What to prepare before a first personal styling session
Photos, sizes, the occasion, a budget: how personal stylists can use the booking note and service description so the first styling consultation starts ready.
6 min read
Ask for three things before a first styling session: why the client is coming (an event, a new job, a change of body or simply feeling stuck), a rough budget if shopping will follow, and a few photos of outfits they like and don't like. The reason and budget fit in the booking note; the photos can be sent by email after booking. Say all of this in the description of your first-consultation service, so the client arrives prepared and the session starts with ideas instead of an interview.
Why the first session needs preparation
A first styling consultation is where you learn who the client is, how they live and dress, and what they want to change. Without any information beforehand, the first half of the session goes on basic questions. With a few lines and some photos, you can walk in with first ideas on colours, shapes and pieces to look for, and use the time for trying things on and explaining.
Write a description that sets expectations
On Book, each service has a name, a price and an optional description shown on your public page. For your first consultation, the description should answer what a new client wonders:
- What happens: a talk about lifestyle and goals, a look at colours and shapes, first advice.
- Where: at your studio, at the client's home, or by video.
- How long: the full length, so the client can plan the rest of the day.
- What to wear or bring: an outfit they feel good in, one they never wear, their usual shoes.
- What to send beforehand: a few photos by email after booking.
- What comes next: wardrobe session, shopping session, or both, booked separately.
What to ask for in the booking note
The public booking form asks for first name, last name, email and phone, and offers an optional free-text note. In your description, suggest what to put in it:
| Ask for | Example | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| The reason | New job in a law firm | Sets the direction of the session |
| The occasion and date | Sister's wedding, June | Tells you how much time there is |
| Sizes | Top M, trousers 40, shoes 39 | Useful if you pull pieces before a shopping session |
| Budget range | Around €500 for the season | Keeps your advice realistic |
| Constraints | Must wear flat shoes | Avoids advice the client can't follow |
Keep it short: one line per item is enough. The note arrives in your new-booking email. It also appears in the calendar file the client receives with the confirmation, so it's not the place for anything private.
Photos: after booking, by email
The booking form doesn't take attachments. Ask clients to reply by email with photos: outfits they love, outfits they feel wrong in, a few pictures of styles they admire. Give them a simple deadline, such as two days before the session, so you have time to look.
Studio, home or video: one service each
A first session at your studio, at the client's home and by video don't take the same time. Home sessions include travel; video sessions are often shorter. Make each its own service, so the length and price match. On Book, each slot belongs to one service with its own start and end, and a client who picks the video consultation only sees video slots. For home sessions, ask for the address and access details in the note, and group them by area on the same day.
Book shows slot times in your time zone and displays its name, which helps with video clients in other countries.
Turning the first session into the next steps
At the end of the first consultation, you usually know what the client needs next. Book it together before they leave: you can book them into a slot yourself from your calendar, with a note such as "wardrobe edit, bring donation bags". If you enter their email, they get the confirmation and calendar file.
Book doesn't take payments, so say in the description how and when you're paid, for example at the end of the session. It doesn't send reminders, and it doesn't email clients when you move or cancel a booking, so tell them yourself if anything changes. Book costs €5/month, everything included: unlimited services and bookings, no commission, no contract.