Blog written by B-Six.

Are you looking forward to Fashion Week FW22 in New York City and other fashion capitals around the world? If you're an aspiring fashion stylist I bet the answer is yes! If you are an actual fashion stylist, I'm sure you'll be EXHAUSTED by the end of it. Since it is rapidly getting closer,  there are a few things we should be aware of before Fashion Week starts. 

In this article we will be going over all of the must-have tools you'll need in your fashion stylist kit including the essential reusable and silicone nipple coverings, along with other frequently asked questions about the job including: what do fashion stylists wear to work, and do they need to provide clothing. All are answered below so keep reading!

What Is A Fashion Stylist And What Do They Do?

A fashion stylist, also known as a wardrobe stylist, selects and styles clothing for individuals (such as celebrities, public figures, and models) and for publications like magazines, print advertisements, music videos, and of course, Fashion Week. Fashion Stylists generally work as freelancers through agencies or as independent contractors. They can also work at a company in-house for fashion houses or brands but that is not as common. 

Fashion Stylists work with photographers, filmmakers, hair stylists, make-up artists, talent, fashion designer, and others that are part of the larger creative team that the client created for that particular photoshoot or event. They all work together with a common goal or "look" in mind which is typically determined by the client. 

Fashion Stylists Responsibilities Include:

• Staying up-to-date on global fashion trends and design trends.
• Giving fashion advice and making recommendations to the client.
• Ordering clothing, fabrics, and accessories to facilitate a wardrobe which is either delivered or is independently brought to the location. 
• Creating outfits for models, celebrities, actors, and others to wear during photoshoots, Fashion Week, and other events.
• Organizing the clothes and accessories for a photoshoot or event.
• Lifting heavy equipment including garment bags, luggage, and more.
• Making sure the clothes and accessories look their best during photoshoots and other events. 

When it comes to dealing with and fixing last-minute crises and disasters on the fly, fashion stylists are the "superheroes" of the fashion industry.

What Is In A Fashion Stylist Kit?

As a professional fashion stylist, you will need a suitcase to store all of your wardrobe necessities. A stylist's tool kit is filled with essential fashion products that rectify, alter, or transform possible future fashion issues such as tears, creases, nipples showing through clothing, and more. Below is a list of some fashion essentials to consider when creating your fashion stylist kit bag.

What Should Be In Your Fashion Stylist Tool Kit:

• Adjust-a-Button (quick and easy way to alter the waist line so the clothing fits properly)
• Clips (keeps clothing secure and in place)
• Double Stick Tape (keep clothes where they should be such as keeping boobs concealed when wearing deep neck lines)
• Labels (helps when organizing) 
• Lint Roller (remove unwanted lint, hair, sparkles, etc. from clothing)
• Measuring Tape (take measurements with ease)
• Safety Pins (keeps clothes secure when models are moving around)
• Scissors (used to cut threads, help with altering clothing)
• Steamer (remove wrinkles and creases in clothing) 
• Sewing Kit (to make quick alterations)
• Nipple Pasties (conceals nipples so they do not show through clothing, removes the need for a bra which means no bra straps showing)
• Notebook and Pen (handy for quick notes about clothing edits you've made, etc.)
• Wipes (keep clothes clean) 

Does A Stylist Provide Clothes?

A fashion stylist may or may not provide clothes as it depends on the job. Be sure to communicate with your fashion stylist before the job to know if they are bringing clothes or not. If you are the fashion stylist, make sure to communicate with your client about what specifically needs to be brought to the photoshoot or event as soon as you book the job so you have time to plan and pack. 

If you are starting out, you may be doing test shoots which will most likely require you to provide clothes for the talent to wear. Many beginner fashion stylists do not have a ton of money to spend on clothing or have a wardrobe kit (mentioned below) so they often buy clothes from fast-fashion companies for the photoshoot or event, and then return the pieces once the job finishes. 

If you are a fashion stylist that works for company in-house for fashion houses or brands, you will not need to provide clothing because all clothing being photographed is for that particular brand.

For Fashion Week, you will most likely not need to provide clothing. You will be styling client confirmed pieces on models before the show. Most Fashion Week looks have an attached paper on the garment bag that shows the look already styled on the model to know how it should look, and it also describes what is included with the look (shoes, belts, jewelry, etc.) so you don't forget anything! 

Over time you will start to collect pieces of clothing for your own wardrobe kit by buying them or by having them gifted to you. For all jobs however you will still need to bring your fashion stylist tool kit!

Frequently Asked Questions About Fashion Stylists

Here are some of the commonly asked questions about fashion stylists:

What does every fashion stylist need?

Some of the absolute essentials that a stylist should never miss in their fashion stylist's tool kit are a suitcase, steamer, pins, a sewing kit, scissors, double-sided tape, measuring tape, a lint roller, and clips. 

What are the fashion must-haves in a fashion stylist's wardrobe kit?

Absolute must-haves to carry in your stylist wardrobe kit include:

• White T-Shirt
• Button-Up Shirt
• Knit Sweater
• Blazer
• Denim Jacket
• Leather Jacket
• Skinny Denim Jeans
• Tapered Fit Denim Jeans
• Mid-Length Skirt
• Black Dress
• Pumps
• Sneakers
• Ankle Boots
• Simple Jewelry Pieces

What should a fashion stylist wear to work?

In my experience, I have seen fashion stylist's wear pretty much everything at this point. Massive platform shoes? Yes. Avant-Garde clothing? Yes. A simple white t-shirt and jeans? Yes. 

Generally fashion stylists tend to wear simple, functional, and loose-fitting clothing. They typically wear all black, a white tee and jeans, or some other combo of the sorts. This is because their own clothing will not affect the wardrobe they are working with. What does this mean? An example is if wear clothing with tassels, those tassels could catch on clothing you are styling creating knots or catching on beaded gowns which could hurt the garment. It's best to avoid tassels, beads, scarves, really long necklaces, dysfunctional clothing like platform shoes, and uncomfortable clothing such as flip-flops and skinny jeans. 

Fashion Stylist Clothes That Are Perfect For Work:

• Graphic Tees
• Hoodies
• Blazers
• Jackets
• Skirts
• Demin Jeans
• Dresses
• Sneakers
• Ankle Boots
• Kitten Heels 
• Belts
• Jewelry

Ready For Fashion Week? We've Got You Covered

Fashion Week creates new and exciting fashion trends around the world for everyone to enjoy, especially fashion stylists. It is a terrific time to experiment with new styles, colors, and fabrics! Bring out your wild and creative side by using bright colors, vibrant patterns, and shimmering cool designs because during Fashion Week, you can use them for all occasions. Fashion Week FW22 is the time to make a statement people! Stay up-to-date on current fashion trends through our blog so you never miss a potential fashion MOMENT. 

 keep reading...

Contributing Writer: Jordan Moon