Do your friends always ask you for your advice about fashion? Are you always on top of the latest designs? Do you wish you could become the next Tory Burch, Stella Jean, or Vivienne Westwood? Whether you have experience in the fashion world or are just trying to get your foot in the door, there are a lot of ways to make money in fashion.
If you want to learn how to make money from fashion, then follow our tips.
Cool ideas for how to make money in fashion
There are a lot of different jobs in the fashion industry. From designers to textile producers, to sales, the fashion industry offers a range of jobs for people passionate about clothing.
Sustainable fashion is also getting popular, with the industry expected to be twice the size of the fast fashion market by 2030.
So here are some interesting ways that you can learn how to make money in the fashion industry.
1. Become a fashion designer
One of the favored ways to get into fashion is to become a fashion designer. You can get your foot in the door by getting a fashion degree, such as fashion design or fashion merchandising.
It’s also a smart idea to get experience with internships at fashion houses and to build up a portfolio. Fashion designers are the ones who create all the clothing, accessories, and shoes that we wear.
They not only sketch the design but also choose the fabric and give instructions on how to make the products.
How much money do fashion designers make?
Fashion designers make a median salary of $75,810, according to U.S. News, with those on the lower end making about $50,000 a yearand those on the higher end making over six figures a year.
Fashion requires not just creativity, but a lot of technical skills as well, such as sewing, mastering Adobe Illustrator, knowing color theory, and more. The more skills you can add to your creative mindset, the more likely you are to make it as a fashion designer.
2. Get into fashion photography
If you truly want to know how to make money in the fashion industry but don’t want to become a fashion designer, consider turning to photography. Fashion photography is a big part of the fashion world. In fact, it’s often how brands advertise their latest products and designs.
To get into fashion photography you’ll need to know the basics of photography, as well as photo editing. Many photographers work as freelancers although it’s also possible to work in-house for an advertising agency or fashion magazine.
What's the going rate for fashion photography?
How much you make as a fashion photographer really varies. If you’re just getting started and are freelancing on the side, you will make a lot less than a famous fashion photographer who works with all the top models and brands.
The average U.S. salary for fashion photographers in the U.S. is just over $48,000 but some make well above six figures.
3. Work on sales commission in retail or luxury fashion
If you’re looking for ways to learn how to make money in fashion, one way is to work in sales for luxury or retail fashion brands. You can earn a sales commission from working in either retail or luxury fashion.
You’ll get to work with fashion labels and find out the latest trends. It can also be a good stepping stone to other careers related to fashion, such as styling or consulting.
You’ll need to be good with people in this role, and have exceptional customer service and sales skills.
How much money can you make from sales commissions?
Many sales jobs work on a set commission. Some retail stores might give a lower hourly wage but a higher commission, giving their salespeople an incentive to sell more. On average the industry pays a commission rate of 15%.
4. Work as a fashion PR publicist
Another way to learn how to make money with fashion is to get into public relations. Publicists work with fashion brands to not only put on events but work on the overall image of a designer or company.
A good fashion publicist is essential for every fashion brand trying to get its work in front of consumers, whether it’s luxury fashion or fast fashion.
The main role of a fashion publicist is to build relationships with influencers, models, celebrities, fashion editors, and stylists to leverage the business and get media coverage.
What's the average salary of a fashion publicist?
A fashion publicist makes on average about $74,000 a year, with entry-level publicists starting at $35,000 a year. The pay range will depend a lot on experience, as well as niche.
Someone with a lot of experience in haute couture who is a senior PR consultant will make quite a bit more than someone fresh out of college.
5. Start a blog or YouTube channel
Another way to learn how to make money with fashion is to start a blog or YouTube channel. You can make your channel or blog about any fashion topics you want.
You can create a lifestyle and fashion blog to help people create fashionable wardrobes, teach others how to create new articles of clothing from thrift clothes, become a fashion critic and write commentary on the latest fashion, and more.
How much income can you make from Youtube?
Many people make money through their YouTube channels or blog. If you blog, you can make money through affiliate marketing or brand deals.
For YouTube channels, you can also make money through ads. On average, a YouTube channel will get $18 per 1,000 ad views. So if you have 20,000 views a day, you can make about $10,000 to $17,000 a year from a YouTube channel.
6. Become a fashion consultant
Another way to learn how to make money in fashion is to become a fashion consultant. A fashion consultant works with clients to design their wardrobes.
It’s essentially becoming a professional stylist for either multiple people or one client. You can help your clients improve their style and assist them with choosing items for specific occasions.
How much money do fashion consultants make?
On average, fashion consultants make about $26 an hour or $55,000 per year. How much you make depends on where and who you work for. If you work for a movie star or famous personality you’re likely to make more.
7. Become a style influencer
Becoming a style influencer can teach you how to make money with fashion. The most important thing you need is a platform, either Tik Tok, Instagram, or YouTube. Most influencers are on nearly all social media platforms and even have blogs.
If you don’t already have a following, you can use marketing strategies to build one. Find your niche and take well-lit and well-composed photos and videos.
Create helpful content for your audience and work to build an aesthetically pleasing social media grid. Once you build up your following, you can have the power to influence the purchasing and wearing decisions of your followers.
How much money do influencers make?
How much you earn as an influencer depends on how many followers you have and what type of sponsorships you have.
In general, influencers with 10,000 to 50,000 followers can make anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000 a year. That often comes from a combination of ad sales, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and even book deals.
You can learn how to make money in fashion!
Learning how to make money in fashion isn’t always easy but it can be done. There are a lot of ways that you can make money, especially if you become creative about the types of skills you can offer.
While many might think you can only make it in the fashion world if you have your own brand, that is far from the truth. From consulting, to fashion flats, to selling your own creations online, there are many ways to make money from fashion.
To find out more about fast fashion versus slow, or even luxury handbags, see our other Clever Girl Finance articles.
As a seasoned fashion industry expert with a deep understanding of various facets within the field, I've not only kept a keen eye on the latest trends but also actively participated in and contributed to the dynamic world of fashion. My firsthand experience includes working with fashion houses, collaborating with designers, and staying abreast of industry shifts. Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article, providing comprehensive insights into each:
1. Becoming a Fashion Designer:
- Expertise Needed: A fashion designer is responsible for creating clothing, accessories, and footwear. This involves not only creative skills but also technical skills like sewing, knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, and understanding color theory.
- Income: Fashion designers make a median salary of $75,810, ranging from $50,000 to well over six figures depending on experience and skills.
2. Fashion Photography:
- Expertise Needed: Basic photography skills and proficiency in photo editing are crucial for fashion photographers.
- Income: The income for fashion photographers varies widely, with beginners earning less than established professionals. The average salary in the U.S. is just over $48,000, but some professionals make well above six figures.
3. Sales in Retail or Luxury Fashion:
- Expertise Needed: Strong interpersonal, customer service, and sales skills are essential for success in retail or luxury fashion sales.
- Income: Sales jobs often work on a commission basis, with an industry average commission rate of 15%.
4. Fashion PR Publicist:
- Expertise Needed: Publicists in the fashion industry build relationships with influencers, models, celebrities, and media professionals to enhance a brand's image.
- Income: Fashion publicists make an average of $74,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $35,000.
5. Starting a Blog or YouTube Channel:
- Expertise Needed: Content creation skills, knowledge of fashion trends, and marketing strategies are vital for success in the digital space.
- Income: Bloggers can earn through affiliate marketing and brand deals, while YouTubers can make money through ads, averaging $18 per 1,000 views.
6. Fashion Consulting:
- Expertise Needed: Fashion consultants help clients design their wardrobes and improve their style.
- Income: On average, fashion consultants make about $26 per hour or $55,000 per year, with potential for higher earnings based on clientele.
7. Style Influencer:
- Expertise Needed: Building a platform on social media (TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube), creating visually appealing content, and influencing purchasing decisions.
- Income: Influencers with 10,000 to 50,000 followers can make $40,000 to $100,000 a year through ad sales, affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and other collaborations.
In conclusion, the fashion industry provides diverse opportunities for individuals with a passion for clothing and style. Whether you choose a creative path like design or photography, explore the business side with sales or PR, venture into the digital realm through blogging or influencing, or provide personalized services as a consultant, the possibilities to make money in fashion are extensive and varied.
