So, you’ve decided to hire an NYC fashion stylist. First of all, congrats on deciding to elevate your style.
Just like you’d hire a personal trainer to up your fitness, you’re turning to an expert to optimize your closet and get you a shortcut to your goals.
Whatever your reasons for hiring a personal stylist, it’s time to learn how to find a NYC Fashion Stylist.
As a personal stylist and image consultant who’s worked for over 20 years in the fashion industry, I know what to look for in a stylist. Read on for my easy guide on tracking down the right expert for your needs.
How To Find a NYC Fashion Stylist: Where to Start
When it comes to finding a NYC fashion stylist, many people don’t know where to begin. I’ve learned from my clients at Next Level Wardrobe that there are three common starting points. Let’s take a look at how these options shake out in reality.
1. DIYing your style makeover
There are a lot of myths around working with a personal stylist. A big one is that it’s too expensive or intimidating to work with one.
As a result, many people try to do the job of a stylist themselves to save money. They stitch together blogs, style advice videos from YouTube, and aspirational Pinterest boards.
Trying to put together tips from different corners of the internet sounds great in theory, right?
However, it often leads to conflicting information, a disorganized vision, and frustration. This is because these snippets of advice aren’t personalized to you, your needs, and lifestyle.
Plus, after spending all that time researching looks, you still need to spend countless hours shopping on your own. As any New Yorker can tell you, time is precious.
2. Calling on a friend or family member
Perhaps you recognize you’re not the expert on style. But maybe you have a friend or relative who’s fashionable or always has an opinion on your outfits. So, you call on them to bail you out of your closet emergency.
The problem? They’re not a professional either.
This person may have style but that doesn’t mean they’ll understand how to dress you. Furthermore they don’t know what your closet really needs.
On top of that, being a personal stylist is a career, not a hobby. Your friend or family member can’t transform your approach to fashion with a single trip to the mall.
This is why fashion stylists exist. For myself and my styling team, putting together outfits and honing a client’s personal style is our full time job.
3. Reading Reviews
Of the methods for finding a NYC fashion stylist, reading reviews and taking recommendations is the best way to go. With a quick internet search, you’ll discover the top-rated options in the city. More importantly, you’ll hear directly from past clients and know what worked for people like you.
At Next Level Wardrobe, we pride ourselves on our consistent 5-star reviews from clients who wanted their style done right the first time.
Top 3 Tips for Hiring a NYC Fashion Stylist
Once you’ve begun your search for a stylist, it’s time to dive into the details.
In the end, you’re hiring someone to work for you so you need to make sure they meet your qualifications. Here are my top three suggestions for what to look for in a stylist:
1. Look for a strong portfolio
Did you know that there’s no such thing as a degree or certification in personal styling?
Anybody can claim to be a stylist so finding a strong portfolio is key. Look up your prospective expert on LinkedIn to double-check their experience. Instagram is another great resource to see how your stylist works. Review how they approach trends, fit, and what brands they love.
Insider tip: Stylists will usually style YOU, the way they dress themselves
Before and after pictures are also a must. You want to see what a stylist actually did to change a client’s wardrobe for the better. If they don’t have before/after photos ask to see them.
2. Seek out a good listener
Even though you’re hiring someone to teach you about style, that doesn’t mean you’re the only one doing the listening.
In fact, it’s just the opposite.
Have a list of questions to ask your NYC fashion stylist. Any expert should be ready to answer them. A great stylist will hear your concerns and patiently explain their approach. They will educate you and tell you WHY something works and why it doesn’t.
A stylist who’s a good listener will also work with your style, not against it.
Here’s what I mean. At Next Level Wardrobe, we use a proprietary styling system on all of our clients. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a one-size-fits-all approach. It means that we have a clear vision and process that can work with any individual’s needs, likes, and dislikes. We tailor the styling system to each and every client as we work with them.
The bottom line? At the end of the day, it’s YOUR style, not someone else’s.
3. Find someone who fits your lifestyle and wants to develop a relationship with you
If you’re a busy professional in a fast-paced city like NYC, you need a stylist who fits your schedule. This is why more and more people are turning to virtual styling options for convenience. In fact, most of our Next Level Wardrobe clients are virtual. We’ve got fashion down to a science and we can implement it anywhere.
No matter if you work with an online stylist or in-person expert, develop a relationship with them.
A stellar stylist needs to be your coach, cheerleader, and teacher all rolled into one. They need to simplify the process and get you excited about getting dressed everyday. This is also why I recommend skipping subscription box services. Talking with an expert in-person or over Zoom and showing them your closet will tell them much more than an online profile and algorithm ever can.
At Next Level Wardrobe, we’re in it for the long haul. We’ve worked with some of our clients for 4+ years through professional growth, family expansions, and life changes. We’re here to be her partner in fashion, not a one-time fling.
Ready to work with NYC fashion stylists with a proven track record? Apply for our personal styling services today.
