how to hire a personal stylist on a budget — mindful closet (2024)

I’m fully aware that for most people, hiring a personal stylist feels like something the 1% do, not something normal people do. But you don’t have to be walking a red carpet to need help. Anyone and everyone is allowed to want to feel better and more like themselves in their clothes.

Yes, I know it’s not cheap. So let's get really specific about money.

How much money have you spent on clothes that you wore once and then asked yourself "what was I thinking?"

How much have you spent on clothes that you never even took the tags off of because as soon as you got it home you realized you didn’t really like it but never got around to returning it because *maybe* you’d need it at some point?

How much have you spent on clothes that were a little tight in the dressing room but will fit as soon as you start being "good" again?

How much have you spent on Stitchfix items that you kept because you didn’t really love it but if you kept all the items you’d get a discount, so why not, maybe I’ll wear it? (spoiler alert: you won’t)

What’s your time worth?

How much time every morning do you spend trying on outfits until you find something that doesn’t feel awful?

How much time do you spend being overwhelmed by options when you do actually need to buy something?

How often does that overwhelm keep you from getting what would actually feel good to wear because it just feels like too much trouble?

How much time do you spend cleaning out your closet, or feeling like you need to clean out your closet and getting rid of all the stuff you bought?

What’s your mental state worth?

How much time have you spent feeling bad when you look in the closet and see clothes that are a size or two too small?

How much time and energy do you spend berating yourself for no longer being able to fit in them?

How much does it affect your day when you go to your closet and everything in there just feels "meh"?

How much time do you spend stressed out about your overstuffed closet that still somehow doesn’t have anything you want to wear in it?

What is it worth to feel good in your clothes? Like they were meant to fit your body, not that you needed to tailor your *body* to fit into them?

What would it be worth if you felt like your clothes were a true representation of what *you* actually want to wear, not what a "10 items every woman should have in her closet" listicle told you you should?

What if you felt empowered, no matter your size or shape (fruit anyone?), to wear the styles that you were drawn to aesthetically, not just the ones deemed flattering for you?

Now, let’s talk numbers.

In all the scenarios I listed above of clothing that doesn’t get worn, how much do you think that costs you per month? $20? $50? $100?

Multiply that by 12. Multiply that by the number of years you’ve been buying clothes.

Let’s say it’s just $20/month and you’re 30 years old and you’ve been buying your own clothes since you graduated from college at 22.

That’s $1920.

Maybe you’re older than 30, maybe you waste more than $20 a month on clothes you don’t wear, maybe you’ve been buying your own clothes since you were 16. That number goes up.

How many more years will you waste several hundred dollars a year on not knowing what works for you?

Ten?

That’s another $2400.

I won’t even go into what could happen if you invested that money and earned a return on it!

Ok, so that’s the hard numbers on the clothes.

What about the time and mental energy?

What’s your time worth?

$20/hour? $50/hour? $100/hour?

Do you spend a few minutes a day or an hour or two every week stressing about clothes?

An hour a week at $20 an hour equals $1040 when multiplied by 52 weeks in a year.

How many years have you spent investing mental energy into worrying about what you wear? Ten? That’s $10,400.

How many more years will you spend trying to figure it out on your own?

Have I convinced you yet?

There’s a good chance I still haven’t, since as women we’re conditioned not to spend anything on ourselves that will make us feel good. We’re told we exist to help others, for the pleasure of others. But you do deserve to feel good in your clothes, in the body that you live in today.

What if you could have an empathetic, loving, caring, kind guide to discovering all of that? Someone who wouldn't try to change you or improve you, but helped you get back to who you really are and gave you the tools to express that in your clothing? Someone who's also not perfect and wouldn't judge you? What would that be worth?

I offer a free 20-minute new client clarity call if you want to know more about how it can work for you.

If spending money on my services truly isn’t possible for you, I also have many, many low cost and free resources and videos available if you’re willing to put in the work on your own without my input. Regardless of size, shape, or budget, you deserve to have clothes you love that fit.

how to hire a personal stylist on a budget — mindful closet (2024)

FAQs

How much should a wardrobe stylist charge? ›

Personal styling (online or in-person): $80 to $300 dollars an hour. Some stylists charge per package. Style box services: $20 – $60; the fee usually goes towards the items you choose to purchase. In-store stylists: free.

Is hiring a personal stylist worth it? ›

In the end, whether or not a personal stylist is worth it comes down to your own personal circ*mstances and goals. If you're looking to overhaul your entire wardrobe, save time and money while getting some expert advice along the way then hiring a personal stylist is definitely the way to go.

What questions do personal stylist ask? ›

6 Things A Personal Stylist Would Ask You
  • #1 Your Style Preferences. The stylist would ask a few questions about your personality and preference when it comes to clothing. ...
  • #2 Your Body Measurements. ...
  • #3 Your Wardrobe Tour. ...
  • #4 Your Budget. ...
  • #5 Your Lifestyle. ...
  • #6 Your Goal.
May 15, 2020

How much does a personal style consultant cost? ›

Packages can be wise for those in need of a complete closet overhaul versus a one-time service. On Thumbtack.com, the average cost of a wardrobe consultant ranges anywhere from $25 to $120 an hour, depending on the zip code.

What is the difference between a fashion stylist and a personal stylist? ›

A personal stylist addresses an individual's image through the lens of fashion and helps them identify their unique style. They assist them regularly by cultivating their styling needs. A fashion stylist, on the other hand, works on projects and cultivates upon a pre-established setup.

What is the difference between a personal stylist and a wardrobe stylist? ›

Personal Stylists are just that, stylists. They tell you what the fashion trends are, styles, and colors. Stylists can also work to create a unique style for you. Wardrobe consultants on the other hand, go a little bit further as they dress you specifically to your needs, body type, personal style, and lifestyle.

Can a normal person get a stylist? ›

Stylists are for everyone. My clients range from fashion enthusiasts who just need a few pointers to those who are busy pursuing a career or raising a family and simply don't have time to shop. I have experience styling men, women, and kids. All services are customized to suit the individual's lifestyle and budget.

How much does a session with a stylist cost? ›

A personal stylist will charge by the hour, but they may also charge a flat fee per project or even per month. Personal stylist costs vary depending on the individual and their career but typically range from $50 - $250/hr.

What does personal styling include? ›

Personal stylists help clients create the most suitable image by choosing clothes and accessories that fit clients' body types and individual needs. They may also provide style advice and assist with hair, make-up, and even home decor. Personal stylists should be flexible and willing to travel.

How do I prepare for a personal stylist? ›

How to Prepare for the First Meeting with Your Personal Stylist
  1. Take an Introspective Look. Our consultation process begins with a 30-point questionnaire, with the purpose of understanding your preferences and lifestyle in as much detail as possible. ...
  2. Style Inspiration. ...
  3. Ask Questions. ...
  4. Objectives. ...
  5. Budget. ...
  6. Get Excited!

What should you look for in a personal stylist? ›

Top Tips For Choosing A Personal Stylist
  • Seek recommendations. ...
  • Check out their website/social media. ...
  • Testimonials & reviews. ...
  • What range of services do they offer? ...
  • Do they offer value for money? ...
  • How experienced are they? ...
  • Plan ahead. ...
  • Are they a good advertisem*nt for their services?
Nov 12, 2019

What are the five steps to determining your personal style? ›

How to Find Your Personal Style in 5 Steps
  1. Look to your own closet. Think about the clothes you have that make you happy. ...
  2. Find fashion inspiration. ...
  3. Create a fashion mood board. ...
  4. Create a capsule wardrobe. ...
  5. Experiment with unique style choices.
Jun 7, 2021

What is a personal stylist called? ›

Personal stylists are also known as image consultants, personal shoppers, style consultants and fashion advisors. My role starts with me listening and understanding the client's requirements and lifestyle. Sometimes the client will leave it all to me, other times I will work closely with the client.

Do stylists pay for clothes? ›

You should expect your stylist to source all items needed. They can do this by borrowing pieces from designers in exchange for the publicity your project will give them. Or, they can buy and return items from retail stores.

What does a wardrobe stylist do? ›

A wardrobe stylist is the job title of someone who selects the clothing for published features, print or television advertising campaigns, music videos, concert performances, and public appearances made by celebrities, models or other public figures.

Who is the most popular stylist? ›

As we take a look into the wonderful world of styling, here are 12 celebrity stylists you should be following on Instagram.
  • Bryon Javar. ...
  • Law Roach. ...
  • Jason Rembert. ...
  • Jason Bolden. ...
  • Zerina Akers. ...
  • Thomas Carter Phillips. ...
  • Mimi Cuttrell. ...
  • Elizabeth Stewart.

Do you tip a Nordstrom personal stylist? ›

Do you tip a Nordstrom personal shopper. No, you do not give a personal shopper at Nordstrom a tip. They work on salary and commission. So if you buy anything, they will get a commission on that.

How do you determine a client's personal style? ›

HOW TO CONDUCT A PERSONAL STYLE CONSULTATION FOR CLIENTS
  1. To identify the client's personal coloring and identify which colors are best for them to wear.
  2. To determine their body type or silhouette and then be able to recommend what clothing silhouettes best suit them.
Jan 13, 2014

What is the most important quality for a stylist to have? ›

Knowing how to listen, putting yourself in your client's shoes, and making honest but kind recommendations are three of the most important skills a hairdresser should have.

What is the best level of stylist? ›

Master stylists are typically the highest-ranking stylists in the salon. They usually help train and mentor junior stylists, helping them move up the ranks to senior stylists.

Why would I need a stylist to pick out an outfit for me? ›

Most importantly, a Personal Stylist will assess your body shape, your personal and professional image and your lifestyle, and will work with you to curate a wardrobe fit for all of your needs. You'll go from having a few tops and skirts/trousers to having many new looks in a matter of hours!

How do stylists make money? ›

Stylist are paid hourly plus tips are yours to keep. Tips are individual within each stylist. Coupons do cause service to be cheaper and based upon tip can cause you too make less money.

What is the average annual salary of a personal stylist? ›

How much does a Personal Stylist make? As of Jan 22, 2023, the average annual pay for a Personal Stylist in the United States is $39,821 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $19.14 an hour. This is the equivalent of $765/week or $3,318/month.

How much does it cost to change your wardrobe? ›

On average, a basic wardrobe of essential pieces (e.g. a few pairs of pants, shirts, and a coat) could cost anywhere from $500 to $2000 or more. A more extensive and high-end wardrobe could cost significantly more.

How much should I charge to style someone's hair? ›

Guide to Average Hair Salon Prices in the U.S.
Hair salon serviceAverage price range
Cut and color$20 to $125
Cut and style$50 to $190
Styling$10 to $65
Special occasion style$40 to $325
21 more rows
Aug 15, 2022

What should a stylist Bring to set? ›

To help you have a smoother set in the future, we asked stylist, Berly Baray, what she recommends as the 5 essential tools to have on set for any styling job.
...
TOOL BELT
  • Lint roller.
  • Safety pins.
  • Double sided tape.
  • Tide pen.
  • Travel size static spray.
  • Scissors.
  • Clips.
Sep 12, 2019

What are the three areas of fashion styling? ›

Course
  • - Styling is arranging things in a visually pleasing way.
  • - Three areas of fashion styling are:
  • - print.
  • - The entertainment industry.
  • - Image management.
  • - Fashion styling is the process of orchestrating clothing and other fashion products.
  • - Creating a balance.
  • - Please the majority.

Does Kim Kardashian have a personal stylist? ›

As Kim Kardashian's stylist, Danielle Levi knows the importance of crafting a personal image and creating buzz with every look.

How much do you tip a clothing stylist? ›

Just ask, "I know this is your place—do you accept tips?" The salon owner might gladly take it, turn it down, or go on to share it with their stylists, so always err on the courteous side and offer the standard 20 percent.

What is the 2/3 rule of style? ›

But it can be helpful to follow the “Rule” of Thirds when putting together outfits. Apparently, clothing ensembles look more well-proportioned when the top takes up one-third of the outfit and the bottom occupies two-thirds of the overall look.

How do you style for beginners? ›

  1. Understand how you like to dress up. Get to know yourself and your fashion taste. ...
  2. know your body type. ...
  3. know the colors that suit your skin tone. ...
  4. 4. go through your closet. ...
  5. find a good tailor to fix your clothes. ...
  6. high-low dressing. ...
  7. Don't prioritize fashion. ...
  8. select outfits and accessories the day before.
Sep 29, 2021

How do I create a style for myself? ›

8 Practical Tips for Creating a Signature Personal Style
  1. Invest in basic clothing.
  2. Don't buy clothes just because they're fashionable.
  3. Visit a stylist.
  4. Choose dark blue jeans.
  5. Bet on monochrome looks. streetstylestars. ...
  6. Don't be afraid to splurge on shoes. ...
  7. Invest in accessories.
  8. The most important thing is self-confidence.
Jan 18, 2021

What is a 6 figure stylist? ›

The ultimate goal for a hairstylist is to eventually become a 6 figure stylist. Meaning you would bring in 100k + in SERVICE SALES every year behind the chair.

What are the types of stylist? ›

Fashion Stylist Roles and Types
  • Personal Stylist. A personal stylist helps clients refine their personal image through impressive clothing, grooming, and accessorising. ...
  • Corporate Stylist. ...
  • Celebrity Stylist. ...
  • Wedding Stylist. ...
  • Wardrobe Consultant. ...
  • Jewellery Stylist. ...
  • TV Stylist. ...
  • Event Stylist.

Do hairstylists expect a tip? ›

Make sure to always leave a tip in the ball-park of 20 percent whenever you see your stylist. Is it necessary? Not exactly, but it's an important way to show appreciation to your hairdresser for all the hard work they do to keep your hair lookin' good.

Do stylists borrow clothes? ›

Stylists frequently borrow items from showrooms to dress models, celebrities, and notable socialites for photoshoots and red carpet events. A stylist may occasionally be approached by a member of the public asking to borrow clothing.

What is a pull letter? ›

A pull letter (or letter of responsibility) is a legal document that outlines, amongst other things, what the garments you are lending (or borrowing) will be used for, how long they'll be borrowed for and who will take the responsibility if anything were to happen to them.

Do you tip a wardrobe stylist? ›

Personal shoppers provide a much-needed personal service, but tipping is not standard protocol. A professional wardrobe consultant or personal shopper will meet with you, consult on your desired style outcome, and shop with you or for you.

How do I calculate the cost of my wardrobe? ›

The price of a wardrobe is mainly calculated by per sq. ft. rate. Other factors like design, materials, accessories, handles and labour cost also influence this rate.

How much should I budget for wardrobe? ›

Setting A Budget:

Most experts recommend spending no more than 10% of your total after tax income on clothing, shoes and accessories.

What does a wardrobe stylist do on set? ›

TV show wardrobe stylists dress the actors in a TV show. They also ensure that the clothes look their best when outfits are used and that the right actor is wearing it for the right scene. Depending on the TV show's budget, the wardrobe stylist might also be involved in developing the look or style for a character.

How much is a closet full of clothes worth? ›

According to Alliance Data, 25 percent of Americans have clothing and accessories worth between $1,000 and nearly $2,500 in their closet, while a close second — 23 percent — reported their closets being worth up to $5,000.

What is a normal price for clothes? ›

According to the research, women and girls spend an average of $545 per year on clothing, while men and boys spend just $326. Footwear costs the average household $314, while clothes for children under two comes in at $68.

What is the 50 30 20 rule? ›

One of the most common percentage-based budgets is the 50/30/20 rule. The idea is to divide your income into three categories, spending 50% on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings. Learn more about the 50/30/20 budget rule and if it's right for you.

How can I look stylish on a low budget? ›

  1. 12 Tips for Looking Stylish on a Budget. Want to look like a million bucks but don't have the bucks? ...
  2. Good grooming. A stylish look always starts with good grooming. ...
  3. Choose neutral colours. ...
  4. Shop versatile. ...
  5. Pay attention to shape. ...
  6. Find a good tailor. ...
  7. Accept hand-me-downs. ...
  8. Take advantage of accessorising.

How do you look classy on a low budget? ›

15 Ways to Dress Elegantly on a Budget
  1. Invest in staple pieces.
  2. Focus on a Flattering Fit.
  3. Neutral colors.
  4. Layering.
  5. Straight or structured clothes.
  6. Wear black.
  7. Match shoes and with bags.
  8. Hair and makeup.
Jan 27, 2023

What are the responsibilities of a personal stylist? ›

Personal stylists help clients create the most suitable image by choosing clothes and accessories that fit clients' body types and individual needs. They may also provide style advice and assist with hair, make-up, and even home decor. Personal stylists should be flexible and willing to travel.

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