How is a Fashion Designer Different from a Fashion Stylist?

Sukriti Vajpayee

Updated On: March 14, 2024 10:10 am IST

What is the difference between a Fashion Designer and a Fashion Stylist? Find the details of the careers of fashion designers and fashion stylists and how they are different from each other here.

Fashion Designer vs Fashion Stylist

Fashion Designers and Fashion stylists are closely related to each other but they are also different based on many parameters. The key difference separating a fashion designer and a fashion stylist is their area of work, fashion designers create clothing and accessories while fashion stylists are the ones who make these clothing & accessories look visually appealing for clients or projects. Sharing the same ground, these career options are often misunderstood to be the same. So, to get clarity on how is a fashion designer different from a fashion stylist read this complete article.

Also Read: Skills Required for a Successful Career in Design

Difference Between Fashion Designer and Fashion Stylist

Fashion Designers are responsible for designing and creating outfits whereas fashion stylists put together pieces of clothing and prepare the ideal outfit for celebrities or other people. A fashion trend is created by the fashion designer and the fashion stylist studies the trend and dresses his/ her clients according to it.

As professionals, both fashion stylists and fashion designers conceptualize colors and textures along with designs to create unique styles for their audience or client. A designer creates outfits for people at large and stylist functions at a more personal level, understanding the choice of the client and identifying what goes well with their personality.

Also ReadHow to Become a Fashion Designer

Fashion Designer vs. Fashion Stylist: Skills Required

The unique skills of a person make them different from each other. Being a fashion designer or fashion stylist does not vary because of its roles and responsibilities but it also comprises skillsets making it different from each other. Refer to the different skills required for both of these roles below:

Fashion Designer

Fashion Stylist

Artistic and imaginative

Aware of the latest fashion trends

Ability to meet tight deadlines

Art Skills

Target-oriented

Good communication skills

Hard-working

Strong knowledge of brands and designers

Developed business insights

Fashion-conscious

Innovative and updated

Good knowledge of colours and shades

Eye for detail

Detecting and understanding the client’s requirement

Inter-personal skills

Innovative

Attentive

Understanding of customer lifestyle

Persuasive

Good problem-solving skills

Adaptability

Friendly

In-depth understanding of fashion

Good with time management

Understanding of the market

Product knowledge

Ability to deliver what is desired

Understanding of new merchandise techniques

Also ReadHow to Become a Fashion Stylist

How to Become a Fashion Designer or a Fashion Stylist

Fashion Designer and Fashion Stylist roles are different and both vary under many parameters. But what is similar between them is the sense of fashion and the creative touch. Students who intend to step foot in either of these careers must meet certain requirements. These basic eligibility requirements are similar for both careers. Find the step-wise details on how one can become either of these two fashion designers or fashion stylists: 

  • Enrol in a degree course: Candidates need to pursue and gain a degree in fashion design to step into any of the career options. 
  • Get experience: Secondly, gain as much experience as you can while in college. It can be either through internships or projects. 
  • Recognised institute: Pursuing any undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma or certificate courses from a UGC (University Grants Commission) recognised institute will be beneficial for candidates. 
  • Create a portfolio: Students must keep track of their work and the best way of that is by making a design portfolio. They have to include different works showcasing the varied skills and abilities of the students. It will play a great role in getting better job opportunities.

Also Read:Popular Career Options for Fashion Designers in India

Fashion Designer vs. Fashion Stylist: Courses

Almost all the fashion designing courses in India comprise a curriculum that can enable a person to become a Fashion Designer as well as a Fashion Stylist. There are a few courses that cater solely to the career a student wants to pursue. Due to the diversity in both careers, some programmes are better suited for either an aspiring Fashion Designer or someone who wishes to become a Fashion Stylist. Pursuing the right course is extremely important as it gives candidates in-depth knowledge of everything that they will face in their professional advances.

Courses to Become a Fashion Designer

Check the table given below to find the best fashion design courses in which the fashion designers of tomorrow can enroll.

Course Name

Course Duration

B.Des in Fashion Design

4 Years

B.Des in Textile Design

4 Years

B.A. in Fashion Design

3 Years

B.A. in Textile Design

3 Years

Certificate in Textiles for Fashion

8 - 12 Months

Certificate in Pattern Making & Garment Construction

6 - 12 Months

Certificate in Fashion Designing

12 - 18 Months

Certificate in Pattern Design

6 - 12 Months

M.Des in Fashion Design

2 Years

M.Des in Textile Design

2 Years

Diploma in Fashion Design

1 Year

Advanced Diploma in Apparel and Textile Design

1 - 2 Years

PG Diploma in Fashion Designing

1-2 Years

Master of Fashion Management (M.F.M)

2 Years

Master of Fashion Technology (M.F.Tech)

2 Years

Also Read: How to Choose the Right Fashion Design Course?

Courses to Become a Fashion Stylist

Here are some popular courses that aspiring fashion stylists can consider for pursuing a great career.

Course Name

Course Duration

B.Des in Fashion Design

4 Years

B.Sc in Fashion Design

3 Years

B.A. in Fashion Design

3 Years

B.V.A. in Fashion Design

3 Years

Certificate in Fashion Styling and Forecasting

6 - 8 Months

Certificate in Draping and Pattern Making

6 - 8 Months

Certificate in Creative Fashion Styling

6 - 12 Months

Certificate in Fashion Illustration and Design

6 - 12 Months

M.Des in Fashion Merchandising

2 Years

M.Des in Visual Merchandising

2 Years

Diploma in Fashion Styling and Draping

1 Year

Advanced Diploma in Fashion Styling

1 - 2 Years

Best Colleges in India to Become a Fashion Designer/ Fashion Stylist

Pursuing the desired course from a good college is extremely important because it is the institute that provides students with knowledge, exposure, and learning. Here are some of the best fashion design colleges in India that candidates interested in enrolling in a relevant course can consider for taking admission:

Also Read:

Top Design Colleges in North India

Top Design Colleges in South India

Top Design Colleges in East India

Top Design Colleges in West India

Stay tuned to CollegeDekho to get more information about design colleges, careers, and admissions in India. In case you have any queries or doubts, you can post your questions on the QnA Portal of CollegeDekho and our experts will provide the best solutions to you.

If you are struggling to find the ideal college for yourself, fill our Common Application Form (CAF) or dial the toll-free helpline number 1800-572-9877. We will help you in getting admission to the best design college as per your requirements and preferences!

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FAQs

How to become a fashion stylist?

To become a fashion stylist, students have to follow the sequence which includes:

- Pursuing a degree

- Creating a portfolio 

- Gaining experience through internships 

- Building a professional network 

- Applying for fashion stylist or similar job roles

What is a fashion stylist salary?

According to Glassdoor, a fashion stylist average salary is INR 33,000 per month. While the highest salary for the same role can go up to INR 7,00,000 annually.

What is a fashion designer salary?

The average salary of a fashion designer is INR 28,000 per month. However, someone with good experience can expect a salary package of INR 5,00,000 annually. The salary bracket depends on the experience, skills and job position of the student.

What is the main difference between a fashion stylist and a fashion designer?

The main difference between a fashion stylist and a fashion designer is that fashion designers are responsible for creating clothing and accessories whereas fashion stylists showcase these in a visually appealing way.

Is styling and designing the same?

Styling deals with the visual look or outer appearance of anything while designing includes the basic layout of any product considering user experience in mind.

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