When to Hire a Stylist (and What It Really Costs)

If you’ve ever Googled "how much does a fashion stylist cost" or sat on your bed surrounded by clothes muttering, “I have nothing to wear,” then babe, it might be time.

Hiring a stylist isn’t about being fancy or frivolous. It’s about getting your time, energy and sense of self back. For a lot of my clients, hiring me was less about style and more about finally being able to breathe when they opened their closet.

Below, I’ll walk you through exactly when to hire a fashion stylist—and what it actually costs to work with one in New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, and surrounding areas.

Signs You're Ready to Hire a Fashion Stylist

You don’t need to be rich or famous. You just need to be in a moment where your wardrobe is no longer working for your life. Here’s how to know:

1. Your closet is full but nothing feels like you

Maybe your body has changed. Maybe your life has. Maybe you're still hanging onto pieces that made sense three jobs, two kids, and one pandemic ago. Either way: you're not wearing most of what you own, and the stuff you do wear feels like a placeholder for the version of you you’re trying to get back to—or trying to grow into.

2. You’ve tried shopping your way out of the problem

You’ve panic-bought clothes before trips or big events. You’ve ordered the same dress in three sizes. You’ve tried capsule wardrobe checklists and Instagram outfit inspo. But none of it has actually helped you build a wardrobe that works.

3. You’ve changed and your clothes haven’t caught up

You might be a new parent. Recently promoted. Starting over. Or just tired of looking like you haven’t changed your style since 2016. You’ve evolved. Your wardrobe needs to catch up.

4. You’re wasting time and money trying to figure it out alone

Every hour spent doom-scrolling and online shopping (and returning) is time you could be spending living your actual life. A stylist saves you time and prevents you from spending on clothes that don’t get worn. Style is supposed to support your life, not distract from it.

What Does a Fashion Stylist Actually Do?

Every stylist is different, but at Wardrobe Editor, here’s what I do:

  • Help you figure out what your personal style actually is (no Pinterest aesthetic quizzes required)

  • Edit your existing wardrobe to keep what works and let go of what doesn’t

  • Shop for pieces that fit your style, body and life

  • Show you how to make outfits out of everything, so getting dressed takes 2 minutes, not 20

If it’s not obvious yet: this isn’t just about clothes. It’s about feeling more like yourself in your day-to-day life.

How Much Does a Fashion Stylist Cost?

One of the most common searches I see is: how much does a fashion stylist charge? The answer? It depends on the service—and on the stylist.

At Wardrobe Editor, here’s what you can expect:

  • Full Wardrobe Edit Package: $3,900 — includes style discovery, closet edit, shopping and styling

  • UnF*CK Your Closet - 1 Day Intensive: $2,950 — includes style discovery, closet edit and styling

This isn’t a one-hour consult and a Pinterest board. It’s an in-depth transformation of how you show up in your clothes—and your life. And for most clients, it ends up saving them money in the long run.

Why Now Is the Right Time

The #1 thing I hear from new clients? “I wish I had done this sooner.”

Style touches every part of your life. Whether you're heading into a new season, a new job, or just tired of not recognizing yourself in the mirror, this is the sign you’ve been waiting for.

Because the truth is, waiting until you "lose the weight" or "figure it out on your own" doesn’t solve the problem. It just delays your ability to feel at home in your life right now.

Still Not Sure?

Here are a few real reasons women in their 30s, 40s and 50s have hired me:

“I have a closet full of clothes and still feel like I’m wearing the same 4 outfits.”
“I hate shopping and I have no idea what looks good on me anymore.”
“My body changed after kids and I don’t even know where to start.”

Sound familiar? Then you're ready.

Let’s Make Your Style Work for Your Life

If you’re in NYC, New Jersey, Westchester, Long Island or Connecticut, I’d love to work with you.

Learn more about The Wardrobe Edit or Unf*ck Your Closet, or get in touch with me here.

FAQ:

Do I have to be rich to hire a stylist?
Nope. You just have to be ready to invest in a solution that actually works—and saves you money in the long run.

Can I do this virtually?
Yes! Virtual styling options are available for clients outside the NYC area.

What if I don’t know my style yet?
That’s literally my job. You don’t need to come in with answers—just the desire to figure it out.

Gab Saper