Get acquainted with fashion history through designer biographies, magazines and museum retrospectives. Though fashion styling does not require formal qualifications, having a degree or knowledge in fashion and design can give you an edge over other stylists.
Prepare a styling kit. You will need pins, thread and needle, buttons, and toupee tape to aid in your fashion styling. Visit a seamstress or a garment factory to learn and perfect techniques on how to make minor adjustments to garments such as adding or removing a button.
Organize your portfolio with pictures of past jobs. This helps your potential clients see and appreciate your capabilities. Use a professional photographer for quality pictures.
Create a website to advertise your services. State your qualifications, work experience and upload your portfolio to your website to attract future clients.
Use good manners. When working with an important client, get the name of his assistant or secretary and always be polite when speaking with him. When meeting a client, do not address her by her first name unless she requests it. Referrals are a major avenue of acquiring new clients so conscientiousness is key.
Handle administrative aspects of your business. This includes maintaining client contacts and relationships, scheduling appointments, as well as E-mailing and calling potential clients to help build your network. Alternatively, hire someone to handle the administrative matters.
Arrive half an hour early to your appointments. Do not make your clients wait for you. Respect your clients' time and they will respect you.