Let’s find a personal stylist option that’s right for you. There are a lot of ways to get help with your style from style boxes, to in-store stylists, to independent fashion stylists, and more.

If you’re confused about what styling option will be best for you, this post will answer all your questions.

What a Personal Stylist Does

Personal stylists help their clients make fashion choices. That includes what to keep from your closet, what to buy, and how to wear the clothing you have.

As a personal stylist, I’m passionate about my mission to:

• Help my clients feel their best

• Spend their personal style budget wisely

• Bring together their look

• Be a good listener

• Solve problems quickly to find exactly what my client needs

What To Look For in a Personal Stylist

Personal styling is a very individualized experience.

Before you pay a personal stylist, there are a few things you can do to educate yourself about how they work and what sort of references they have.

You can preview their work through the content they post on their blog, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, etc. As you’re looking at their online presence, do you find their content to be helpful? Do you get “a-ha” moments as you watch their videos, take their workshops, or read their blog? If yes, this may be key that this personal stylist is right for you.

It’s also important to read through their reviews. What have their past clients said about working with them? Reviews are an easy way to find out more about what it’s like to work with the stylist and what clients get from their style session. If the reviews help you feel excited to work with this stylist, that’s definitely a good sign!

Besides content and reviews, there are two crucial elements that you need to look for in a personal stylist:

1. Someone who is a good listener, and

2. Someone who stays relevant to trends.

Find a Personal Stylist Who is a Good Listener

First, you want to make sure the personal stylist you hire shows they care and they’re available to listen. Your unique self needs to be celebrated and heard! 

You want someone who takes in your requests, whether that’s keeping shoes to a maximum of $150, staying away from anything yellow, or finding clothing that fits your new life at home.

The best personal stylist will listen to your needs and preferences and will not try to convince you to dress like someone you’re not. 

Before hiring a personal stylist, ask if you can book a free consultation to ask questions and to share your style goals.

Find a Personal Stylist Who Stays Up To Date with Fashion Trends

Fashion is constantly changing. You want someone who knows the latest trends. This is true even if your style is classic—you still want to stay modern.

A good personal stylist knows when new brands come out. They’re always doing their part to find the best pieces for you.

When Finding a Personal Stylist, Does Their Style Have to Match Mine?

Surprisingly, the answer is no, not at all!

As you look through their Instagram, Youtube, and other social media channels, you’ll most likely find that your stylist does not have your style. Probably not even close.

You do not need a stylist that dresses like you. For a stylist, fashion is an art. The way they dress is usually more creative. It’s all about mixing textures, prints, and wearing pieces that are dramatic.

Great personal stylists know how to shop for different body types and lifestyles. Piecing together styles, stores, and colors is a fun process for them and working with all different personal styles is what they’re best at.

How Much Does It Cost to Work With a Personal Stylist?

It varies. You’re paying for the level of experience you want.

You can get personal styling for free from an in-store stylist, but you will be limited to the brand or store.

Or, you can hire a personal stylist who will shop for you anywhere.

The more you pay, the more you get from it.

For personal styling online and in-person: the price depends on the experience of the stylist, their target market, and how many years they’ve been in the industry.

With style boxes, you are really just paying for the shipping fee. The stylists that work with you for the style box services are like an in-store stylist, where you are limited to the brands from that particular store, so essentially it’s free.

With personal styling workshops, there’s a small fee but you have to do it yourself. 

Here’s a comparison of prices for personal stylists:

• Personal styling (online or in-person): $80 to $300 dollars an hour. Some stylists charge per package. 

• Style box services: $20 - $60; the fee usually goes towards the items you choose to purchase.

• In-store stylists: free

• Online workshops: $15 to $2,000

How Do I Find a Personal Stylist To Hire?

There are a few ways to go about this. You can either ask for a recommendation from a friend, or you can do a Google Search, Instagram Search, or Yelp Search.

Pick your top 3 stylists and look at their online presence. Read the about page, profile, and blog. If you want to move forward, ask to set up a consultation to meet them or book an appointment.

You can search online for a personal stylist with these keywords:

• Personal stylist near me

• Online personal shopper

• Personal shopper

What Kind of Personal Styling Service is Best For Me?

There are so many personal styling options available now. Let’s break these down with the pros and cons of each.

Style Boxes

Style boxes are best for you if you:

• Have a good sense of your style but are too busy to shop

• Can make decisions that will make an impact on your style but will not add clutter

• Live too far away from places to shop in-store

• Are on a budget

Style boxes aren’t good for you if you:

• Have way too much in your closet you aren’t wearing

• Buy items you don’t love 

• Don’t understand your personal style

• Buy without a plan

In-Store Stylists

In-store personal stylists are best for you if you:

• Trust the stylist isn’t just selling to you for commission

• Are able to make decisions on your own without outside influence

• Find a store that caters to your personal style

• Need new items and know exactly what to shop for that won’t add clutter to your closet

• Need last minute help for an event, interview, or a special outfit

In-store stylists aren’t a good option if you:

• Are unsure with what you need to add to your wardrobe

• Need help figuring out your personal style

• Want help integrating what you currently own to the new pieces you buy

Online and In-Person Personal Stylists

Personal stylists are best for you if you:

• Want to understand your personal style

• Want to build a wardrobe that’s functional and works for you

• Don’t want to be limited to one store or one brand

• Previously tried to figure out your style without success

• Prefer personalized attention

Personal stylists aren’t a good option if you:

• Have a tight budget

• Aren’t ready to open up to new styles

• Aren’t ready to part with old items

Personal Styling Workshops

Personal styling workshops are best for you if you:

• Are proactive

• Are willing to put in the time to go through each step

• Enjoy learning something new

Workshops aren’t good for you if you:

• Aren’t motivated to go through the steps

• Don’t care to learn about what works for you

• Feel it’s easier to pay a stylist to do it for you

Are you searching for a personal stylist and want to learn more about the online and in-person styling services at The Closet Edit? Book a free discovery call here. 

What’s stopped you in the past from working with a stylist? Comment below!