How to Become A Stylist In South Africa

A fashion stylist is a professional who coordinates all aspects of a person’s visual aesthetic to make them look as fashionable and appealing as possible.

What does a stylist do?

Fashion stylists work for individuals, fashion houses and clothing brands. Their main responsibilities include providing fashion advice; choosing and coordinating outfits for models in photo shoots or actors in television and film; and choosing props and accessories and preparing them for shoots.

What is a stylist and what does one do?

To break it down a stylist dresses people , using clothing to communicate. It could be to make somebody look and feel great, to sell a collection, or to create an inspiring image. Although clothing is an incredibly important part of the process, a stylist is rarely just putting together outfits.

How do stylists get clothes?

For photo shoots +red carpet events, stylists often borrow clothing from showrooms for models, celebrities, and well-known socialites to wear. Occasionally civilians get wind of this and ask me as a stylist if I can borrow clothing for them too.

How to Become A Stylist In South Africa

Requirements to Be a Fashion Stylist

Fashion Stylist Job Description

Degree LevelAssociate’s degree (minimum)
Degree FieldFashion merchandising
Experience4-5 years of personal or on-set fashion styling
CertificationProfessional certification available from the Association of Image Consultants International (AICA)
Key SkillsVisual accuracy, creativity, attention to detail; spoken and written communication; time management, interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills; Microsoft Office software
Median Salary*R 772219.14 (December 2020)

Below are steps to Become A Stylist In South Africa

Step 1: Earn an Associate’s Degree

Becoming a stylist begins with formal education. But what degree do you need to be a fashion stylist? The primary education needed to be a fashion stylist consists at minimum of an associate’s degree for fashion stylist positions.

Several colleges offer two-year degree programs in fashion merchandising, which can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the industry. Classes include the science of textiles, history of fashion, visual merchandising, and retail buying.

In order to learn how to become a clothing stylist, create a portfolio of work. Many employers require applicants to submit portfolios that display a variety of previous fashion styling work. If degree programs do not require you to create a portfolio, making one is still a good idea.

Fashion projects completed as part of course requirements can contribute to this professional collection of work. Uploading the portfolio online may provide opportunities to connect with possible employers quicker.

Topics Included in Fashion Programs

Elements of trends

Fashion history

Cultural impacts of fashion

Business and marketing

Step 2: Gain Experience and Network

Gaining all of the required qualifications to be a stylist involves getting involved in the industry. Fashion stylist positions often require at least four to five years of experience, though some require upwards of eight to ten years of work in the fashion industry.

Entry-level fashion retail jobs can help you gain perspective on how various elements come together to create unique, ready-to-wear looks.

Stylist jobs often require skills in multiple departments, so learning things like how to become a men’s stylist, or how to work in areas like children’s and intimates are good preparation. Entry-level jobs can also help you network and make contacts in the fashion industry.

Join a fashion organization to stay current in industry trends. You need to ensure they are up-to-date on ever-changing fashion looks.

Joining a professional organization, like the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) or the International Fashion Stylists Association (IFSA), can connect you with resources, including the latest fashion news, professional development training opportunities and fashion industry events.

The IFSA coordinates a major annual conference that includes lectures and workshops directed by fashion stylist leaders.

Step 3: Earn Certification

In order to learn how to become a professional wardrobe stylist, consider looking into certification. This is the last major thing to consider when learning how to get into personal styling. Gaining certification demonstrates expertise and credibility in the fashion industry, which can expand stylist careers opportunities.

The AICI offers certification at two levels: First Level Certification (FLC) and Certified Image Professional (CIP). Stylists must pass an exam covering technical aspects of apparel image and business topics, as well as provide a portfolio for review to earn the FLC credential.

One year later, a stylist can earn the CIP by passing a more intensive portfolio review, in addition to demonstrating completion of continuing education and involvement in professional activities.

Job Duties and Personal Stylist Skills

Now that you understand how to be a wardrobe stylist, let’s take a look at the fashion stylist key skills that will be the most applicable for you as you think about how to be a clothing stylist and whether this career is right for you. Job duties include:

Finding and styling outfits

Following instructions and trends

Keeping up to date with how fashion is evolving

Providing good customer service

Some of the personal skill requirements to be a fashion stylist include:

Attention to detail

Excellent visual eye

Extensive knowledge of the fashion industry

Excellent customer service skills

Good visual personal presentation

Understanding of how to be a personal stylist for people with different style needs

2 Fashion Stylist Jobs in South Africa

Fashion Stylist

ZED MENSWEAR Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Visual Merchandiser

Lagardère Travel Retail Amsterdam, Mpumalanga, South Africa

What qualifications do you need to be a stylist In South Africa?

Some of the personal skill requirements to be a fashion stylist include:

Attention to detail.

Excellent visual eye.

Extensive knowledge of the fashion industry.

Excellent customer service skills.

Good visual personal presentation.

Understanding of how to be a personal stylist for people with different style needs.

Can you be a stylist without a degree In South Africa?

Academic qualifications are not as important as creative and practical skills. It’s possible to become a stylist without a degree or HND. However, some employers will require applicants to have studied towards a relevant qualification.

How do stylist get clothes In South Africa?

Here are a few of the ways to obtain clothes for shoots:

Borrow from the press offices.

Sometimes brands will have press offices in smaller cities, but no samples.

Borrow from the stores.

Borrow from local designers.

Shop vintage or your own closet.

Is fashion styling a good career In South Africa?

If you’re passionate about aesthetics, up to date on fashion trends, confident in your sense of style, have strong communication skills, and are willing to put in long hours for occasionally thankless work, a career as a fashion stylist may be ideal.

Do you need a fashion degree to be a stylist In South Africa?

Most fashion stylists have a degree in fashion design, fashion merchandising, fashion retailing, or fashion management. While a degree is not required for entry into this field, most employers (and potential clients) prefer formal training. .

Does stylist pay for clothes In South Africa?

For photo shoots +red carpet events, stylists often borrow clothing from showrooms for models, celebrities, and well-known socialites to wear. Your ability to borrow clothing samples, which are mostly sample size, is based on the following factors: The merit and weight of the project you are pulling for.

Where can I work as a stylist In South Africa?

Fashion stylists work in a variety of settings in the fashion industry and other organizations. Some stylists work with fashion magazines, studios, marketing companies, or advertising agencies. Others work in film, television, and the music industry, providing services on- or off-set.

How long does it take to become a stylist In South Africa?

Students usually have to put around 1,500 to 2,000 hours into their hair stylist courses and training. A student who can attend hair design school full-time will generally be able to complete their program faster than a part-time student.

How often is stylist published In South Africa?

Stylist is publishing one print edition every month, which will be delivered to your home when you subscribe.

How do I contact Stylist magazine In South Africa?

If you have a complaint, you can email us at reception@stylist.co.uk. Further contact details can be found here.