Anand Gopal never imagined hiring a stylist for himself.

"I always assumed personal stylists served only the wealthy elite," the 45-year-old journalist and author explained to Business Insider.

After meeting Zahra Waliji at a social gathering and admiring the looks she created for mutual friends, he decided to enlist her help for a January birthday celebration.

Based in New York, Gopal paid a few hundred dollars for the session, a sum lower than anticipated. "Her approach targets regular clients like me," he noted.

Waliji, who transitioned from unemployment in 2024 to styling nine individuals this year, represents a growing field that supports over 263,000 workers across the United States, with projections for more than 65,000 additional positions in the coming decade.

These professionals now focus on everyday needs such as vacations, dates, and office attire. They teach clients to maximize existing wardrobes, develop consistent personal images, and conserve precious time and mental energy.

"With so many daily demands, having outfits handled feels like a real relief," Gopal said. "Eliminating daily clothing choices brings welcome ease."

"Stylists help lighten mental burdens," he added.

A service once seen as exclusive becomes more attainable

In 2024, Waliji left her long-term hospital role in New York City and moved to Tanzania.

While prioritizing travel, she created and tailored over 40 outfits for herself and six relatives ahead of her brother's multi-day wedding in Zanzibar.

The experience proved transformative. The 42-year-old returned to New York the following year energized and ready to launch a styling career.

"For the first time, styling my own body became enjoyable," she recalled. "I gained confidence and realized my skill level. I wanted to share that with others professionally."

Her shift aligned with rising demand. Interest in personal styling has surged since spring 2025, and searches for top services have risen 150 percent over five years.

Social platforms amplify the trend, as constant photo and video sharing encourages people to refine their appearance. Frequent on-camera moments, from video meetings to casual calls, further heighten awareness.

Stylists respond by serving a broad clientele. "My customers are typical individuals who happen to be driven and accomplished," said New York stylist Maiya Plather.

Beyond clothing, these experts deliver confidence and reduced stress. For non-celebrity clients, the goal centers on sustainable, personalized results rather than single high-profile events.

Waliji begins by showing clients how to remix items already in their closets. "We focus on reducing new purchases," she explained.

Cost remains a factor, with services ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Waliji adjusted her rates downward to broaden access, now offering in-person capsule consultations for $2,000, hourly private sessions at $450, and virtual closet reviews for $250. Additional fees may apply for new acquisitions.

She emphasizes affordable yet polished combinations, demonstrating full looks assembled for as little as $75.

Tailoring bridges the gap between high-profile and everyday styling. "A $25 pair of pants plus $30 in alterations can transform an entire outfit," Waliji said.

The expanding market has diversified offerings. Some stylists specialize in sourcing distinctive secondhand finds through online exchanges, creating content that attracts further clients.

Kenzie Welch exemplifies this model, sharing makeover videos that have drawn 1.3 million followers and new business opportunities.

Such visibility introduces styling to people who previously viewed it as unattainable. Unlike celebrities who receive loaned garments, everyday clients pay directly yet value the tailored guidance.

Convenience drives interest. Just as delivery services handle meals, stylists manage wardrobe planning across brands for trips or events, providing outfit photos as references.

Ultimately, the greatest benefit is empowerment. "Having faced my own body-image challenges, I understand the emotional impact," Waliji said. "Helping clients feel capable and strong each day brings unique satisfaction."

One teacher client described shifting from a plain daily uniform to a standout party look that drew compliments from colleagues. "It changed how people saw me," she noted.

While free advice exists online or from acquaintances, clients report that personalized insight creates deeper results. "Understanding what truly suits someone cannot be replicated through generic suggestions," Waliji observed.

She remains committed to accessibility, occasionally providing services at no charge when cost might otherwise prevent someone from benefiting.