What's A Wardrobe Budget And Why Do I Need One? | How to Hire a Fashion Stylist

Hey, you're back! 😊

So I heard you may want to hire a fashion stylist for your next project...

Sounds simple enough, right? You're talking with the stylist and they ask you a seemingly simple question: "What's your budget for wardrobe on this project?"

You freeze. Wardrobe budget? Doesn't the stylist just bring the clothes for free???!

Well, I recently posted this video to my styling Instagram, and you all had a LOT to say! Buckle up friends, because we are about to go on a very important educational journey together. 🤝

Preface

Listen—being a stylist is a truly wonderful job. Though, many do not understand the hard work that goes into providing wardrobe for creative and commercial projects alike!

Today, I'd like to dive into a frequently-asked question that has come up with my own clients and beginning/emerging stylists alike.

“What is a wardrobe budget and why do I need one?”

💸 Fashion stylists typically ask for something called a “wardrobe budget" when they need to shop for a brand or a large creative project. (This might include a music video, a commercial, or an e-commerce photoshoot.) Separate from the stylist’s pay, this wardrobe budget is used to purchase clothing, shoes, accessories, undergarments, and anything else needed to dress the talent.

It is the responsibility of the stylist to keep track of all purchases made for the wardrobe, either via a spreadsheet or by proof of receipts. Any remainder or unspent amount of the wardrobe budget is returned upon completion of the project.

Take a look at this quick example:

Let's say that a client hires a stylist to come up with three outfits for their latest photoshoot. A total of $500 is allocated for wardrobe purchases. After all is said and done, the stylist only uses $450 in total to purchase the looks. The client will receive this remaining $50 after the shoot, unless otherwise stated in the contract. The stylist will show proof of purchases with all receipts to the client. Upon approval, the stylist invoices and gets paid for the services provided! 💸

Common budget terminology

"All-in" is considered an outdated term in the styling industry. It refers to a method of payment that combines the stylist's pay with the wardrobe budget. And yes, it's as messy as it sounds.

A 'wardrobe budget' may also be referred to as "petty cash" or a "float payment." This 'float' of cash allows the stylist to purchase wardrobe ahead of the shoot, without having to put their own credit card down. (Which is something you should NEVER do when styling for a big project.)

A stylist's rate may be charged hourly, but is more often quoted by the day, called a day rate. This amount is charged SEPERATELY from the cost of clothing!

"All-in" is considered an outdated term in the styling industry. It refers to a method of payment that conflates the stylist's pay with the wardrobe budget. And yes, it's as messy as it sounds.

So what's the big deal?

🛍️ You wouldn’t hire a personal stylist and expect them to buy the clothes for you when you go out shopping, right?

Let's put this into perspective. Say a stylist is hired to create several outfits for a campaign with a large brand... Depending on the caliber and the complexity of the project, the wardrobe alone might cost upwards of $1,000. Since stylists are usually not paid until after the project is complete, they may not have enough cash on hand to make the necessary purchases.

What if I want the stylist to return the clothes after?

Some items may become damaged while shooting—scuffed shoes, sweat marks on clothing—so much is out of our control. It is common that more than a few items may not be in returnable condition.

📦 Regardless of whether or not the clothing will be returned after the shoot, requesting a wardrobe budget is a standard industry practice.

Not only does this action protect the stylist (and their credit score!!), it also serves to protect you as the client, ensuring that you will not receive any surprise invoices from the stylist for purchases made during the process.

Consider that some items may become damaged while shooting—scuffed shoes, sweat marks on clothing—so much is out of our control. It is common that more than a few items may not be left in good, returnable condition. (Nevermind that stylist can't return used undergarments or socks! 🤢)

In some cases, clothing is rented from showrooms or archival houses (typically reserved for celebrity clients or high-fashion shoots). These acquisitions may require a non-refundable rental fee. Such fees are not a responsibility of the stylist, but rather, the client can expect to cover the cost of the rentals. If not, your might be stylist losing money by working with you!

How do I hire a fashion stylist?

Many up-and-coming brands, small businesses, and individual creators may not be aware of the need to budget separately for a wardrobe budget and a stylist's pay.

Now that you have some more information, you're one step closer to hiring a fashion stylist!

If you're looking for a trusted professional to take the lead on wardrobe for your project, look no further than Courtney Davila (that's me!) I am happy to get to know you and your project over a free, 1:1 consultation call. View my current pricing for all services here.

Conclusion

I fully believe in transparency when it comes to pricing and budgets. A marker of a good wardrobe stylist is someone who is happy to explain their typical styling process.

Clear communication (preferably over phone or video call) tends to improve and simplify this process for all parties.

A Question for You...

Did you know what a wardrobe budget is before reading this post? Did you learn something new? Do you feel more confused that ever??!?!?! (Totally valid by the way.)

Share your thoughts with me, Courtney, by commenting on this post or by sending me a direct message on my website.

Thanks so much for joining me today. I am so happy to have you here with me on the crazy, fun, wild journey that is being a stylist!

Cheers & take care,

xx Court