What to Study to Work in Fashion

Because there are so many sub-disciplines in Fashion, it can be hard to figure out what to study to work in fashion. Even people who make up the industry may not know what a student needs to be qualified for the field. Students who study fashion may wonder, “Who can do my assignment for me or complete my online assignments,” and options to write them include online essay writing services. Knowing what you need is a good start for students who are dedicated to this field of study. Here, we’ll cover some of the disciplines within the Fashion Industry and what a student will require to enter those fields.

Fashion Design

The things you study to be a fashion designer will be distinctly different from those you study to become a soccer player or a software engineer. Fashion design is at the heart of the industry, involving the creation and development of clothing and accessory designs. To pursue a career in fashion design, it is crucial to enroll in a fashion design program where you can learn about design principles, fashion illustration, pattern making, garment construction, and textile technology.

These courses are practical and help students work out what they need to do to make a design fit the look and feel in their heads. For example, a fashion designer may require knowledge of how a particular set of materials work together. They may also need to know the difference between warm-weather clothing and cold-weather clothing. These courses will help you develop a student’s creative skills, knowledge of fabrics, and understanding of industry trends.

Fashion Merchandising and Marketing

One of the biggest parts of fashion is its marketing. Making something creative and eye-catching is only the start of the process. If no one knows the piece exists, then no one will want to wear it. Marketing and merchandising departments are dedicated to ensuring that these fashion gowns and dresses get worn. The shows that make up the hundreds of Fashion Weeks around the US and Europe are direct results of merchandising and marketing departments doing what they do best: getting the word out to the public. These merchandisers are responsible for analyzing the market and finding ways to land customers and get them interested.

Studying subjects such as consumer behavior, fashion promotion, retail management, and brand management will provide you with a solid foundation in the business side of the fashion industry. Additionally, digital marketing and social media management courses will equip you with the skills needed to navigate the digital landscape, which is crucial in today’s fashion industry. Students who want to go a bit further might benefit from taking advertising courses to help with their campaign development.

Fashion Journalism

Writing about fashion requires a vocabulary that might seem alien to the average individual. Journalists in the field of fashion journalism not only have to see these creations for themselves but also need to represent them to the public. They are closely related to the marketing and merchandising sector, except their impressions are what people listen to. They are a little bit like fashion influencers but with a wider audience and much more in-depth knowledge of the industry. Fashion journalists are journalists first and fashion connoisseurs second.

This field involves reporting on fashion events, writing fashion articles, conducting interviews, and producing fashion-related content for various media outlets. Studying journalism, fashion history, fashion criticism, and visual communication will enhance your writing skills and deepen your understanding of the industry. Courses in journalism, such as the correct form for reporting and what styles of writing work best to capture the look and feel of certain pieces, are crucial to success in this field.

Textile Technology

This area of fashion has to do with the creation of fabrics that are easier to use and fit particular situations. Technological advances have led to the development of unique and mind-blowing fabric innovations. There has been discussion about including eInk on fabric for a chameleon-like effect. The people responsible for these breakthrough technologies are in textile technology. While it may be a while before we have self-lacing shoes, these inventors and tinkerers are beyond useful to the current fashion industry.

By studying textile technology, you will gain knowledge of fiber science, fabric structures, dyeing and printing techniques, and sustainable practices. This expertise will enable you to work closely with designers and contribute to the creation of unique and sustainable fashion products. Textile technology is about more than just the cool and useful new things that push the market. It’s also about making fashion a more sustainable industry for everyone.

Fashion Business Management

At its core, Fashion is a business, meaning it needs people to manage the day-to-day operations. Fashion business management is an overview of the entire business operations, from logistics to research and development to marketing and implementation. While the fashion business manager has a large salary, they are also responsible for the business’s success. This makes them both one of the most important people within the company and one of the most vulnerable if the company were to fail. Since they are also responsible for financials and reporting, they also have everyone else’s livelihood in the palm of their hands.

Pursuing a degree in fashion business management will equip you with skills in finance, accounting, supply chain management, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning. These courses will help you navigate the industry’s business side, whether you plan to start your own fashion brand or work for an established fashion company. Additional qualifications, such as an MBA or short courses in management and human resources, would also benefit a student deciding to take this route into the fashion industry.

Other Things To Note

Landing a job in the fashion industry isn’t as simple as finishing a degree and submitting your resume to the nearest company. The competition will likely be stiff, regardless of which field you decide to pursue. Consider these tips to help you land your dream job in the fashion industry:

• Network as much as possible. The industry is mostly interlinked, and by making a connection on the inside, you could open the doors to several other opportunities.
• Look for experiential learning. Taking a hands-on role in the industry will give you the practical skills you need and get you noticed by the people who need to see you.
• Find projects that suit your skills. Entering the field allows you to find specific tasks and roles that suit your skillset. So, for example, if you’re good at design, an internship with a designer would fit you perfectly.
• Keep alert for open positions. The fashion industry has a lot of people moving between studios and businesses, meaning many openings need people to fill them. Keeping an eye out for them gives you the edge over others to fill those positions.

What You Need to Succeed

The most important thing a student can do is pick a career path and stick with it. Many disciplines make up the fashion industry, but you should choose the one that resonates with you the most. Whether you are interested in design, marketing, journalism, technology, or management, there are specific areas of study that can pave the way for a rewarding career in the fashion industry. Researching and selecting a reputable educational institution that offers programs tailored to your desired career path is essential. 

Remember, along with formal education, internships, networking, and gaining practical experience through industry-related projects are equally important for building a successful career in this fast-paced and ever-evolving field. With the right education, skills, and passion, you can unlock numerous opportunities and contribute to the exciting world of fashion. What are you waiting for? The world of fashion needs someone like you in there!

Resources:

Fashion Business Management. (n.d.). https://www.fitnyc.edu/academics/academic-divisions/business-and-technology/fbm/index.php

Gallagher, R. (2023, March 30). What to study to work in fashion. By Rachel Gallagher. https://rachelgallagher.substack.com/p/what-to-study-to-work-in-fashion

Indeed Editorial Team. (2023). How To Become a Fashion Merchandiser (With Skills and Salary). Indeed.com. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-fashion-merchandiser

Staff, T. (2023, May 23). What Are The Requirements For A Career In Fashion Design? TheBestSchools.org. https://thebestschools.org/careers/career-guide/fashion-designer/