How do I find a personal stylist?

To find a fashion consultant, start by browsing portfolios online. Styling is a visual art, so finding a fashion consultant who fits the style you desire is key. 

Great personal stylists aren't confined to one style, but if you're seeking a hipper, fashion-forward vibe, you'd do well to find someone with a modern portfolio, while a fashion consultant with a consistently refined style could be a better fit if you'd prefer a more conservative look. Reading reviews is also helpful for learning more about the fashion consultant. 

Research their training, background, and years of experience. After reviewing websites and Instagram accounts, meet with the stylist in person to learn how well they fit your personality; some fashion consultants offer a free phone consultation prior to hiring. 

Before hiring, make sure you clearly understand their terms of service and payment.

What’s the difference between a personal stylist and an image consultant?

Here’s how a personal stylist and image consultant differ:

An image consultant focuses on tactics AND creating big visions for your style and image. They will coach you on how to ‘zoom out’ and create your style goals, identify what you want to communicate with your clothing, and more. An Image consultant will ensure that your image is aligned with YOUR story, ambitions, and personality.

They’ll do an analysis of you and your online profiles to create a style and image strategy that is in line with who you are, your professional goals, and your preferences. They’ll take the time to get to know you and not force a style upon you.

An image consultant not only focuses on clothing but on accessories, makeup, hairstyles, photoshoots — smaller but just as important details when taking your image to the next level.

If you wish someone would just pick clothes for you that fit perfectly, are flattering to your figure, and would be considered stylish or on-trend, you may simply need a personal stylist.

These professionals survey your lifestyle and body type to make the best selections for those who really hate to shop, or aren’t quite sure what brands and styles to buy.

If you are considering working with a personal stylist, you should ask them a series of questions to gauge their process, style, philosophy, and any affiliations they have with brands with whom they may make a commission.

There’s nothing wrong with choosing this option if you are looking for specific items to add to your closet to ensure you always have something flattering and stylish to wear.

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive approach to your image and style, and are getting a lot of visibility with peers in your professional life– you should consider an image consultant.

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My Personal Styling Experience At The Fashion Lounge

I filled out a Q&A before meeting Spencer and we also had a chat over the phone about my personal style, my budget, what I was looking for, the types of clothes and colors that I like to wear as well as the shapes, colors, and styles I avoid (body-con dresses anyone?). So before my shopping trip had even begun, I was feeling relaxed and excited about what outfits Spencer would select for me.

On arriving at The Fashion Lounge I was greeted with a welcoming smile from Spencer and the offer of a drink, then we sat down on one of the plush couches for a brief recap about what I hoped to get out of the session. Spencer then showed me some of the outfits he'd selected for me, which were presented on a rail with jewelry choices draped over each outfit along with a selection of shoes and bags that could work with all of the outfits.

There was a spacious changing area sectioned off with a curtain, and a huge mirror where I tried each outfit on in privacy and comfort than would step out from behind the curtain to show Spencer.  We also went to a few shops in Denver where Spencer had already put aside some items and outfits for me to try on.

(Spencer and I in The Fashion Lounge)

I felt immediately at ease and comfortable with Spencer, who was just as warm and friendly in person as he was over the phone. In some ways, it was like I was shopping with a friend, but the best part was that I got expert, honest advice on styles and cuts to flatter my figure and achieved what would have taken days (or perhaps even weeks) of shopping in just a couple of hours.

I left our two-hour session with some truly lovely pieces and, amazingly, I managed to stick to my budget. Which is pretty much unheard of for me!

I was so impressed with Spencer’s passion and enthusiasm for styling – He seemed to genuinely care about finding me the perfect outfits. And went above and beyond to ensure I got everything I wanted from our session. As I was trying on shoes, I’d mentioned to Spencer that I was actually looking for some new wedge trainers. Later that day, hours after our session, he texted me a photo of the perfect pair he’d spotted in Aldo. I went and bought them immediately and absolutely love them!