Fashion

How To Be A Celebrity Stylist, According To A Pro

by Melanie Richtman

When you see celebrities on the red carpet, you can safely assume that they had a stylist by their side who put together their winning looks. I had the chance to talk to Anita Patrickson about how to become a stylist before she spoke at the International Style Institute, and if anyone knows how to make it as a celebrity stylist, it's Patrickson.

Patrickson began her career as a stylist almost a decade ago, after falling in love with fashion while working at Conde Nast. Her clients, including Chrissy Teigen, Olivia Culpo, and Julianne Hough, frequently make best dressed lists. Since she started styling in Los Angeles, she immediately began working with celebrities, which at first meant red carpet looks, and now has evolved to include street style too.

"I think with the world of social media today, a street style look can be as impactful on a celebrity's image as a red carpet one," said Patrickson. "So, I am more and more tending to do both for clients. I'm a one stop shop!"

And if being a stylist sounds like your dream job, Patrickson has plenty of advice for those who want to be a stylist, like how important it is to build a portfolio.

"Create your own shoots and start building a portfolio on your own — you just need to be a little proactive! Find up-and-coming photographers, makeup artists, and models and create your own set and world," she tells me over email.

"It's a lot of work but if you are committed then it's such a fun and creative process, especially because once you start getting paid to do shoots, you have to follow certain guidelines and rules."

To see more of Patrickson's work, be sure to follow her on Instagram or check out her website here. You can even submit a question you might have for her via her website.

Images: Michael Bezjian/Getty Images for International Style Institute