When hiring a personal stylist for women, you must find someone who understands your needs, style, and goals. Not all stylists are created equal—plenty claim to have your best interests in mind when they’re really just after a commission. Asking the right questions can help you avoid wasting time, energy, and money. Think of it as you protecting your investment.
After all, you wouldn’t buy a car without researching it, right? You’d want to find all the information you can online, read reviews, and get to know your dealership. Finding a personal stylist should be no different.
How do we know this? We’ve seen it firsthand. At Next Level Wardrobe, our team has over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry. We’ve worked with hundreds of clients and heard their real-time feedback directly.
We know what red flags to look out for.
That’s why we’ve developed these seven essential questions you should ask a stylist–whether online or in person–before booking their services.
Questions Women Should Ask a Personal Stylist
1. What Are Your Qualifications?
Sometimes, the styling world can feel like the Wild West. Anyone can call themselves a stylist, regardless of their experience or track record. That’s why you need to ask someone about their background and credentials. You want to hire an expert, not a hobbyist.
- Do you like what you see?
- Is the “after” style aspirational?
- Do the client testimonials strike a chord with your style goals and struggles?
2. Who Are Your Typical Clients?
All personal stylists for women work with specific types of clients. Some focus on postpartum women, others on men’s wardrobes, and some are event-specific, like bridal stylists or entertainment industry stylists.
That means there’s something for everyone, but you must choose wisely. To do this, you should be clear about your goals. That way, you have clear criteria to work off of when finding the best stylist for you. That’s why you should ask any stylist you’re thinking of working with who your typical clients are.
NLW, for example, works with professionals of all ages and sizes. We believe that great style should be accessible and that anyone can achieve a polished, cohesive wardrobe. Next Level Wardrobe may be for you if you’re looking for someone to dress you for all your daily and professional needs.
NLW Client Transformations and Successes
3. Do You Get a Commission From What I Buy?
Here’s an industry secret: many stylists work on commission, and most don’t disclose this to clients. Stylists on commission may take you only to stores where they earn a cut. This, in turn, limits your options. And it hurts the trusting relationship you can have with that personal stylist. You can’t be sure if they’re telling you something looks good because it does or because it makes them more money.
A stylist who works without commissions, like the NLW team, will bring you to any retailer that best suits you. This ensures your stylist recommends items based on what’s right for you, not their bottom line.
Look: Boost Your Style and Confidence
4. What’s Your Styling Process?
No two stylists are the same. Each one approaches their work differently. That’s why you need to understand their process to see if it aligns with what you’re looking for. Are you after a quick wardrobe update? Or do you want a long-term solution?
For example, online style box services may work for someone who prioritizes having new clothes. However, this is more of a temporary, quick-fix approach to styling. It’s not personalized and doesn’t address the root of your style issues.
NLW, on the other hand, is a better fit for clients who want a comprehensive style and personal brand makeover. This is for the person who wants their closet completely tailored to their life, body type, and professional ambitions.
In our holistic system, Cassandra and her team of women’s stylists conduct an in-depth closet edit, curate your shopping experience, and give you a digital outfit guide. These steps help our clients achieve a lasting transformation.
NLW Founder and Stylist Cassandra Sethi working with an in-person client https://www.instagram.com/p/C5TRHaSsU0J/?hl=en
5. As a Personal Stylist for Women, What’s Your Styling Philosophy?
Just as every stylist has a different styling process, each also has a different point of view about style. A stylist’s philosophy will shape their approach to your wardrobe. Are they about chasing trends? Or do they focus on building timeless style? Knowing the answers to these questions helps you find your perfect match.
If you’re into a style philosophy centered around longevity and classic wardrobes, NLW shares that view. We have a proprietary Style System that focuses on three key areas of a closet:
- Fit
- Color
- Quality
We help our customers understand these principles for a versatile capsule wardrobe that’ll last.
6. Do You Offer On-Going Styling Services?
Upgrading your style isn’t a one-and-done thing. (If anyone tries to tell you it is, that’s a big red flag right there!) Think of it as an ongoing skill set you must practice to improve. You may need regular “tune-ups” to keep your style from getting rusty.
That’s why we recommend asking an online personal stylist for women if they offer follow-up services. You can specifically mention seasonal-style or advanced sessions to build on the foundations you’ve developed in your first appointments.
NLW offers both of these return-client services. We keep track of all purchases and send our clients a questionnaire. This allows us to shop strategically and outfit clients year-round.
7. What Are Your Rates and Is Clothing Included?
We couldn’t have an article about what to ask a stylist online without mentioning the cost. Of course, budget is a huge consideration when it comes to personal styling services. We recommend asking for a detailed breakdown of their rates, services included, and clothing expenses.
Working with Next Level Wardrobe is an investment in your long-term style and confidence. Though clothing costs are separate, our approach saves you money in the long run. How? Avoid unnecessary purchases, steer clear of passing trends, and invest in quality pieces that’ll last. On top of that, we handle all returns and orders, so you don’t have to stress about that. Time is money, and peace of mind is priceless.
Elevate Your Style With a Professional That Puts You First
Choosing the right personal stylist for women can be a transformative experience. That’s why you need to take the time to ask these questions and make an informed decision. If you’re ready to elevate your style with a professional who puts you first, apply to NLW’s Women’s Styling Services. Start your style journey today!
