How to Be a Fashion Consultant

A fashion consultant advises men and women what to wear on a daily basis or for a special occasion.

There is no pre-determined path to becoming a fashion consultant. The good news is that it's a career choice that many people who have an eye for style have chosen and executed successfully. Apart from understanding trends and being able to put looks together for different people, a fashion consultant needs to have superior communication skills. His contacts are the strength of his business. Although it isn't necessary, it helps to take courses that relate to the skills and knowledge needed to work in the fashion world.

Instructions

1. Take fashion related courses. Fashion consultants can help themselves get clients and improve their business by taking classes in fashion design, business, public speaking or fashion merchandising. There are a couple of schools that offer classes specifically in fashion consulting. One school is the Fashion Institute of Technology and another is the Fashion Image Institute.

2. Consider volunteering for your resume. While you are in school there are internships you can apply for to work with designers and organizations you can volunteer at to get some consulting experience. One such organization is "Dress for Success", which helps underprivileged women get the appropriate attire they need for their transition to a new work environment. These women may also be able to send clients your way in the future.

3. Build your connections. Tell your professors that you are interested in becoming a fashion consultant and ask for resources on where to apply. Some businesses such as high end department stores employ fashion consultants who are certified or who have taken courses related to fashion. Tell fellow students what your ambitions are, they may have leads on businesses that are offering consulting positions you can apply for.

4. Promote yourself as a business. You will have to promote yourself as a fashion consultant in a professional way. Freelance fashion consulting will help you to create more connections. To promote yourself, visit fashion boutiques and leave your business card. Go to fashion shows and present yourself to designers and journalists who also attend them. Start your own website that lists your qualifications and previous work. Web hosting companies like Squarespace and GoDaddy allow you to build a site without knowing programming language.

5. Build your client base. Your communication skills will ultimately help you with this last step to ensuring you are successful as a consultant. As you work with clients be mindful of their satisfaction. Be assertive in your opinion, but remember that they are paying you for a service and if they walk away pleased with your work they will suggest you to others. As you work with more clients, be sure to add them to a portfolio or website to list as valuable work experience and references.

References

• Fashion Institute of Technology: Image Consulting Courses
• Fashion Image Institute

Resources

• My Image Expert
• Schools in the USA: Fashion and Wardrobe Consultant