Trendy looks will never go out of style, so there will always be fashion jobs available. The industry is broad and theres always a demand for fresh, new looks; especially in women's fashion. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the fashion design industry is projected to see an increase of 3% in job openings from 2016-2026, based on growth in the wholesale clothing market.
When it comes to the area of design, you're not required to have a degree. Usually, you just need natural talent and an eye for fashion. However, if your goal is to work for an established brand, they will likely prefer that you've graduated from a program beyond high school. For a textile and fashion designer, a minimum of an Associates degree is required, but a Bachelors degree is preferred.
Additionally, technical designers need an Associates degree in Technical Design or Apparel Production. And, fashion merchandisers should have an Associates or Bachelors degree in Fashion Merchandising.
If you're looking to learn more about this industry, a fashion internship is a great stepping-stone. Internships will teach you about how to create designs that are eye-catching. Designing clothes that are appealing is crucial to the success of the product. And while a lot of designers draw their designs, digital sketches are becoming more common. As an intern, you'll get acquainted with computer-aided design and learn how to properly advertise brands through campaigns.
You can work in the fashion industry without being in design. There are also fashion jobs in the areas of marketing, advertising, public relations, and photography, among others.
DESIGN
Designer: $83,500
Creative director: $130,000
RETAIL/SALES/E-COMMERCE
Merchandiser: $61,000
Assistant Buyer: $46,680
MARKETING/SOCIAL MEDIA
Marketing manager: $65,650
Social media Manager: $62,600
STYLING
Assistant stylist: $49,760
Stylist: $79,380
PUBLICITY
Assistant Publicist: $65,710
VP: $142,670
If style and design is your passion, a career in the fashion industry can be very rewarding. Whether you decide to work for an established fashion house or become a personal shopper, talent is the key ingredient. Possessing exceptionally creative skills in fashion is the recipe for success.