Whether I’m assisting on a shoot or working lead (styled a shoot for BUST magazine yesterday! more on that later), the ideal uniform goes something like the above – give or take a tank, tee, or a romper if I’m feeling feisty. We’re not saving lives or anything, but stylists do a lot more manual labor than given credit for. There are hours spent running around, on hands and knees, loading and unloading suitcases/trunks, wardrobe racks, garment bags, whatever, and it is legit hard work.
My uniform pretty much speaks for itself… No-fuss, comfort, and functionality trump “fashion” on set:
- A loose mens shirt is comfy and good storage for all those spring clamps.
- Tights/leggings. No explanation needed.
- Tools of the trade: steamer on standby, & prop kit stuff (scissors, clamps, lint brush) handy
- Accessories that serve a purpose (bangles/rings can get in the way), but add a personal touch.
- Flat shoes, the shittier the better.
- Unless of course you’re working with Meisel… then make sure it’s all black.
There’s definitely no reason to overthink it. Find what works for you so you barely have to think about it all. What’s your “on the job” uniform?
[pictured: alex wang shirt; forever 21 glasses; converse by john varvatos; rowenta travel steamer; charm & hammer toolbelt]
Tags: style · styling · work10 Comments
perhaps hte most useful “what to wear” post i’ve ever read.comfortable and stylish yet functional. can’t wait to hear about the bust photo shoot (congrats on the styling gig!)
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So I wore my uniform to shoot today…lost the supras 2 looks into it because I was dying of heat. Wearing tight pants [but stretchy and comfy from Theory! So you know its comfy shit] was a horrid idea and even my black v neck didn’t save me from dying of heat! The AC is broken @ b8 :( No uniform could save that. haha
But yeah, I hate seeing stylist assistants in like heels or wedges and dresses, this isn’t an event people, be comfy!
[...] • Have you ever wondered what to wear when styling a photo shoot? Jazzi gives us a rundown of the necessities. [...]
Great post. Similar to what a photographer’s assistant would need to wear, although I guess you see combats & more black, also depends if outdoors or not. In colder climates than LA I’d say easy to remove layers are good – fashionable but not fussy ie no bits to catch on things. I like the Rick Owens or All Saints (the clothing line not the girl group!) look.
I’m in film school and this is how a few of us photo/film students dress. I like the toolbelt, where’ s it from?
mari – ya, i’d say the uniform definitely translates outside of fashion too :)
the toolbelt is from http://charmandhammer.com/ & they have some other great colors too!
Thank you! That site is awesome.
Btw your blog is fantastic! I just discovered it yesterday and I spent all last night going through all your posts. You’re the same age as me (I think?) and it’s cool to see a young black girl take the bull by the horns so to speak. Very inspiring :)
Great advice Jazzi! Very help since I’m styling a photo shoot tomorrow and its only my 2nd time ever!! I especially love the tool belt idea and will have to invest in one in the future…tomorrow I’ll be making due with my little black apron for all my “tools”. Can’t wait to hear how your shoot went.
by the end of the day, you’re going to look run down, whether you’re wearing target or prada, so yeah, i usually throw on a oversized tee, comfy denim, most comfortable shoes…
i’ve also found wearing a vest helps to clamp all the clips etc.