Budgeting for a Personal Stylist: Is It Worth the Investment?

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Last Updated on September 19, 2024 by Vidhi Arya

Since times immemorial, we’ve been told that “first impression is the last impression.” However, today, as the world stands on the pillars of confidence and appeal, first impressions matter more than ever. Whether it’s a workplace, a family function, or a coveted event, the way you dress and carry yourself truly holds the power to dictate your way ahead. And, to ensure the same, you require a well-thought-out and well-rounded wardrobe. Achieving a perfect wardrobe that caters to all your needs with finesse and grace is a tedious job that requires creativity, an impeccable sense of styling, and an unshakeable understanding of fashion nuances. That is where a personal stylist, like Styl.Inc, steps in.

While the idea of a personal stylist can seem like a luxury enjoyed by celebrities or fashionistas, it is very much necessary today. This is also no longer a concept prevalent in the Western world, now, people are keen to hire a stylist in India too. That showcases how important fashion consultants are becoming by the day. But, the question is: Is hiring a personal stylist worth the investment? Let’s find out.

What Does a Personal Stylist Do?

Firstly, it is imperative to understand the job of a personal stylist. Let’s delve into fashion stylist’s meaning. Against popular belief, a personal stylist or fashion consultant is way more than someone who picks out clothes as per your style. They are experts who are equipped with the knowledge and tools to turn around your personality. By understanding your lifestyle, body type, and personality, fashion consultants can help you find your personal style and help you curate a wardrobe that’s a true reflection of you, at every occasion and every location. Also, be it a women’s stylist or a men’s stylist, it’s a realm that has crossed gender borders and comes in handy for all.

Here’s a look at some of the key things a personal stylist handles for you:

Wardrobe audit: The first thing a stylist does is go through your wardrobe and dress sense. This helps them understand what’s working for you and what’s not. It’s a good starting point as it helps get rid of everything that’s outdated, ill-fitting, and unsuitable for your lifestyle.

Personal shopping: Once they get an idea about your preferences and lifestyle and they know the gaps in your wardrobe needs, the shopping trip is lined up. Here, fashion consultants or personal shoppers pick things that fill those gaps. This could be anything from building a whole new wardrobe or enhancing your existing one with key pieces.

Credits: Styl.Inc

Outfit coordination: A stylist also makes you understand the various rationales behind mixing and matching your outfits. As they will show you various mixes you can try with your outfits, they will also explain the combinations of patterns, silhouettes, and colours best suited for your body type and life. This way, they enable you to put together look for various occasions, casual or professional.

Indian fashion stylists will work as per your financial capacity and budget. They will ensure your dream wardrobe comes to fruition without burning a huge hole in your pocket. In a nutshell, they will help you build an evergreen, sustainable wardrobe that is financially suitable and reflects your individuality.

Understanding the Costs

Due to the common misconception that personal styling is a luxury, a lot of people think availing the service is expensive. However, their costs can vary as per their experience, reputation, and the services you choose.

Here’s a generic breakdown of what you might expect:

Hourly or event-based rates: If you’re looking to style yourself for a special occasion, such as a wedding, an award ceremony, or as a bride or groom, you can engage a stylist for the particular scenario.

Package deals: If it is an overhaul that you want, package deals are the right thing for you. You can engage a stylist to assess your wardrobe, be your personal shopper, and outfit planning. With the stylist’s expertise, you can learn how to shop mindfully, style gracefully, and present yourself perfectly.

Ongoing services: For those who want continual support, from season changes to lifestyle changes covered, you can hire a stylist on a retainer basis. The costs will ultimately depend on the scope of services.

Additional costs: Apart from the stylist’s fees, you will have to incur actual costs of the things you purchase. While the fee you pay covers the stylist’s expertise and time devotion, you will have to spend money on the clothes and accessories you buy on their recommendation.

Evaluating the Value of a Personal Stylist

Now that you have an understanding of the costs involved in engaging a personal stylist, it’s important that you understand the value they can add to your life. A stylist’s value is far beyond just picking clothes and assessing your wardrobe. Here’s why hiring a stylist is a worthy investment:

Credits: Styl.Inc

Helps you understand what’s the best for you: A lot of people have a very tough time figuring out their personal style and takes years to achieve a wardrobe that fits their liking and needs. What if we told you there’s a short, simple, and highly effective way to achieve it? That’s a personal stylist. Looking at your day-to-day life, your needs, body type, budget constraints, and many other factors, a stylist works with you and helps you understand how you can pick and style clothes to look polished and graceful, effortlessly.

Improved shopping habits: A personal stylist or personal shopper can teach you to shop smart. As they help you avoid flashing trends and guide you to create an evergreen style, they help you pick timeless pieces that offer real value. In the long run, you make sustainable choices that reduce waste and save you money. A simple investment towards a fashion consultant will help you be sustainable for years.

Boost in confidence: You have it in you to change the world and with the right clothes, you can surely do it, elegantly. When you look well put together, you feel untouchable and that reflects in everything you do. If a stylist can help you achieve confidence that’s path-breaking and propels you to new heights, don’t you think it’s truly an investment?

Is It Worth the Investment?

Before you decide if a personal stylist is worth the investment, think about your lifestyle, budget, and goals. A stylist can offer a lot of value in your life, particularly if:

Credits: Styl.Inc

You struggle with style: If you have a wardrobe full of clothes but you’re never sure how to style yourself and use the clothes you own, you’re struggling with establishing a personal style. In such a case a stylist can be a game-changer. They can help you build a versatile selection of outfits that will simplify your life and make you stand out, every time you step out.

You’re in a transitional phase: Imagine yourself being promoted to a directorial position, or imagine a life after having a baby. In such major transitions, it can often get tough to understand the new roles and lives you have and the clothes that will be fit for them. Here, a stylist can help you navigate the changes and ensure you look great. This is not limited to women, a men’s stylist can also help the men to dress to impress.

You have a major event: If you have a major event lined up, be it a wedding, an award ceremony, or even a birthday, having a stylist can save you major hassle and help you shine bright on your special day.

You want to build your personal brand: Today, personal branding is everything. Having a stylist by your side can help you ensure your clothes are saying the right things about you. This is especially crucial for those in creative, entrepreneurial, or high-visibility roles.

Conclusion

Hiring a personal stylist may seem extravagant, but for all the value addition it does to your life, it’s worth the expense. It’s not just an investment in clothing and outfit planning. Rather, it’s an investment in confidence, success, and brand building. With the right stylist by your style, you can escape all major faux pas, save plenty of time, and boost your self-esteem.

Keepin’ it Stylish

Vidhi Arya