Does your wardrobe need an update? Are you changing careers or newly entering the workplace? Have you recently lost weight? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, you need a new wardrobe. Hiring a professional stylist can save you time, frustration, and even money. Read on to discover the five best tips for hiring a professional stylist.

Dream rich closet which professional stylist can put together for you

Budget

First things first: take ample time to develop your budget. Most stylist charge by the hour, so you should be prepared to pay for up to 5-6 hours in addition to the cost of any clothes. This may mean you need to bulk up your budget before you engage the services of a professional stylist, but when you pick the right one, it will be worth it.

Before you sign on with a professional stylist, ask for a breakdown of all the potential charges and fees. You don’t want to be surprised at the last minute by an after-hours fee, a delivery surcharge, or things cosmetic experts won’t tell you. Share your budget with your stylist so that you both understand your financial limits.

Store Specific

If you have a store that you already love, ask if they have a stylist on staff. Some larger department stores will provide one for no charge. Keep in mind that you’ll only see items that are available from that particular store, but if budget is a concern and you already have an affinity for the store, then this can be a win-win.

Make sure you understand the limits of a department store stylist. Ask if you’re required to make a minimum purchase. Find out if the stylist has ever worked at other stores or independently because this might give him or her a broader view of fashion.




Whole Wardrobe

Tell your stylist what your needs are. For example, if you recently lost 100 pounds and started a new career, then it’s likely you need all new clothes. This may seem daunting, but that’s where the stylist can help. He or she will assess what’s in your current closet and help you to focus on essential pieces going forward.

A stylist can help you understand which clothes you actually need. Many people have closets full of clothes that they don’t wear because they don’t fit or they’re out of style. By going through your current clothes, a professional stylist can help you get rid of the clothes that you will never wear, recognize the clothes that still work, and shop with you for new elements.

Single Pieces

You may not need a whole new wardrobe right now, or you may not have the budget for it at the moment—that’s okay. A good stylist can help you with single pieces (like a great well-fitting blazer) and accessories (like a beautiful scarf that pulls an outfit together).

Don’t forget that you have other options as well; online stores like Pink Lily Boutique carry curated looks. Since they’ve already put their stylists to work, you can choose from a wide range of tops, bottoms, dresses, and accessories in the comfort of your own home.

Research First

As with most things, research is important. Luckily, with the internet, it’s easy to research a stylist to find out about rates, additional fees, and time restraints. You’ll also get a chance to view the stylist’s own style. While he or she doesn’t need to be a carbon copy of you, it’s probably a good idea to stick with someone who you admire. Also, ask as many questions as you can think of, including:

  • What is your hourly rate?
  • Do you have a minimum?
  • Do you charge any additional fees (for example, mileage or gas fees)?
  • Do you have references or online photos of people you’ve styled?

Remember that a good stylist should be open to answering your questions, but should also have lots of questions for you about your likes and dislikes and your fashion dos-and-don’ts.

Moving Forward

Whatever your clothing needs are, a stylist can help you get there. If you take the time to choose just the right person, your journey to a new look will be painless and may even be fun. Just embrace the experience and let your stylist carry you to a new wardrobe!

Guest Author Bio: Carl Turner is a freelance writer and a fashion designer from Century City, California. With over 10 years of experience working with major fashion houses around the world, he has developed a unique fashion sense that his clients love to get inspiration from. When he is not busy with work, he enjoys writing and reading.