The Stylists Bible

*under construction*

As I am a budding stylist I am making it my mission to meet, greet and take a pic with experienced stylists in the field.

The best way to start out is taking as much notes down as possible and assisting!

This page will give you all the basics I have picked up (that I am willing to share of course) from inspirational stylists I have met i.e. Clare Watson, Sara Darling etc.

……for some reason, some of us stylists are TO BIG for our ‘on trend’ boots and shy away from the dreaded word ‘assisting’…. this may mean you will have to do ALLL the dirty work *eeek* but it shall be worth it!

 

 

I get asked a lot about how to get into fashion styling. When I studied at London College of fashion LCF, my lecturer Beverly Alt taught us about what qualities a Stylist should have..

 

So to make a good cake.. you need the right ingredients!! So here are (in my impression) the KEY ingredients that make a good fashion stylist!! And I want to stress that it takes all of these characteristics.. and many many more to be successful.. and unfortunately there is no cutting corners…

 

Good Organisation: Time management is key.. you are given deadlines constantly… some are far away and some are not.. you need to be able to manage your time well. you also need to be in one piece.. nothing says professionalism LOUDER than someone who turns up to a shoot/meeting and they are completely organised!!

Hard Skin: There is going to be moments when you feel down.. as you start-up in your profession you will find you are low on money.. you may find that doors are closed in your face.. you may find your work criticised or you may even have conflicts with clients… FOR ME.. criticism is something that builds me.. I love to be told where I can improve.. you HAVE to have HARD SKIN!! no softies.. this does not mean being a b*tch.. that will not get you very far.. but it means not letting one knock keep you on the floor.. have the ability to use the window if the door is closed!!

Energy: In my impression.. people in the fashion industry could possibly have the worst eating habits.. I sometimes have gone a DAY without eating because I am so busy!! but I have learnt to keep lil snacks on me that keep my energy boosted to the MAXX!! you need to have energy.. It keeps you on top of your game.. if you are really unhealthy and are not prepared to run to get yourself to a meeting on time.. then in my impression.. your NOT CUT OUT!! I have ran like Chris Akabusi on some occasions.. Arieta Mujay will be my witness LOL!! Some think stylist life is all glamourous.. IN FACT you are one of the hardest working people in the industry..

Trend Awareness: It’s nice to be able to dress.. some think this is all a stylist does.. But being Trend Aware and knowing what is ‘in’ on the current season and seasons to come is essential!! it keeps you on your ‘A’ Game.. know what is big this season.. make it your own.. pick your favourites.. and style it with your model/client in a way that is visually appealing.. especially to the CLIENT!! your Client.. wether it be a magazine a designer Label.. or a man/woman you are personally styling.. get to know them… what they LOOK for.. Trends they like! etc.

Fashion Visual Sense: This to depends on the Client.. if I was to style for Company Magazine.. it would NOT be the same as if I was to style for ID Magazine or Instyle… this again is knowing your client.. and having a good visual eye for the customer.. and spotting kinks and flaws… it’s no good doing a photo shoot and wasting a whole hour on shots with a belt twisted etc. it takes attention to detail.. and unfortunately.. this is not just on the clothes.. it’s the look as a WHOLE!! (you are the ribbon to a package)

Versatility: Having your signature way of styling is an important thing to have, but it is also very important to be versatile.. be able to style in different ways.. for a man.. for a woman.. beauty.. hair.. the wider your versatility stretches is the more work you are able to get…

Good networking/Communication skills: Talking to big companies or people could be daunting.. but to be honest.. you WILL get the hang of it.. my friend Ernest Simons call me a ‘networking whore’.. lol… I like to talk to as much people as possible nowadays.. Getting to know people is important!! and most of all.. its important that people get to know the great person you are. good ‘people’ skills are good tools to stay professional.. and allows you to build relationships with people.. DO NOT CALL VOGUE and speak like Vicky Pollard!!

Open Minded: For me.. this is a wide-spread characteristic. be open-minded.. you are not always in control of everything.. I have found myself in a position where a member of the team on a shoot has a strong idea about what they visualised for the hair they had done..I was open-minded and tried what they said.. in fact.. it turned out better than what I had initially planned!! be open-minded.. you will work with people from different ages, genders, sexual preferences & races.. be open and ready to treat everyone equally.. if you don’t have the ability to be open-minded about basic things such as this.. I would tell you to consider.. ‘is this really for you?’ …turn back and think again..

Dedication: the nuuuumber 1 characteristic a good stylist has…

‘a goal is a dream with a deadline… but what good is a dream without determination?’

- unknown

..you know where you want to be.. and unless you are REALLY bad and everyone is telling your work is absolute CR*P.. lol.. LET NO ONE tell you that you can not reach your goal.. if your dream means a lot to you.. you will take time and perfect your flaws and always work to the best of your ability.. be always DETERMINED to be the best!! that way.. you impress everyone you work with and leave a mark wherever you pass!!!

If you know you have all of this and much much more.. then you are a few more steps closer to your BIG DREAM!!

Start to build up your portfolio with photographers, make-up artists, hair stylists etc. when your confident.. Research and shadow/assist good stylists.. Start to build your relationships with designers and PR agencies etc. it all depends on what type of styling you want to do; print & media (magazines etc.), Music Videos, Personal Styling… and just GO FOR IT!!

I hope this helped.. if you have any further questions.. do not hesitate to ask..

I JUST FOUND THE PERFECT VIDEO Q & A FOR ALL BUDDING STYLISTS!!

CLICK HERE>>Working As A Fashion Stylist (Fashion Stylist) <<CLICK HERE

When styling, one of the basics is working out what body shape you or the person you’re styling (client) is. This basic information will help you find the right look that will bring the best out of you or your client.

So what are the different body shapes?

Pear

This body shape is also known as the triangle. This is the most common body shape for women.

How do I know if I’m Pear shaped?

• Your hips are wider than your shoulders
• Usually a slender upper body
• Full hips and bum

How do I style a Pear body shape?

• Use the trick of colour shifting. Using darker colours causes an illusion of slimming down body parts. Choose darker colours on the bottom half.
• Use Neck jewellery to take the focus to the top half of the body.
• Using wide necks and ‘V’ necks help to broaden the shoulders.
• Use Empire Cuts and ‘A’ Line dresses/skirts help to camouflage wide hips.
• If you were to eat some Krispy Kreme Doughnuts… it would go straight to your thighs and bum

Beyonce – Pear Shape

Another Body shape connected with pear shape is the:

Inverted triangle

This is where the Shoulders are wider than the hips; this is usually accompanied with a medium to large bust.

You style this in reverse of the pear shape. Dark colours are worn on the top. The use of low and narrow necklines and shoulder pads will help to narrow the appearance of shoulders.

Hourglass

This body shape is also known as ‘Curvy’ *grrr*. This is the most desired body shape to the female… and yes ladies.. MALE race!

How do I know if I’m hourglass shaped?

• Equal shoulders and hips
• Usually medium to full breasts
• Well Defined waist
• IF you were to feast on KFC for a Few days… It would go straight to your breast or thighs and bum

How do I style a hourglass body shape?

• This body shape has the upper-hand in wearing fitted clothes… it definitely gives a more ‘classy look’ so definitely use fitted dresses or pencil skirts etc.
• Use waist belts or clothes with waist definition i.e. ‘A’ Line dress.
• The use of a shift dresses are also flattering especially if you want to minimize the hips.
• ‘V’ neck lines are also A must.

Megan Fox – Hour Glass

Apple

This Body shape is also known as the Oval and Diamond Body shape. It’s SUPPOSED to be a difficult body shape to dress because the top half and bottom half are two different sizes.

How do I know if I’m apple shaped?

• Mid-Section of the body is wide
• No real Waist definition.
• Waist is usually equal to, or larger than shoulders and hips
• Narrow shoulders and Small hips
• If you make crisps and chocolates your Snack all day everyday… it will go straight to themed section

How do I style a Apple body shape?

• The use of colour shifting also works for this body shape. Using darker colours on the top half help to minimize the look of it.
• The use of completing a whole outfit with the same colour can also make an illusion of the whole body being equally proportioned.
• This body shape usually has slimmer legs than Pear or Curvy.. So take advantage and use shorter skirts or maybe this seasons tailored shorts.
• Use THIN belts, this helps to subtly bring definition into the waistline.
• Use of Earrings or Necklaces help to bring attention up to the Face and take it away from the mid-section.
• The use of ‘V’ Necks can also help to bring the eye line down to the centre of the body.
• AND LADIES… this is a must to help secretly cinch in the mid section of your body… SUPPORT UNDIES!! It doesn’t have to look like Bridget Jones’ ones.. All leading retailers are selling simple and glamorous support underwear.

queen Latifah – Apple

Boyish

This body shape is also known as the rectangle and straight body shape.  And although This Body shape is favoured in fashion industry

How do I know if I’m Boyish shaped?

• Hips and shoulder width are equal
• Usually small bust
• If you were to pig out on Pizza Hut everyday… lucky you… it will SOMEHOW evenly distribute itself over your whole body… (cow) *jealous*

How do I style a Boyish body shape?

• The use of wide waist belts help to create definition into the waistline
• Bold prints and horizontal stripes are good for the bottom and top of the body.
• ‘A’ Line dresses or skirts help to create an illusion of a defines waist and hips
• Overall, this body shape is the EASIEST to style.. pretty much anything will look good as long as it is not to Baggy (you will look like a drowning cat) or to small you will look like a 11 year old boy (Just being honest)

Meeting Stylists

At the BNTMLive expedition held in The Excell centre I was Lucky enough to meet Lyn Bromley who is one of ‘First impressions’ Image consultants.

Who are First Impressions?

First Impressions advise people on how to manage their appearance so that it’s appropriate for every situation. Whether it’s a social or in a business context, they provide image skills training for those wishing to pursue a career in the fashion industry.
Their work ranges from one-to-one or small group consultations, through to presentations, seminars and practical workshops in both the private and corporate markets.

How First Impressions believe you can look good?

• Good posture

• Exercise & Diet

• Good fitted underwear

• No VPL

• Buy the right size

• Good clothes treatment

My Notes from First Impressions

• Become your own muse… the best person to try the looks out on is yourself!

• Pay attention to key trends of the season and INVEST!

• Learn to ‘Edit’ your wardrobe… If your not wearing it.. BIN IT!

• AVOID impulse buying, it’s probably not going to be much use to your wardrobe..

• Buy YOUR size… everywhere you shop your size will fluctuate.. so cut out the label if the size you have bought bothers you that much.

• MIX IT UP!.. The best outfits consist of a mix of brands.. get the best of all worlds and show of your creative and style hunting skills.

• Be confident! Feeling confident in what you’re wearing will radiate on the outside.

Gemma Cartwright

Name: Gemma Cartwright

Location: London

Blog: http://www.catwalkqueen.tv/

http://BigGirlsBrowse.com

Job: Fashion Editor of catwalk queen & Big Girls Browse

Who are Gemma’s style icons?
 I wish I was Zooey Deschanel. When I saw her in the same blue H&M dress that I own, I got very over-excited that we’d both spotted the same bargain. I’ve also got a highly predictable Marilyn Monroe obsession and love watching old movies for inspiration. I am a bit of a caricature of myself, really!

What are Gemma’s pet fashion hates?
 Forced ‘quirkiness’ – that Lucky Magazine thing of putting together two items that really don’t go, just to ‘mix it up’. Sometimes it works (particularly on young student hipsters) but 90% of the time it screams ‘trying too hard’. I also hate Crocs, embroidered denim and exposed midriffs.

Gemma’s big style secret!
Trust your instincts. And your mother. And learn to sew!

My notes from Gemma Cartwright

• SCRAP BOY SHAPES! Instead of focusing so much on what shape you are and focusing on how to dress that shape… WEAR WHAT YOU LOVE!!
• Wear the Right underwear and size clothes.
• Experiment with clothes, try on or buy something you probably wouldn’t buy i.e. Jumpsuit
• Waist belts are an important body re-shaper.. it gives a magnified illusion of a smaller waist.. INVEST!
• Invest in non European waist sizes. They are based on your actual waist measurements, so they will fit much better i.e. TK-Maxx.

Clare Watson

Name: Clare Watson

Website: www.Miss-dress.com

Twitter: @Missdress

Job: Personal stylist, Stylist

About Clare Watson:

Clare’s work has covered all areas from high end fashion magazines, mainstream commercials and celebrity shoots to personal shopping for individual clients. Some of her clients to date include; BBC, Channel 4, Guardian Newspaper, Glamour Magazine, Hello and Grazia. She has also worked with the likes of Model Naomi Campbell Hollywood actresses Renee Zelwegger, Mandy Moore and Amber Valetta as well Duran Duran, Jamelia and Will Young.

What I love about Clare is the practicality in her demonstrations… We are all HUUUGE lovers of high street fashion and she LOVES styling for real women without that celebrity price tag.

My notes from Clare Watson

Season Must Haves:

• As featured on my ‘Fashion Trend’ page, Clare highlights on the importance of the colour ‘Camel’ being a MUST HAVE for this autumn/winter. She suggested it being injected into our wardrobes via trousers, tops, coats and  bags etc.

• Another season must have is ‘Tailored Shorts’. The good thing about tailored shorts is that it can easily be dressed up or down for daywear and eveningwear. Clare advised that they are to be paired up with a nice top (demonstrated a lace top) and opaque tights which gives the illusion of elongated legs.

• The next two season must have is the maxi (floral maxi) and the Faux fur Gilet (you can see an outfit selection of mine on the Fashion Trends page) which looks amazing when paired together. This outfit can easily be styled up with flat or heeled boots, a nice waist belt and statement jewelery.

• The waist belt was another season must have that Clare suggested.. she also gave a brilliant tip:

‘When choosing a waist belt, whether thin or wide. Choose one with either a round buckle or a rounded shape strap. This surprisingly makes a difference to make the figure look slimmer..’

*I HAVE TO TRY THIS!!*

• Leopard Print Is this seasons ‘Micro Trend’, in other words its perfect when solely injected into accessories.

And I agree because having an accent of a statement print makes much more of an impact to an outfit.

• Wedge shoes is another Season Must have *I AGREE*

I believe whatever style, colour or Texture.. it gives you so much length in your legs.. and from my tried and tested.. its comfortable on the feet. It’s also a good opportunity to show of some trendy ankle socks.

• The envelope bag is another season must have.. and what better way to wear it that to get one with this seasons texture trends… ‘Embellishment’.

Body Shapes:

How do I dress for my body shape?

I quite liked Clare’s idea of how to work out your own body shape.

Stand up straight and run your hands down your waist and hips.

*Learn something new everyday*

• Straight – The perfect Seasonal trend for this figure is the leather skirt especially with a ‘A-line’ cut. Also the tulip dress which we can now bring back out of the bottom of our draws * YAY* and the tailored short.

• Pear – A flared trouser would be perfect for this shape as well as an ‘A-Line’ Cut. A wide waistband is a Must have essential which can be either worn in Camel shade or a bold print (bang on trend). Also Tailored shorts can work for this body shape, as you luckily will have slim legs.

• Hour glass – This shape usually has a Big bust, so Clare advised to either wear it with a high or wide neck no matter what you wear for this season i.e. strapless A-Line dress or tunic.

• Apple – Clare advised to Layer the items of clothing using a lot of texture on the Front, the leather skirt will also work for this figure, and darker shades for the top half.

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERWEAR

Silk and Vintage Lace Balconette Bra from Topshop – £18.00

The basics to a good outfit is good underwear!

1. Now put your finger underneath your bra strap… If you can fit more than one finger underneath it.. you’re wearing the WRONG size.
2. If your bra is on the tightest hook… you’re wearing the WRONG size.

A bra has a life span of around 6 Months. A popper fitted bra should be on the last hook, after it gradually looses its elasticity it is to be moved in a hook.

Clare suggested that investing in a Balconette bra (pic above) is a must. It is one of the key shapes which offers sexy support as well as preventing that unattractive ‘barmaids bottom cleavage’.

Clare mentioned a good fitted bra is based on a good fitted bust area..

Size 8 – 30 inch bra

Size 10 – 32 inch bra

Size 12 – 34 inch bra

The importance of a perfect pair of jeans

ASOS William Rast Tony High Rise Zip Jeans – £54.00

Jeans play such an important part in a lot of our wardrobe… so it is important to invest in the perfect fitted pair! Clare suggested the perfect style jeans are ‘high rise’ jeans, they give great comfort and reduce the dreaded builders bum effect.  She also suggested that Bootcut jeans are the best fit jeans to buy as they create a perfect balance in all body shapes.

More to come…

Clare Watson

Name: Clare Watson

Website: www.Miss-dress.com

Twitter: @Missdress

Job: Personal stylist, Stylist

About Clare Watson:

Clare’s work has covered all areas from high end fashion magazines, mainstream commercials and celebrity shoots to personal shopping for individual clients. Some of her clients to date include; BBC, Channel 4, Guardian Newspaper, Glamour Magazine, Hello and Grazia. She has also worked with the likes of Model Naomi Campbell Hollywood actresses Renee Zelwegger, Mandy Moore and Amber Valetta as well Duran Duran, Jamelia and Will Young.

What I love about Clare is the practicality in her demonstrations… We are all HUUUGE lovers of high street fashion and she LOVES styling for real women without that celebrity price tag.

My notes from Clare Watson

Season Must Haves:

• As featured on my ‘Fashion Trend’ page, Clare highlights on the importance of the colour ‘Camel’ being a MUST HAVE for this autumn/winter. She suggested it being injected into our wardrobes via trousers, tops, coats and  bags etc.

• Another season must have is ‘Tailored Shorts’. The good thing about tailored shorts is that it can easily be dressed up or down for daywear and eveningwear. Clare advised that they are to be paired up with a nice top (demonstrated a lace top) and opaque tights which gives the illusion of elongated legs.

• The next two season must have is the maxi (floral maxi) and the Faux fur Gilet (you can see an outfit selection of mine on the Fashion Trends page) which looks amazing when paired together. This outfit can easily be styled up with flat or heeled boots, a nice waist belt and statement jewelery.

• The waist belt was another season must have that Clare suggested.. she also gave a brilliant tip:

‘When choosing a waist belt, whether thin or wide. Choose one with either a round buckle or a rounded shape strap. This surprisingly makes a difference to make the figure look slimmer..’

*I HAVE TO TRY THIS!!*

• Leopard Print Is this seasons ‘Micro Trend’, in other words its perfect when solely injected into accessories.

And I agree because having an accent of a statement print makes much more of an impact to an outfit.

• Wedge shoes is another Season Must have *I AGREE*

I believe whatever style, colour or Texture.. it gives you so much length in your legs.. and from my tried and tested.. its comfortable on the feet. It’s also a good opportunity to show of some trendy ankle socks.

• The envelope bag is another season must have.. and what better way to wear it that to get one with this seasons texture trends… ‘Embellishment’.

Body Shapes:

How do I dress for my body shape?

I quite liked Clare’s idea of how to work out your own body shape.

Stand up straight and run your hands down your waist and hips.

*Learn something new everyday*

• Straight – The perfect Seasonal trend for this figure is the leather skirt especially with a ‘A-line’ cut. Also the tulip dress which we can now bring back out of the bottom of our draws * YAY* and the tailored short.

• Pear – A flared trouser would be perfect for this shape as well as an ‘A-Line’ Cut. A wide waistband is a Must have essential which can be either worn in Camel shade or a bold print (bang on trend). Also Tailored shorts can work for this body shape, as you luckily will have slim legs.

• Hour glass – This shape usually has a Big bust, so Clare advised to either wear it with a high or wide neck no matter what you wear for this season i.e. strapless A-Line dress or tunic.

• Apple – Clare advised to Layer the items of clothing using a lot of texture on the Front, the leather skirt will also work for this figure, and darker shades for the top half.

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERWEAR

Silk and Vintage Lace Balconette Bra from Topshop – £18.00

The basics to a good outfit is good underwear!

1. Now put your finger underneath your bra strap… If you can fit more than one finger underneath it.. you’re wearing the WRONG size.
2. If your bra is on the tightest hook… you’re wearing the WRONG size.

A bra has a life span of around 6 Months. A popper fitted bra should be on the last hook, after it gradually looses its elasticity it is to be moved in a hook.

Clare suggested that investing in a Balconette bra (pic above) is a must. It is one of the key shapes which offers sexy support as well as preventing that unattractive ‘barmaids bottom cleavage’.

Clare mentioned a good fitted bra is based on a good fitted bust area..

Size 8 – 30 inch bra

Size 10 – 32 inch bra

Size 12 – 34 inch bra

The importance of a perfect pair of jeans

ASOS William Rast Tony High Rise Zip Jeans – £54.00

Jeans play such an important part in a lot of our wardrobe… so it is important to invest in the perfect fitted pair! Clare suggested the perfect style jeans are ‘high rise’ jeans, they give great comfort and reduce the dreaded builders bum effect.  She also suggested that Bootcut jeans are the best fit jeans to buy as they create a perfect balance in all body shapes.