Since many members in this site seem to be stylists, or work in related fields, I thought I would ask for some guidance! I am interested in becoming a stylist, and I'm wondering how one would break into this profession. I currently work in New York in the retail industry, at the corporate level. Do you have any tips for someone interested in transitioning into a career as a stylist? What kind of education or background do you think is necessary?

I always love helping people get a foot in the door in this crazy business. Intern intern intern keep your day job and call local stylist ask them if you can follow them for the day or help them clean out a closet everyone loves free labor
It's a great way to learn
good luck

A great thing to do is starting to offer your help to friends, family etc. to get a feel for things (while keeping the day job). Besides interning or working for someone else, just starting to get experience helping to style/dress people (again whether that be just friends n loved ones) will give you some hands on experience. Then start putting out the word to everyone you know! It also depends the kind of styling you are interested in doing. Are you thinking more editorial or personal?

Thank you so much for the tips...I would love to follow a stylist for a day just to get a feel for what it is like.

I am not sure if I would be interested in personal or editorial styling (maybe both?), as long as it gives me the chance to be creative and create looks that are beautiful & interesting.

I will definitely attempt to start styling my friends and family, that is a great idea.

Thanks again! : )

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Just a thought - but there are so many hot up & coming talents: music & actors on Myspace & Facebook - and whilst some of them are ok re: hair & makeup most could REALLY do with a wrdrobe stylist. Big time. It seems to come so easily to so many in L.A.,but not to the rest of the world. anyway, I would think it would be a great opportunity & a win/win situation to offer services to some of these people. Fab on resume...contacts...experience.Consider posting an offer to some of the talent who appeal to you as an up & coming sylist.