How to Build Confidence as a Stylist

Confidence—it’s that elusive thing that some people seem to have buckets of, while the rest of us are left wondering if we’ll ever stop second-guessing ourselves. As a stylist, confidence isn’t just a nice to have; it’s the secret sauce that makes clients trust you, collaborators listen to you, and your creative vision come to life. But let’s be honest—confidence doesn’t magically appear because you’ve put on a blazer and faked a smile (though it helps). It’s something you build, step by step, outfit by outfit, and shoot by shoot.

When I started styling, I was the furthest thing from confident. I’d have moments of pure panic, convinced that everyone in the room was about to realise I didn’t belong. Over time, though, I figured out ways to feel less like an imposter and more like I actually knew what I was doing (even when I didn’t). Spoiler: it wasn’t a quick fix. But the good news? Confidence is a skill you can learn.

Here are eight ways to build your confidence as a stylist, each tested by someone who’s been there—me.

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1. Start with Small Wins
When I began, I had this idea that I had to land a huge job straight away or I wasn’t “good enough.” Spoiler: that’s not how it works. Confidence grows from small, consistent wins. Take on projects that feel achievable and give yourself space to succeed. Maybe it’s styling a friend for their birthday party or assisting on a low-key shoot. The goal isn’t to knock it out of the park every time but to prove to yourself that you can handle what’s in front of you.

Think of it like building a wardrobe: you start with the basics, not the couture gown. Once you’ve nailed the fundamentals, the bigger challenges won’t seem as terrifying.