[Karla Welch](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/karla-welch-teaches-building-and-owning-your-personal-style) is one of the fashion industry’s most high-profile stylists and creative directors. Her looks have been on display at Los Angeles red carpet events and New York fashion shows alike. Over the course of her fashion career, she’s styled dozens upon dozens of celebrities for magazine shoots as well.
A stylist is someone who ensures their clients are always on [trend](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/fashion-trend-forecasting-guide) when it comes to the latest fashion designs. Every time you look at a fashion magazine [photo shoot](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-organize-a-great-photoshoot-with-annie-leibovitz), see a celebrity appear on set at a talk show, or watch a major awards event or fashion show, it’s likely a stylist or personal shopper is responsible for the cultivated and creative looks. Staying up on trends and putting their own spin on them are the most essential elements of any stylist’s job description.
There are many different types of [fashion styling](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-a-fashion-stylist) you can choose from if you pursue a [career path](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/career-path-guide) in fashion. Consider these three kinds of professional stylists:

1. __Celebrity stylists__: Also known as wardrobe stylists, celebrity stylists use their years of experience in the fashion industry to dress the rich and famous. Celebrity styling services and individual stylists both focus on dressing celebrities, influencers, and other luminaries with an eye for their own personal styles as well as the latest trends.
2. __Editorial stylists__: This type of stylist works with creative directors, [fashion editors](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-a-fashion-editor), [hair stylists](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-film-hairstylist-how-to-become-a-hairstylist-for-movies-and-tv), and [makeup artists](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-a-makeup-artist) to create spreads for fashion magazines and websites. The goal of photo shoots like these is to create a cohesive and coherent set of looks with the overall direction of the story the spread is telling. 
3. __Personal stylists__: Some fashion industry professionals might work for people besides famous celebrities. Lower-profile people might want to hire image consultants of this ilk to help them figure out what clothes to wear or hairstyle to try for an upcoming event. Some styling apps (including Karla Welch’s WISHI) help provide this service in an automated way.
To become a stylist, you need fashion sense, [interpersonal skills](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/interpersonal-skills-definition), and plenty of relevant experience. Here’s some career advice from stylist and creative director Karla Welch:

- __Be upbeat__. Karla believes [communication](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-your-communication-skills) skills are just as essential as cultivating a fashion skill set. “Energy is contagious, [and] styling is a service job,” she says. “Learn to be positive. Even if you don’t feel it inside, practice a can-do attitude.” As you improve your [networking](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/networking-tips-guide) skills, you’ll start to bring in more potential clients.
- __Learn about fashion__. By studying pop culture, you can begin to develop your own [personal style](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-find-your-personal-style) and help others develop theirs, too. “Being a stylist depends on references,” Karla says. “Watch movies, read books, go to museums. Have your reference points to show your boss. Inspire your team with new ideas. Remind them you have a point of view.” After learning the fundamentals, you can move on to putting your signature twist on them. 
- __Prepare to work hard__. Karla thinks hard work and courage are essential to succeeding in your stylist job. “[There are] so many ways to get your foot in the door in this industry,” she says. “You just kinda have to be brave and willing to go for it, and, you know, willing to work your you-know-what off.” As you work your way to a full-time job in the fashion business, know you’ll need a lot of tenacity to kickstart your career. 
- __Start out as an assistant__. Get some work experience by working with someone else who already has a client base. “The best way to find someone to assist is to see if they have [internships](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-an-internship),” Karla says. “Reach out to their agents. DM them. Do the work.” Before you get an internship, you can also try an entry-level job in fashion merchandising.
- __Stay up on current trends__. Keeping up with fashion trends is a full-time job in and of itself. “Styling is an incredibly fast-paced industry,” Karla says. “The more you learn, the faster you can work. Look at each task and think about the fastest way to get things done.” Keep up with all the latest trends, think about how you can put your twist on them, and show up to work ready to change things up the very next day.
Developing your fashion taste can go a long way toward building your confidence and helping you feel comfortable in your own skin. Discover Karla Welch’s approach to becoming a fashion stylist, building [wardrobe essentials](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wardrobe-essentials), and [finding your personal style](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-dress-with-style) when you sign up for a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com/homepage).
From styling celebrities on Hollywood red carpets to models on New York Fashion Week runways, stylists choose clothes capable of making an impact. A stylist’s job is to dress their clients in the most in-vogue trends and beautiful textiles they can. Let fashion guru Karla Welch walk you through how to be a stylist.

From styling celebrities on Hollywood red carpets to models on New York Fashion Week runways, stylists choose clothes capable of making an impact. A stylist’s job is to dress their clients in the most in-vogue trends and beautiful textiles they can. Let fashion guru Karla Welch walk you through how to be a stylist.

How to Be a Stylist: Karla Welch on a Career in Fashion Styling

<a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/karla-welch-teaches-building-and-owning-your-personal-style' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/karla-welch-teaches-building-and-owning-your-personal-style","linkCopy":"Karla Welch","category":null}'>Karla Welch</a> is one of the fashion industry’s most high-profile stylists and creative directors. Her looks have been on display at Los Angeles red carpet events and New York fashion shows alike. Over the course of her fashion career, she’s styled dozens upon dozens of celebrities for magazine shoots as well.

Meet Karla Welch

A stylist is someone who ensures their clients are always on <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/fashion-trend-forecasting-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/fashion-trend-forecasting-guide","linkCopy":"trend","category":null}'>trend</a> when it comes to the latest fashion designs. Every time you look at a fashion magazine <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-organize-a-great-photoshoot-with-annie-leibovitz' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-organize-a-great-photoshoot-with-annie-leibovitz","linkCopy":"photo shoot","category":null}'>photo shoot</a>, see a celebrity appear on set at a talk show, or watch a major awards event or fashion show, it’s likely a stylist or personal shopper is responsible for the cultivated and creative looks. Staying up on trends and putting their own spin on them are the most essential elements of any stylist’s job description.

What Is a Stylist?

There are many different types of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-a-fashion-stylist' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-a-fashion-stylist","linkCopy":"fashion styling","category":null}'>fashion styling</a> you can choose from if you pursue a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/career-path-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/career-path-guide","linkCopy":"career path","category":null}'>career path</a> in fashion. Consider these three kinds of professional stylists:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Celebrity stylists: Also known as wardrobe stylists, celebrity stylists use their years of experience in the fashion industry to dress the rich and famous. Celebrity styling services and individual stylists both focus on dressing celebrities, influencers, and other luminaries with an eye for their own personal styles as well as the latest trends. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Editorial stylists: This type of stylist works with creative directors, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-a-fashion-editor' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-a-fashion-editor","linkCopy":"fashion editors","category":null}'>fashion editors</a>, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-film-hairstylist-how-to-become-a-hairstylist-for-movies-and-tv' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-film-hairstylist-how-to-become-a-hairstylist-for-movies-and-tv","linkCopy":"hair stylists","category":null}'>hair stylists</a>, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-a-makeup-artist' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-a-makeup-artist","linkCopy":"makeup artists","category":null}'>makeup artists</a> to create spreads for fashion magazines and websites. The goal of photo shoots like these is to create a cohesive and coherent set of looks with the overall direction of the story the spread is telling. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Personal stylists: Some fashion industry professionals might work for people besides famous celebrities. Lower-profile people might want to hire image consultants of this ilk to help them figure out what clothes to wear or hairstyle to try for an upcoming event. Some styling apps (including Karla Welch’s WISHI) help provide this service in an automated way. </li></ol>

3 Types of Fashion Stylists

To become a stylist, you need fashion sense, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/interpersonal-skills-definition' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/interpersonal-skills-definition","linkCopy":"interpersonal skills","category":null}'>interpersonal skills</a>, and plenty of relevant experience. Here’s some career advice from stylist and creative director Karla Welch:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Be upbeat. Karla believes <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-your-communication-skills' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-your-communication-skills","linkCopy":"communication","category":null}'>communication</a> skills are just as essential as cultivating a fashion skill set. “Energy is contagious, [and] styling is a service job,” she says. “Learn to be positive. Even if you don’t feel it inside, practice a can-do attitude.” As you improve your <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/networking-tips-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/networking-tips-guide","linkCopy":"networking","category":null}'>networking</a> skills, you’ll start to bring in more potential clients. </li><li class="">Learn about fashion. By studying pop culture, you can begin to develop your own <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-find-your-personal-style' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-find-your-personal-style","linkCopy":"personal style","category":null}'>personal style</a> and help others develop theirs, too. “Being a stylist depends on references,” Karla says. “Watch movies, read books, go to museums. Have your reference points to show your boss. Inspire your team with new ideas. Remind them you have a point of view.” After learning the fundamentals, you can move on to putting your signature twist on them. </li><li class="">Prepare to work hard. Karla thinks hard work and courage are essential to succeeding in your stylist job. “[There are] so many ways to get your foot in the door in this industry,” she says. “You just kinda have to be brave and willing to go for it, and, you know, willing to work your you-know-what off.” As you work your way to a full-time job in the fashion business, know you’ll need a lot of tenacity to kickstart your career. </li><li class="">Start out as an assistant. Get some work experience by working with someone else who already has a client base. “The best way to find someone to assist is to see if they have <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-an-internship' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-an-internship","linkCopy":"internships","category":null}'>internships</a>,” Karla says. “Reach out to their agents. DM them. Do the work.” Before you get an internship, you can also try an entry-level job in fashion merchandising. </li><li class="">Stay up on current trends. Keeping up with fashion trends is a full-time job in and of itself. “Styling is an incredibly fast-paced industry,” Karla says. “The more you learn, the faster you can work. Look at each task and think about the fastest way to get things done.” Keep up with all the latest trends, think about how you can put your twist on them, and show up to work ready to change things up the very next day. </li></ul>

How to Be a Stylist: Karla Welch’s Tips

Developing your fashion taste can go a long way toward building your confidence and helping you feel comfortable in your own skin. Discover Karla Welch’s approach to becoming a fashion stylist, building <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wardrobe-essentials' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wardrobe-essentials","linkCopy":"wardrobe essentials","category":null}'>wardrobe essentials</a>, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-dress-with-style' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-dress-with-style","linkCopy":"finding your personal style","category":null}'>finding your personal style</a> when you sign up for a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/homepage' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/homepage","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>.

Hone Your Sense of Style

From styling celebrities on Hollywood red carpets to models on New York Fashion Week runways, stylists choose clothes capable of making an impact. A stylist’s job is to dress their clients in the most in-vogue trends and beautiful textiles they can. Let fashion guru Karla Welch walk you through how to be a stylist.

From styling celebrities on Hollywood red carpets to models on New York Fashion Week runways, stylists choose clothes capable of making an impact. A stylist’s job is to dress their clients in the most in-vogue trends and beautiful textiles they can. Let fashion guru Karla Welch walk you through how to be a stylist.


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How to Be a Stylist: Karla Welch on a Career in Fashion Styling