Breaking into the styling industry with the Complete Stylist Short Course
- Written byMimi Jones
- Published date 06 March 2026
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Racheal describes herself as a “multi-hyphenate creative,” carving out her own space within the styling industry. In both her life and career, she balances several roles — working as a contextual studies lecturer, content creator, and self-described “style solutionist.”
She has long had a natural eye for fashion and a genuine interest in helping people feel confident in what they wear. Styling was an aspect of her personality she wanted to explore more deeply. Her aim was to support more clients with considered style solutions and help them feel comfortable and assured in their everyday wardrobes.
Taking that next step meant strengthening her industry knowledge and building a portfolio that reflects her personal approach to styling. This led her to enrol on The Complete Stylist Short Course.
We spoke to Racheal about her experience on the course and her advice for anyone considering taking their interest in pursuing styling as a profession.
Taking her interest in styling to the next level
I’ve always had a natural and keen interest in styling and fashion, but I didn’t have any academic background in it — and I love to learn.
I had never studied fashion history or explored the industry as a whole. It felt like a bit of a grey area for me, and I really wanted to understand it properly so I could do more with my knowledge.
The Complete Stylist Short Course was the most comprehensive programme I could find. It offered the industry insight I was looking for, alongside the practical skills I knew I needed to be able to be confident in what I could offer clients.
A mix of theory and practice
One of the most valuable things I learned was the practical side of styling — collaborating with others and understanding how to bring my ideas to life.
Learning about lighting, angles, and how every element contributes to building a narrative was challenging but incredibly engaging. It helped me understand my strengths and refine my identity as a stylist
The course strikes a perfect balance between theory and practice. Even as a beginner, I never once felt behind or out of my depth. The rapport between the tutor and students meant we could ask anything without feeling silly. John (the tuor) is amazing — he’s literally an oracle. He knows so much, yet he made everything understandable, digestible, and engaging.
Learning from someone with real industry experience is invaluable. It gives context, realism, and insight that you simply can’t get from theory alone.
Tailored advice and personalised feedback
I remember having a one-to-one tutorial with John where he told me to follow my own path.
I was getting caught up in all the possible roles and paths my eyes were open to so many new possibilities I could pursue and he told me straightaway that I'm doing the right things. Encouragement from someone of his level and exposure was so reassuring and really helped give me clarity around my next steps and how best to utilise my new skills.
Realising her path in styling
I currently offer styling guidance on a broader scale, but I’ll now be focusing more on personal styling and offering one-to-one support.
Although the course only briefly touched on personal styling, other tasks and exercises helped me realise that this is where my strength lies.
The added benefit is that I now understand the ins and outs of everything else — editorial fashion, e-commerce, you name it. That exposure strengthens my existing knowledge and makes me a more well-rounded stylist.
The course format and schedule
Our face-to-face sessions were held on Saturdays at London College of Fashion, and for me, it worked perfectly.
There was so much to cover that we genuinely needed that dedicated time. Being able to immerse myself without distractions made a huge difference. We had plenty of breaks, but I loved knowing that my weekend was fully dedicated to developing my craft.
What makes The Complete Stylist a unique course?
Even though I had an idea of what we would cover, the depth of conversation, the contacts built, and the knowledge shared went far beyond my expectations.
Because you’re supported through discussions and personalised feedback, you gain a level of clarity that’s hard to achieve in a very short time. You’re not just learning theory — you’re testing your skills, refining your voice, and discovering which path feels right for you.
In my opinion, the complete courses are the most comprehensive way to dive into your passion. They are longer than most short courses, and you do have to be willing to give it the time and commitment it deserves. But if you do, you might just discover a whole new world of opportunities.
Feeling inspired to take the leap into fashion styling?
If you have an interest in styling, want to build a professional portfolio, and become truly industry-ready, The Complete Stylist Short Course offers the structure, mentorship, and practical experience to help you get there.
Payment plans
The Complete Stylist Short Course is eligible for a payment plan and must fit the following criteria to request:
- The course start date must be at least 4 months away from booking
- The course fee must be paid in full 4 weeks before course start date
A 50% deposit is due at the time of booking. The remaining balance is divided into 3 monthly payments, payable via Flywire. For example, if the course fee is GBP 2,200, 50% of this is due upon booking (GBP 1,100), followed by 3 monthly instalments of GBP 366 per month. Normal UAL Short Course T&Cs apply.
Contact ualshortcourses@arts.ac.uk for more information.
