How to become a fashion consultant

Have you ever thought about a career in fashion, but would prefer to be someone who critiques rather than solely creates? While it’s true that we may not all have the body of Gisele Bündchen or the conceptual genius of Rick Owens, there is demand for almost every kind of skill out there—and critiquing is not a skill to be dismissed when it comes to fashion.

Fashion is an industry that is both controversial, yet ingrained into societal life. Fashion carries with it both a privilege and an expectation. Fashion is cited as a notoriously highly competitive industry. In 2022, it was estimated by Statista that the entire fashion industry was worth a staggering 1.53 trillion U.S. dollars, and is gaining momentum thanks to how marketable it is on social media. Take, for example, the annual Met Ball, which is always in the first week of May. The event is funded by art gurus and is the pinnacle social, cultural, and artistic event of the year, which has certain protocols and expectations in terms of attendees. To receive an invitation to one of the world’s most exclusive events is a highly prized desire for those in the public eye. However, the truth is that most celebrities do not choose their attire themselves. In fact, they have a trusted team of professionals that curates the outfits for their many public appearances and meticulously selects whose labels, which garments, and what accessories they will wear.

It is essential to have a knowledgeable person who is in the know of what is currently fashionable and what is not, as an integral part of the team. Therefore, as important as it is to be invited to the Met, it can be just as devastating to get replaced by another person—or worse, which is inevitable in popular culture, being subject to criticism.

What does a fashion consultant do? 

A fashion consultant is a paid professional who is ‘in the know’ of all things fashion-related and is someone who offers their opinion on what looks best on their client. For example, they should know how colour theory works and how different sizes and shapes transform the body. They are someone who makes a living off of keeping up with fashion trends, collaborating with others, and putting together beautiful clothes.

What skills does this job require? 

Damien Hirst once said, ‘there are two kinds of artists: the instinctual and the intellectual,’ but to be a fashion consultant, you must be both. Basic skills that this job requires are the ability to constantly analyse and keep up with trends, communicate clearly with clients in order to understand their needs and offer appropriate recommendations, and creatively piece together outfits and understand what makes something aesthetically pleasing. It would also be helpful if you prefer working in a fast-paced environment, have strong customer service skills, and have a strong passion for working directly with people and in fashion.

How much does a fashion consultant make? 

According to Indeed, the average base salary for a fashion consultant in the UK is £22,431 per year. However, a super well-connected and reputable fashion consultant, such as Brenda Weischer (Hashtag), also the fashion editor of Berlin-based fashion magazine 032c, who unfortunately keeps her income unreleased, can earn a substantial annual income and receive major perks such as receiving a free supply of her favourite designer items, which is not an uncommon perk when working in fashion. 

How to break into fashion consultancy? 

Unlike jobs like law and medicine, there is no set way into becoming a fashion consultant, which is useful for those who like to be creative with their business endeavours and prefer to forge their own path. This means that finding and building a strong network of people to aid you in your success is crucial. According to Target Jobs, when it comes to consultancy as a profession, ‘Consultants need to be able to break down problems and come up with well-reasoned, sensible answers,’ so just like in any other field investing in a degree that is the same or similar to the field you would like to break into is always ideal. For example, this could look like exploring a fashion degree or studying art. 

In addition, having a portfolio that showcases your styling work, whether it's outfits you've curated, fashion shoots you've coordinated, or clients you've collaborated with, is essential. Your portfolio serves as a visual representation of your skills and capabilities, helping you attract potential clients or employers. It is also important to make the most of social media to promote yourself in today's industry landscape. Curating your public profiles as your digital art portfolio can help establish an attractive image and reputation, attracting buyers, collaborators, and investors.