Growth Trends for Related Jobs

How to Become a Children's Wardrobe Stylist

Not all children wake up and throw on whatever mismatched outfit they select. Some wear outfits selected by a professional, a children's wardrobe stylist. Whether parents come to you for everyday outfit suggestions for their children or for help with a special event like a family photo shoot, you can find clients willing to use your stylist services. Establish yourself in your city so that you can dress budding fashionistas.

Educated yourself in the fashion industry. Take fashion classes at your local community college or enroll in a program at a fashion school. While a career as a children's wardrobe stylist does not require a degree in fashion, taking fashion courses can help you understand colors, patterns and overall style.

Study children's clothes. Before you start styling children, you need to have a strong understanding of what clothes are out there for kids. Go to children's clothing stores or, if you have the skills, make your own clothes. Brainstorm different ways to mix and match the clothes. Parents will appreciate pieces that their kids can wear in a number of ways, thus saving them money.

Start working for free with children who you know. If you have kids of your own, they are the ideal subjects. Dress them daily, and take pictures of the outfits you've created. Create a portfolio featuring your best work. This can help you land paying gigs as a children's wardrobe stylist.

Apply for stylist positions at local children's stores. High-end stores and boutiques might keep a stylist on staff to help customers create outfits. Even if stores in your area don't employ stylists, offer to work as an intern to gain some experience working with young clients.

Market yourself as the go-to children's stylist in your area. Post flyers on community bulletin boards, especially in areas that parents and children frequent, such as parks and libraries. Include your contact information on the flyers. Build a website that details the services you offer and showcases photos of styles you've created for children.

Fashion Designers salary

  • Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $146,300 ($70.34/hour)
  • Median Annual Salary: $75,810 ($36.45/hour)
  • Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $38,570 ($18.54/hour)
References
Writer

Barbie Carpenter worked as a technical writer and editor in the defense industry for six years. She also served as a newspaper feature page editor and nationally syndicated columnist for the Hearst Corp. Carpenter holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from the University of Florida and a graduate certificate in professional writing from the University of Central Florida.