In recent years, the need for styling services in remote areas has grown. Clients are after Stylist’s who can find clothing to suit their needs, when they don’t live close to the stores they like to frequent. They might need someone who knows their style, who can develop it from anywhere in the world, or they might simply not have the time to book a stylist in-person.

In this post, we’re exploring the main differences between hiring Virtual Services vs In-Person Stylist services. The topics covered in this post are:

• What is an Online Personal Stylist?

• What is an In-Person Personal Stylist?

• What are the main differences amongst services?

• Is Online or In-Person Personal Styling more convenient for you?

What is an Online Personal Stylist?

An online personal stylist is a fashion expert who works remotely to provide personalized styling advice and assistance to individuals through virtual platforms. Unlike traditional personal stylists who primarily offer in-person consultations, styling sessions, and wardrobe makeovers, online personal stylists offer services remotely using shopping videos, moodboards and lookbooks to provide styling assistance.

In my business, I use various online tools and resources to deliver to my remote clients. It’s common for virtual stylists to create styling lookbooks or shopping lists tailored specifically for their clients. Every Stylist is different in their offerings, but most virtual stylists base their services around online shopping. In my business I offer three main virtual services, Colour Analysis, Core Wardrobes (finding all the basics the client needs) and Capsule Wardrobes (finding specific items that mix and match for work or play).

What is an In-Person Personal Stylist?

A Personal Stylist is a professional fashion consultant who helps you develop your style and create practical outfit solutions. They shop with you in physical stores, may visit your home to curate your wardrobe and can help you with tailoring, ensuring your clothing fits and finding you options you can try before you buy.

Often, In-Person services are centered around cities, such as Sydney and Wollongong, like myself, or large towns where there are a range of shopping options.

In-Person services have often been the preferred way to engage a stylist, but online services can be convenient for those who are time poor or live remotely.

What is the main difference between an online personal stylist service and an in-person stylist?

The biggest difference when booking a Stylist for virtual services, compared to an in-person session, is that you aren’t trying on the clothes before you buy them. Because of this, you really need a stylist who knows the brands you’re shopping with and doesn’t just ask for your clothing size but your body measurements. Here is where it’s still important to check your virtual stylist has experience, just like you would if you were shopping with them in person.

Regardless of whether you book in-person or online, most personal stylists often offer ongoing styling support and advice. They may provide feedback on outfits clients put together themselves or guide them on how to pair different pieces for various occasions. This ongoing relationship enables clients to refine their personal style and expand their fashion choices with the guidance of an experienced professional.

Not All Virtual Stylists Offer A Consultation:

To me, it’s a given that you would at least have a chat with your client before helping them find clothing but there are many AI Stylists and Virtual Fashion Stylists around that have you complete a quiz then send you a box of clothing. I’ve had clients do these before them come to me and explain how they felt their clothes just didn’t feel like them, they didn’t fit properly or the quality wasn’t there. Make sure, if you’re booking a virtual shopping session OR an in-person session that your Stylist has included a Style Consultation first.

Not every Virtual Stylist works well internationally:

I don’t recommend booking overseas stylists for virtual sessions if you’re shopping from Australia. You can end up spending more money, have someone that doesn’t understand sizing conversions from country to country, or isn’t aware that shopping at certain times of year can limit availability, ie: booking an American virtual stylist in December, needing summer clothes but only ending up with winter options because in December in America - it’s cold!

Virtual Service Options Are Often Smaller:

Many virtual stylist services just focus on online shopping. Some businesses help with wardrobe editing and Colour Analysis, but most just focus on shopping. Consider if a more rounded approach, like working on your style and colours first, then editing your wardrobe and then shopping is better for you, or if you’re best to start fresh and just book in an online shopping session.

Brand Discounts Are Different:

Businesses who offer virtual services may have brand affiliates that offer discounts to clients, but it’s uncommon as promo-codes and account information can be given out online and abused. Your Stylist will be able to advise you on whether they can get you discounts online and in-store, or if they have to be present for the sale in order for the discount to be applied. In my business, I have seperate discounts available in-store to what I have online.

What’s more convenient? An Online Personal Stylist, or a local, in-person Stylist?

When you’re deciding if online or in-person options are better for you, consider what’s convenient:

If you hate shopping centers:

Online Stylist clients can help you without you even getting off the couch! This is why even some of my local clients prefer to shop virtually.

If you have struggled with returns & sizing issues in the past:

Where Online Stylist services may not be as beneficial to you is if the clothing you buy doesn’t fit. While every experienced stylist will have you take your measurements and clothing sizes before starting the session, sometimes online size charts aren’t up to date, or they’re not specific to the brand (ie: shopping online with a department store). Here is where virtual shopping can become a hassle. You might spend more time returning items that don’t fit, if you haven’t taken your measurements properly.

You don’t live near any shops or you have little options near you:

Online is a no-brainer here because what’s available online can suit so many tastes, sizes and budgets. Sometimes through these sessions clients discover a new brand they love, that they’ve never shopped with because they’ve barely shopped online. What is also worth considering is making a trip to a city to meet with a stylist. Many of my clients fly in and out to see me and can get everything done in the one day. They feel relieved to know everything they’re taking home fits and flatters and they can have it straight away - they don’t have to wait for the post.

You’re Impatient:

I am too, as soon as I order something online, I check my tracking multiple times a day and press myself against the window when the postie comes! If you prefer to have your clothes straight away, and spending the time to return or exchange an item you don’t love sounds like a hassle - opt for an in-person service instead.