and how far they are willing to expand their sartorial boundaries. We also understand that our clients will distort what they see in the mirror up to 40% to the negative, meaning that we need to educate them as to why something works and why it doesn’t. Not convince.
If we were to convince a client that something looks good and that they should purchase it, the reality is that while they might take your professional advice, it’s dangerous territory.
Why? Because that garment will most likely end up in the back of the wardrobe, tag still on never to see the light of day.
I know with my clients I have a pretty hard and fast rule when it comes to whether or not I’d recommend my client hand over their money.
In essence, (and forgive my crass language) – but it’s either a F*ck yes or F*ck no.
Meaning that if there is any hesitation from my client that it’s the right piece, then it’s a F*ck no.
I’ve seen it too many times before to let my clients spend their budget on something they don’t absolutely love.
And that’s the reason they keep coming back to work with me. Because I never convince them they need or should have any one particular garment or outfit. It’s always coming back to their outcome, how they want to be perceived and what helps them to look and feel amazing.
5. Never forget to show an attitude of gratitude:
Styling is always collaborative. Whether you’re working on a photoshoot, in the retail environment or 1:1 with a client. There is always a team that makes it all come together.
I know for me, retailer relationships have been integral to the success of a client’s shopping session. From the team’s insights into what runs smaller or larger in size, what pant is working best for curves, or perhaps what fabric is washing and wearing exceptionally well. Even down to a fitting room being reserved for my client and I to try on garments in.
Regardless of how they’ve assisted me, I always ensure that those who have made a positive impact on my client’s experience know it. Whether that’s thanking them directly, emailing their manager or head office to pass on the feedback or even just making sure I hang up garments correctly and place them back on the shop floor (in size order) to help them out during their busy days on the shop floor.
It’s the little details that count here so someone knows you’ve appreciated their thought, input and time. Not to mention if you head back to that store, they’ll know you and generally offer even more support next time.
Being a stylist is truly a privilege and without undertaking my studies with ASI, I probably would have made these mistakes, and never worked with another client again. Let alone teach the Certificate of Personal Styling course.
Want to know what other mistakes I never make as a stylist? Enrol in one of our courses now to find out.