What Does an Image Consultant Do?

What is the Difference Between Styling and Image Consulting?

If you think you would make a good stylist, you may already have skills and talents which can be developed. And there are new skills to learn. Let’s say that you get compliments on your own style; you shop for friends, you follow designers and trends; you know where to buy the best deals. If this sounds familiar, you may be destined to be a stylist. Some stylists also style outfits for catalogues, magazine photo shoots, videos, headshots, traditional and online publications, and social media. They can also become personal shoppers or produce fashion shows. There are many courses in fashion schools to learn the skills. Stylists tend to be fashion and clothing oriented.  

Image consultants also offer styling and serve personal clients, but not quite in the same way. They are interested in the growth and development of many different aspects of a client. As their work tends to be more in-depth than stylists, they may even apply some psychology principles to delve into the background of their clients. The image approach to appearance is technical, based on design, graphics, fabric, color theory, and artistic elements. On a day -to -day basis their clothing selections are strategic, matching the personality, situation, color harmonies, facial shapes, and body structures of the client. Many also train groups on business etiquette, verbal and non-verbal communication skills, presentation, TV appearances, social media, interview skills and public speaking. Image Consultants are lifestyle, goal and personality oriented. In essence, they help their clients create a Personal Brand.
 

The Appearance Services of an Image Consultant

Color Analysis: A personal color consultant is trained with color tools to identify which colors will best suit you. They consider not only your skin, hair, and eye color but also your personality, lifestyle, and personal preferences. A consultant often starts by performing a thorough color analysis. This involves examining your skin undertones, hair color, eye color, and other physical features to determine your personal color palette. They will then provide you with a customized color swatch book, which acts as a valuable tool when shopping for clothes, accessories, and even makeup.

Style Analysis: After a series of “tests” or other style analysis tools the consultant determines your style personalities or the styles you prefer wearing. Most people gravitate towards two or perhaps three styles for work or play. The consultant can outline the pros and cons of each style and ask the client what style she aspires to. From there she can assess the client’s personality and lifestyle, in order to help her create the style she wants. 

Figure Analysis: A body and line evaluation is important to determine your body shape, body proportions and body type. With this technical knowledge an image consultant can suggest flattering styles from classic clothing or current fashion trends. From there they can choose the best styles, adjust to suit, or avoid them completely.

Wardrobe Evaluation: Once your color palette and figure and style analysis are established, an image consultant can evaluate your existing wardrobe to identify the pieces that enhance your image and those that may not. They can provide guidance on what to keep, what to donate, and what new items to add, to create a more cohesive and strategic wardrobe.

Personal Shopping: If you find shopping overwhelming or struggle to find the right colors on your own, an image consultant can accompany you on a shopping trip. They will guide you on which colors and styles to try on, ensuring you choose items that enhance your natural coloring,  your figure details and those styles which suit your lifestyle.

 Makeup and Beauty Advice: Colors play an important role in hair color and makeup and this is likely to be included in the color analysis. Some, but not all image consultants help apply makeup. They can guide you on the most flattering shades for your skin tone, eye color, and hair color, helping you create a polished and coordinated look.

The Benefits of Using the Services of an Image Consultant

1. Enhancing Your Appearance: Understanding and wearing your personal colors can significantly impact your overall appearance. A color palette based on color theory can make your skin glow, accentuate your features, and even make you appear more youthful and vibrant. Image consultants can also help with methods based on known technical principles for analyzing your body shape and proportions, providing valuable insights on dressing to your advantage. 
2. Simplifying Your Wardrobe: By knowing which colors work best for you, you can streamline your wardrobe and avoid wasting money on clothes that don’t flatter you. A personal color consultant can help you identify your most flattering colors, making it easier to choose clothes that make you look and feel confident every day.
3. Boosting Your Confidence: Wearing the right styles and colors enhances your physical appearance and boosts your confidence. When you feel good about your appearance, your confidence shines through, positively impacting all areas of your life – from personal relationships to professional success.
4. Saving Time and Money: How often have you bought a piece of clothing only to realize later that it doesn’t suit you? You can avoid making costly wardrobe mistakes by consulting an image consultant. They can guide you on which styles and colors to focus on when shopping, saving you both time and money in the long run.

What are Other Services of an Image Consultant?

An image consultant can usually help with appearance, but some offer a variety of other services, depending on their background, professional experience, and education. 

Many image consultants not only specialize in appearance and color analysis, but can also help with your Personal Brand, or what is known as your Professional or Executive Presence. These image consultants are skilled professionals who can guide you in creating an image consistent with your values, preferences, lifestyles, goals, and talents. They can help with your online image, your body language, your communication skills, your presentation skills, and your body language. They are image coaches.

The need is definitely there, especially in the workplace. Many individuals face difficulties when it comes to understanding all the elements of their image such as professional appearance, behavior and communication skills. In the Image Industry we call this combination the ABC’s. Clients are anxious to learn how coaching in these elements can impact their personal and professional presence. 

For example, clients often find themselves unsure about what to say in certain situations, voice their opinion, stand up in meetings or make polite conversation.  

A full-service image consultant will almost certainly offer a range of services. Their role goes beyond simply identifying your colors. Here are some of the key responsibilities of an Image or Personal Branding consultant.

Presentation and Body Language skills.

London Image Institute is one of the few image training schools that provides these specialized services, known as soft skills. Once clients know their colors and styles, they often ask their image consultant if they offer other services which contribute to a professional or personal presence. For example, almost everyone can use some help on presentation skills. Unless you take an acting course, you may not have received professional instruction in public speaking or even making simple gestures when online or when presenting. Many image consultants have added these skills to their portfolios because they are so important. 

Etiquette. 

This includes networking skills, dining and tech etiquette and workplace manners. Organizations often ask us to provide seminars and workshops in these vital skills, especially for entry level personnel and those who interact with clients such as sales and customer service. 

Personal Branding. 

In countless circumstances both professionally or personally, many individuals want to differentiate themselves, to stand out in the crowd, to distinguish themselves from the competition. Image consultants can help people who seek promotion or are being groomed for leadership and management roles. Many younger clients want to excel in an interview or performance review. Frequently clients ask for help with their social media presence, or to develop a new personal brand to open a new business or improve their image after a life-changing event. Whatever the motivation, a personal branding process is invaluable to distinguish yourself and represent your vision, values, skills, and talents.

Communications Skills

This is a very popular topic requested by individuals and organizations alike. With the popularity of phone and online communication, Managers and HR professionals tell us that young people sometimes lack the communication polish needed to approach clients, colleagues, and associates in the workplace. From small talk to expressing ideas clearly, communication skills are key to influencing, repairing or building relationships and establishing trust with others. 

Take the Next Step with London Image Institute

If you are passionate about becoming an image consultant or expanding your existing soft skills business, London Image Institute is the perfect place to start. With over 20 years of industry experience, London Image Institute is among the most established and respected names in image consultant training.

At London Image Institute, you can enroll in our comprehensive Image Consultant Training program. This program equips individuals, entrepreneurs, consultants, and corporate trainers with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to excel in the image consulting industry. From color analysis to personal style development to soft skills, the training covers all aspects of image consulting, empowering you to help others discover their unique style and personal colors.

Don’t miss the opportunity to turn your passion for people, image and style into a rewarding career as an image consultant. Contact us to learn more about our image consultant training program and take the first step towards a successful and fulfilling career in the world of image consulting.