6 Skills of an Expert Stylist

Christen
May 1, 2018
3 min read

If you didn't know, I recently started a new position as a Sales Lead at a retail store called J.Jill. Aside from the regular "sales lead duties", styling is a big part of the role, which I love. They really train us on wardrobing the customer which is one of the tactics that helps us to eventually sell more in the end. While reading through the new hire books, I decided to take a few notes and came across a section that highlighted the skills of an expert stylist. Ironically, most of those skills are one that I already possess but never really paid much attention to.

I decided to incorporate it into a post that sums up what I do and why I do it. I love my job but more importantly, I love making people feel good about themselves. I want my clients to know that it isn't hard to looks good and be comfortable at the same time.

Continue reading for 6 skills that each expert stylist should possess.

1. Add value with confidence

Confidence is key when styling clients. They want to know and feel like they're in good hands. There are people that deal with body image issues so, it's important for me to know their body type and their preference so that I can pull pieces that suit their shape and lifestyle. Even if I'm not too comfortable with educating my clients on a specific style or fabric, I am honest and use my best judgement.

2. Focus your attention

I ask plenty of questions, especially when I'm working with a first time client. I make sure to listen and understand the clients overall needs and what exactly they are looking for from me. I want to make sure that I am doing my job and fulfilling my client's expectations at all times.

Even if the client may not purchase anything that time around, I want to be sure that we both understand why and how it can be avoided in the future.

3. Hone your observation skills

I watch the client and their reactions when they try the pieces on that I've picked out for them. It's important to be able to read body language. Not everything client is comfortable saying how they really feel, but their face tells it all.

I like to state my opinion and back it up with details but I also like to ask the client's opinion. Their opinion is more important than mine, most of the time and I make sure to take everything they mention into consideration.

4. Show the client more possibilities

Once the client expresses what pieces they love, I make sure to show them the variety of ways those pieces can be worn. Whether it be styled with a different bottom, or accessory, the client should be able to understand the versatility of the pieces that I'm picking out for them. I also like to use this technique when I'm trying to persuade a client to invest in a great piece of clothing. I understand that some of my clients don't feel as thought certain pieces of clothing are worth it, so I have to do everything that I can to show them that it's worth it.

5. Always communicate why there are more possibilities

Communicating to the client the variety of possibilities will help them to see why I picked out certain pieces in the first place. I use what they've told me their needs were an the type of lifestyle they live to pick out the best possible options for them.

6. Create a special atmosphere

Making the client feel happy and confident with working with me will make them come back for more. Retaining clients can be tricky. But I do my best to listen to the client, take the proper action and reiterate why I chose those specific pieces to keep the coming back.

Photographer: Nandi Henderson (@millimetervisuals)

Outfits details:

Gray/pink duster: ASOS

Ripped jeans: Thrifted

Black boots: Urban Outfitters

__________________________________________________________________

It's Closet Cleanse and Organization Month!

It's officially Closet Cleanse + Organization Month! One of my best rated services will have an entire month all to itself. I understand how difficult and time consuming it is to clean out your closet, so why not hire a professional to take your closet from cluttered to clean. Trust me, you'll be excited to pick out your outfits for the everyday after I'm finished.

Anyone who books a Closet Cleanse + Organization within the first 2 weeks of the month of May, will receive 10% off their service!

And don't forget about our referral incentive. Anyone who refers someone new to SophisticatedChic Brand and they book a service with me, will receive 15% off their next service!