As the New Year begins, people interested in improving their appearance wonder whether working with an image consultant or stylist will help them achieve their goal.  Before making that determination, there are a few key things to know ahead of time.  The most important thing is to first know your goals, as this will have a lot to do with the kind of professional you choose to work with.

Stylists have become the darlings of a number of recent “reality” TV shows.  Think Rachel Zoe, Tim Gunn, or Stacy London.  These shows could easily cloud and ultimately skew your goals.

A stylist is focused on delivering a finished “product.”  This could be the perfect red carpet look, or it could be the ideal style for a photograph.  This type of project could be done in collaboration with a fashion designer, a photographer, a publication, a model, or with a private individual.  A stylist primarily concerned with a subject’s physical characteristics and with fashion trends.  Stylists typically have no credentials or formal training.

In contrast, an image consultant, typically will have received a good deal of education and will take a holistic approach to help a private individual visually exude his or her inner strengths and balance them with physical characteristics.  Through self-discovery, a person’s brand message is enhanced and confidence is enhanced.

These key differences lead to how an image consultant or stylist goes about marketing their businesses.  This affects the way people think about their goals and how they hope to achieve them by working with either an image consultant or stylist.  So how do you know which is the perfect fit?

Well…

If you’re looking for a quick fix to a short-term issue, a stylist may be just who you need.  If you have an event to attend and need help preparing for it, a stylist can do that for you.  If you need to have your photo taken and need help getting a “look” together, a stylist may be able to help you get that job done, too.  These are quick projects that are the focus of stylists.  If these are your kinds of goals, then a stylist is going to help you and you will most likely be pleased with the results.

If your goals are more about personal growth, they are most likely to be longer term.  Your overall goals may be to look and feel better about yourself and to project more confidence.  Maybe you want to wear clothes and accessories in the styles and colors that communicate your strengths and goals.  While there isn’t a quick fix to these kinds of goals, turning to an image consultant can help you create a plan to get there.

At the start of a new year, I felt it was time to highlight these differences because, whether you work with an image consultant or stylist, it is most important to consider your goals.  If you’re thinking about your appearance and the way you want to visually communicate to the world around you, think carefully about what you want to achieve so that you find the ideal professional to work with.

For more guidance on setting goals related to your personal image development, click the words “goal setting” below the end of the post. You’ll have access to numerous posts I’ve written related to the subject.

I offer very specialized, highly personalized levels of service for discerning clients who want to work on their personal image development.  This allows me to take in a client’s big picture, while attending to all the small details.  If you’re looking to improve your image from the inside out, and at this level of attention, we should have a conversation when you’re ready. Maybe what I have to offer is the perfect fit for you.

Joseph Rosenfeld helps high-profile individuals revitalize, manage, and be secure in their personal visual brand. Visit JosephRosenfeld.com for details.

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