Take college-level classes in fashion design and business, which will give you a competitive edge in the fashion stylist industry and often are part of a college certificate program lasting just a few months. Focus on course concepts such as marketing, accounting and management, as fashion stylists often are entrepreneurs and operate their own businesses.
Study fashion stylist topics including the theories behind various dress styles and the history of the fashion design industry while in your fashion training program. Consider other courses such as lighting design and fashion illustration at schools including Limperts Academy of Design and George Brown College. Note that some schools offer online courses.
Read through fashion magazines such as Stylist magazine and Elle magazine. Stay abreast of current fashion trends by attending fashion shows. Put together your own portfolio of photo shoots that you run, even if you use volunteer family members and friends to do the fashion shoots.
Master your communication skills. Take a communications course so that you understand how to effectively speak with clients and how to listen to their opinions when creating a fashion style that fits the client's figure and desires.
Work in a specialty retail clothing shop to get more experience with pairing different garments with shoes and giving customers fashion advice.
Volunteer to be a backstage assistant at fashion shows, which allows you to get model clients dressed quickly and enables you to build connections with important people in the industry. Apply for jobs working with clients in movies, advertisements and even music videos as well as with fashion design companies.