The image consulting business includes a wide variety of services, from wardrobe consulting to personal shopping and communication advice. People’s images are not only determined by their looks, but also by the way they speak, behave and express themselves. That is why image consultants work on building and improving the overall image of their clients in addition to their physical appearance. Image consultants boost their clients’ confidence by polishing up their style as well as their etiquette, developing personalized skincare and hair care routines and maximizing their potential. Therefore, they make the most of their clients’ charisma and personality.
That is the main difference between an image consultant and a personal stylists, since personal stylists focus on advising their clients on which stylish clothes and accessories to wear and how to combine them. They build neat wardrobes that fit and suit every client. Personal stylists follow the latest trends and stay updated with fashion in order to know which clothes are most appropriate for each of their clients. They provide outfit ideas for work and daily events.
Eventually, both image consultants and personal stylists work to help their clients become a better version of themselves. However, there are nuances that make a distinction between the two jobs. STYiLES is going to explain in detail which are the characteristics of each job so people who are looking for style and/or image solutions know which professionals to work with.
ORIGIN OF IMAGE CONSULTING AND PERSONAL STYLING
People always seek that others perceive them in a positive way. Therefore, it is important to know which are your needs, aspirations and goals in order to find out what aspects you want to improve. You may wish to find your personal style, boost your self-esteem and make a change in your live to reach your personal and professional goals through an upgraded image and lifestyle.
People’s images have always been a subject of great importance in the history of humanity. People have consistently expressed the need to project an image through their clothing and behavior. Thus, many ancient civilizations were giving a specific meaning to each element that makes up people’s images. Over time, this has been the subject of study for many specialists. Then, the concepts of image consulting and styling emerged. The American author John T. Malloy mentioned it in his acclaimed book “Dress for Success”. Since then, the concepts have been incorporating various aspects, including: communication, fashion, body language, among others.
Today more than ever, having the help of a professional who works as an image consultant or fashion stylist has become very necessary to achieve personal and professional success. With new trends, it is undeniable that everyone wants to be fashionable because clothing is an important part of the reflection of our personality. However, many people do not know which clothes, accessories, hairstyles, lifestyle routines… best suit them.
Many experts in the fashion, beauty and style industries have become professional image consultants and personal stylists to guide their clients and give them the tools they need to achieve a great style and image. They offer personalized services and high-end products that satisfy their clients’ needs based on the image they want to project.
IMAGE CONSULTANT VS. PERSONAL STYLIST
Image consultants assist their clients to upgrade their overall image so they make a good impression in their personal and professional lives, whereas personal stylists give them expert outfit advice to build a suitable wardrobe. It is important to remember that image consultants work on the styling part in the makeover process, too. Personal shopping is more related to the job of a stylist, but image consultants also have to take care of their clients’ outfits so they match their personality.
Image consulting
Image consultants work on the enhancement of a person’s style and non-verbal communication. It is important to highlight that the personal image and personal brand of people always leave a strong impact on others. Every person has an image that represents them, and that representation can speak about what they want to convey if it is built and managed properly.
Traditionally, image consulting is all about building and improving people’s images according to certain style standards. Image consultants seek to harmonize the appearance, fashion, silhouette, gestures and speech of their clients according to their own goals and personalities. For image consultants, it is as important to build fashionable wardrobes as it is to find the personal style of their clients so that they connect and coincide with their true identity.
In short, image consultants are professionals who advise their clients on fashion, grooming, lifestyle, communication and behavior so they project a great image. It is done through a personalized study of their tastes, lifestyle, face and body morphology and habits in order to maximize their potential.
Image consulting is a comprehensive job. It includes the following aspects:
– Style: The charisma and authenticity of the clients are identified to reflect them in their external appearance.
– Grooming: Various grooming parameters are analyzed and improved. Image consultants select skincare products for the type of skin of their clients, haircuts according to the shape of their faces and hair coloring according to their personal color palette.
– Wardrobe: The personal style is defined and clothing, accessories, textures, colors and designs are recommended based on body morphology, personal characteristics and communication objectives.
– Gestures and communication: Image consultants work to refine the body language, posture and communication of their clients.
Personal styling
Personal stylists are professionals who follow fashion trends closely and are constantly updated on designers, brands, styles and trends. Their work is related to fashion styling, wardrobe consulting and personal shopping. Like personal shoppers, personal stylists shop for the clothes that best fit and suit their clients. They also create outfits for special occasions, formal events or professional activities like a meeting or interview.
A personal stylist examines their clients’ features and personalities to build wardrobes that are filled with elegant clothes and the essentials that do not go out of style and combine well with everything. Personal stylists need to know their clients in depth so they choose garments and accessories that make them feel confident and comfortable.
SHARED WORKING METHODS OF IMAGE CONSULTANTS AND PERSONAL STYLISTS
Both image consultants and personal stylists share some working methods. First, they do an interview with the clients to get more details about their objectives and carry out an analysis on their current images and needs. During that first in-depth interview, they determine the main characteristics of their clients. Their work is not about changing the clients’ styles, but about enhancing it according to their preferences and goals.
Another important aspect that image consultants and personal stylists analyze is the morphological study of each client: weight, height and body shape. In addition, the image and style experts take into account the color of their clients’ skin and hair. Finally, they must examine their clients’ wardrobes to determine which fits, designs and types of clothing are most suitable for each person. As well, they customize items that are sophisticated and well-fitting for their clients. In short, they do a complete body and character analysis to give helpful tips and indications on how to dress and convey a good image.
