Download Careers360 App
Difference Between Fashion Designer And Fashion Stylist

Difference Between Fashion Designer And Fashion Stylist

Edited By Sundararajan | Updated on Mar 26, 2025 02:43 PM IST | #NIFT Entrance Exam
Upcoming Event
NIFT Entrance Exam  Result Date : 11 Aug' 2025 - 11 Aug' 2025

Difference Between Fashion Designer and Fashion Stylist: The fashion designer style is the existing style of dress or behaviour of a particular time and place. Fashion is often connected to culture, tradition, and social attitudes. Fashion design is the art of applying design in making clothes or accessories more aesthetically. To know more details about fashion designers and fashion stylists, read the complete article.

Difference Between Fashion Designer And Fashion Stylist
Difference Between Fashion Designer And Fashion Stylist

Difference Between Fashion Stylist and Fashion Designer

The most important basic difference between a fashion stylist and a fashion designer is that a designer designs and creates clothing in the best possible way. The stylist coordinates and styles the client according to the occasion using clothes and accessories.

While both job descriptions require a precise understanding of fashion and trends, the profile for a fashion designer demands a highly technical level of knowledge of fashion, trends, sustainable practices of materials, and production.

The industries and skills in the fashion sector created a new future for the fashion designers and the fashion stylist. Fashion designers create fashion in every way. With their understanding of consumer behaviour and the market environment, the fashion designer style collections are created and then are bought and appreciated by the market or customers.

However, the above system works well for design houses and brands, designing, manufacturing, and marketing on a large scale. For couturiers and bespoke designers, a client's personality and budget are important in designing according to the occasion.

Also check -

Fashion Designer vs Fashion Stylist: Skills Required

The main aspect for the fashion designer and stylist depends on their skills. Below are the fashion designer vs stylist features provided in the table.

Fashion Designer

Fashion Stylist

Artistic and creative

Informed about the latest fashion trends

Ability to work under tight deadlines

Creative

Goal-oriented

Good communication skills

Resilient

Good interpersonal skills

Developed business acumen

Fashion-conscious

Innovative and original

Good understanding of colours and shades

Eye for detail

Identifying the client’s requirement

Imaginative

Innovative

Observant

Understanding of customer lifestyle

Persuasive

Good problem-solving skills

Good communication skills

Friendly

In-depth understanding of fashion

Good with time management

Understanding of the market

-

Ability to deliver what is desired

-

Pearl Academy B.Des Admissions 2025

No. 1 Design & Fashion Institute by ASSOCHAM, India Today, Outlook and The Week rankings

UPES B.Des Admissions 2025

Ranked #46 amongst Universities in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in Academic Reputation in India by QS World University Rankings


What is Fashion styling?

Fashion styling is the craft of creating looks or images for clients and brands that allow the model or muse to connect with their target audience. Fashion stylists mix and match pieces of clothing to create attractive outfits that are suitable for the event and fashionable for a given season. They are in charge of not only styling the clothes according to the theme and concept but also of directing the shoot’s creative aspects, such as setting the tone and lighting, choosing what goes in the background, and picking props.

Fashion styling as a career is rapidly becoming one of the most desired paths worldwide, but many people still don’t know what it involves. It is not just about putting clothes or outfits together. Fashion styling can be a fun and creative job, but it is also serious and highly competitive. It demands a varied and dynamic skill set, including creativity, artistic vision, practicality, business acumen, drive, determination, resourcefulness, responsibility, professionalism, and communication.

Top Design Entrance Exams

What is meant by fashion stylist?

Fashion stylist coordinates with clients and creates a look for them as per the occasion. Fashion stylists work for a fashion houses, individuals, clothing brands, movies, music videos, tv commercials, political campaigns, and many more. They need to be masters in the art of visual balance as they have to choose the right outfit suiting the purpose of the event, body type, and personality of the person who wears the outfit. Fashion designer stylist job need to understand fashion trends and need a client.

However, fashion designers create outfits by designing them. The research on consumer behavior and market trends and design a collection that will be purchased by the customer and appreciated in the market. Designers need to understand the trends, be good at sketching and illustration, must have an idea about fabric, pattern making, and sewing. The fashion designer and stylist must have skills in analyzing the fit and grading the outfit. Well if the outfit is for mass production, then there is a third party who collaborates with the factory to produce the garments as per the plan.

If you are a fashion aspirant and want to work in the fashion industry, then I would suggest you enroll in a reputed design institute to obscure the required degree. Well, you may think it is not necessary to have a degree to become a fashion designer or stylist. However, learning a fashion design course will help you to understand the context and principle of fashion designing and apply it in an effective way.

Browse Top Fashion Design Colleges by Location

How to become a fashion stylist

If you aspire to work in the fashion industry as a fashion stylist, I would recommend enrolling in a reputable design institute to complete the necessary courses to become a Fashion Stylist. This will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this field.

Courses to Become a Fashion Stylist

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
NIFT 2025 College Predictor
Know your admission chances in Top Design Colleges based on expected score by using NIFT 2025 College Predictor.
Try Now

Difference between fashion designing and fashion styling

The fashion designing field is different from fashion styling. The difference between fashion designing and fashion styling is described as below. The fashion designing part is creating and developing new clothing to fulfill the clothing needs . Fashion designing involves creativity, technical skills, trend analysis, pattern making. Fashion styling is the selection and coordination of outfits to suit the needs of costume industry. The fashion styling involves understanding skills, trend awareness, communication skills and attention towards the style approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is a fashion stylist?

A fashion stylist is an imaginative professional who works with clients, photographers, editors, and art directors to develop a visual concept for runway shows, fashion collections, and fashion editorials.

2. What does a fashion designer do?

A fashion designer is an artist who uses their imagination, understanding of current trends, and knowledge of the human form to create clothing, accessories, and other fashion items that are both practical and visually appealing. They combine their artistic vision with technical skills to design garments that are not only beautiful but also comfortable and functional.  

Articles

Certifications By Top Providers

Certificate Program in Machine Learning and AI with Python
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Artificial Intelligence
Via Columbia University, New York
Certificate Program in Design Thinking
Via Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
Online BCA
Via Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham AHEAD Online
Post Graduate Certification in Data Science and Machine Learning
Via Management Development Institute, Murshidabad
VLSI Design using Verilog
Via National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, Haridwar
Udemy
 1087 courses
Coursera
 505 courses
Edx
 330 courses
Vskills
 157 courses
Swayam
 136 courses

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

Questions related to NIFT Entrance Exam

Have a question related to NIFT Entrance Exam ?
Hello,
It’s completely understandable to feel disheartened after not getting a seat in the first and second rounds, especially when you’ve filled all the colleges and have your hopes set on a particular course like Fashion Communication . With an OBC rank of 1910 and CMR 7192, your chances can improve in the upcoming counselling rounds as more students withdraw or shift to other colleges.
So make sure to check the further rounds of counselling and don’t lose hope. Many students get seats in the 3rd, 4th, and mop-up rounds. You can also consider updating your preference list or keeping a wider range of courses and campuses open in case you're okay with related fields.
Keep checking the official NIFT website for updates on seat allotment and further counselling instructions.
Thank you

Dear Candidate ,
Yes , you are eligible for NIFT - UG 2026 . Based on your birthdate , you will be 19 years old as of August 1 , 2026 , which is well within the age limit .
NIFT requires applicants to be under 24 years of age on August 1 of the admission year , with a 5 year relaxation for SC/ST/PwD candidates .

Hello

The syllabus of NIFT 2026 will be released on October 2025 by Nift officials on their official website nift.ac.in . The syllabus comprises of topics General Ability Test (GAT) and Creative Ability Test (CAT). The syllabus is different for UG and PG programmes. The GAT syllabus consists of :

  • Communication ability and English comprehension
  • Quantitative ability
  • Analytical and Reasoning
  • Case study
  • General knowledge and current affairs

The CAT syllabus consists important topics like

  • Creative ability
  • Observation power
  • Discernment ability
  • Design ability
  • Colour combination ability

To download the complete syllabus kindly refer this

https://design.careers360.com/articles/nift-syllabus

Good luck !

Hello,

The Chennai NIFT entrance exam results for 2025 are usually declared a few weeks after the exam date. You can check the official NIFT website or trusted education portals like Careers360 for the latest updates and result announcements.

Make sure to keep your application details handy to access your result easily.

Hope this helps!

Hii,

NIFTEE 2025 Result has been released by NTA on 24th April 2025. UG and PG aspirants can now check and download their scorecards through direct links given in this news. The NTA has declared the NIFT 2025 Result on its official website, exams.nta.ac.in/NIFT.

View All
Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

3 Jobs Available
Animator

An animator creates moving images to bring characters and stories to life in films, games, ads, and more. They use software like Maya or Blender, work with teams, and follow storyboards. Key skills include creativity, storytelling, and attention to detail. With relevant education, animators can grow from junior roles to specialised or leadership positions in the industry.

2 Jobs Available
Industrial Designer

The concepts for manufactured products such as cars, home appliances, electronics and toys are developed by industrial designers. They combine art, business and technology to produce daily goods that people need. Individuals who opt for a career as Industrial Designers operate in a number of industries. Ironically, manufacturers employ only 29 per cent of industrial designers directly. Students can pursue Visual Communication to become Industrial Designer.

2 Jobs Available
Visual Merchandiser

A visual merchandiser is a professional who makes it look astonishing by utilising his or her designing skills. Visual merchandising contributes to awareness and brand loyalty among consumers. An individual, in visual merchandising career outlook, plays a crucial role in fetching the attention of customers and bringing them to the store. 

2 Jobs Available
Merchandiser

A Merchandiser is a professional who is responsible for optimising the sales of the store or business. He or she ensures that the retail and online stores are stocked up and analyses the sales data to improve and promote sales strategies. A Merchandiser is required to work closely with the buyers, suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers to provide customer services. 

Merchandiser in this career is also expected to monitor the product appearance and arrange and maintain product displays, and product pricing. He or she must have excellent analytical skills and a service-oriented approach. A Merchandiser plays an important role in maximising profits by setting up the prices and managing the performance of the ranges, promotions planning and markdown.

2 Jobs Available
Designer

A designer is a person whose career entails creating or changing designs for construction projects or arranging for others to do so or giving them instructions to do so. Individuals in the highest-paying designing jobs in India are employed in a variety of industries, including fashion, architecture, web graphics, and user experience. A career in design and technology comes in many different forms, including drawings, design details, specifications, bills of material, and design calculations.

2 Jobs Available
Fashion Designer

Fashion designers are creative professionals who transform ideas into stylish and wearable clothing and accessories. Using a combination of artistic flair and technical skills, they sketch designs, choose fabrics, and oversee the production process. Fashion designers stay aligned with trends, adapting their creations to suit the evolving tastes of the audience.

Fashion designers make trendy designer clothes, stay updated with the trends, using various modern elements into their designs. They are always coming up with new ideas and turning their creative visions into clothes people can wear. Their creations allow people to express themselves through what they wear, showing their unique style and identity.

2 Jobs Available
Interior Designer

An interior designer plans and manages interior spaces to be functional and visually appealing, considering human behaviour and safety regulations. They work on residential, commercial, and specialised projects, handling space planning, material selection, lighting, and project coordination. Key skills include creativity, technical knowledge, and communication. A degree in interior design, certifications, and internships help build a successful career in this dynamic, creative field.

2 Jobs Available
Back to top