HOW TO BECOME A PERSONAL STYLIST
A guide for those who love fashion—and want to make a difference
Have you ever looked at someone and thought, “I know exactly what would bring out their best features”? Or maybe you’ve helped a friend find the perfect dress and watched their confidence instantly lift. If that sounds like you, you might be ready to explore a career in personal styling.
I’m Stefania, founder of One Of A Style, and I work with real people who want to feel more confident, more visible, and more themselves, through what they wear. My journey into styling was born from a love of fashion, a desire to connect with people, and years of working in the industry. Here’s what I’ve learned—and how you can start your own path.
My Story: How I Became a Personal Stylist
My journey began in Florence, where fashion is in the air we breathe. I trained in Fashion Design and spent nearly a decade working behind the scenes in the industry—sketching, sourcing, creating. But something was missing. I loved fashion, but I wanted more connection. I wanted to work with real people, not just runway samples.
I moved to London with no network, no clients, and no blueprint. I started from scratch. I had to build trust, one styling session at a time. I said yes to opportunities that scared me and stayed true to my values—always listening, always learning, and never compromising on integrity.
Now, I've styled hundreds of women, collaborated with brands, been featured in publications, and even spoken on stage—but I still remember those early days. And if I can do it, you can too.
Step 1: Get Clear on What a Personal Stylist Really Does
It’s not about trends or runway looks. It’s about people.
A good personal stylist doesn’t dress people for Instagram. They dress them for their everyday life—their work meetings, their school runs, their date nights, their big moments. It’s about confidence and connection, not just colour palettes and hemlines.
You’ll need:
An understanding of body shapes and proportions
A good eye for colour and fit
Strong listening skills
Patience, empathy, and creativity
If you love clothes and people, you’re already halfway there.
Step 2: Start Learning the Foundations
You don’t need a fashion degree to be a great stylist, but you do need knowledge. Begin with:
Body shapes and how to flatter them
Colour analysis and seasonal palettes
Wardrobe editing techniques
How to shop smart—for others, not just yourself
Personal branding and style identity
There are online courses, books, and even Instagram stylists you can learn from. The key is to keep learning and test everything on real people, not mannequins.
Step 3: Practice with Real People
You learn styling by doing styling. Start where you are:
Offer to help friends or family edit their wardrobes
Style someone for an event
Create looks from what they already own
Try personal shopping on a small budget
You’ll quickly learn to read people’s needs, adapt your approach, and build trust, which is at the heart of what we do.
Step 4: Develop Your Style Point of View
Your clients will come to you because of your personality, not just your style. So start asking yourself:
What do I believe makes someone stylish?
What’s my approach to confidence, identity, and clothes?
Do I love classic, bold, feminine, edgy, or something else?
This is how you start building your brand, whether online, offline, or through word of mouth.
Step 5: Start Showing Up
Even before you’re fully “ready,” start sharing your passion.
Post outfit ideas, colour tips, or wardrobe insights
Talk about your styling experiments
Share client stories (with permission)
Build a simple website or Instagram presence
You’re not expected to be perfect, just real and relatable.
Step 6: Connect with Those Who Inspire You
No stylist becomes successful alone. Surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire you will accelerate your growth in ways you can’t imagine.
Follow stylists you admire. Reach out to people in the industry. Ask questions. Stay curious.
And if my story, approach, or values resonate with you, I’d love to hear from you.
Whether you’re just starting out or taking the first brave steps into this career, I’m always happy to share insights or simply connect.
>> Work with me or get in touch
Step 7: Launch Your Styling Services (When You’re Ready—Really Ready)
Once you’ve built your knowledge, gained hands-on experience, and grown your confidence, you might feel ready to offer paid services. That’s a huge step—and one worth taking with care and intention.
Before you fully go solo, I always recommend:
Working alongside experienced stylists, if you can observe, assist, and learn
Being honest with clients about where you are in your journey
Offering clear, well-defined services that reflect what you can do (not what you think you “should” do)
Pricing your services in a way that reflects your experience and the transformation you provide
One Golden Rule Above
And above all, respect the people you work with.
That means not copying their materials, not taking credit for their ideas, and absolutely not poaching clients. There’s space for all of us in this industry, but only if we operate with integrity and respect.
Take inspiration, learn generously, but always create your own voice, your own brand, and your own way of serving.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just a clear heart, an honest approach, and the courage to start where you are.
In this industry, your name is your brand.
What I’ve never done and not done:
I’ve never copied someone else’s materials
I’ve never poached clients
I’ve never pretended to be further along than I was
I’ve built One Of A Style with honesty, kindness, and originality, and you can too.
That includes how you invest in yourself: Photography? Worth budgeting for. A great website? Helpful. But nothing replaces authenticity. Take inspiration, but build your own voice.
And remember: there’s room for collaboration, not just competition
Styling can feel like a solo journey, but it doesn’t have to be. Reach out to others in the industry, ask questions, offer help, and share ideas. Some of the most rewarding opportunities in my career have come from genuine collaboration, not rivalry.
When you lead with kindness, creativity, and integrity, you’ll always find your people, and your place.
Stefania Bartolomei
Personal Stylist, London