Personal Styling Theory

A comprehensive programme that combines theoretical knowledge, methodology, and practical application to develop a professional approach to Personal Styling.

The course is divided into two modules: Theory and Practical Training. They can be purchased together or separately.

THEORY MODULE

From identifying your personal style to building it in an authentic and cohesive way, this module explores the core methodologies and professional tools of Personal Styling through a structured and industry-recognised approach.

Participants will develop the skills to enhance each client’s aesthetic identity, create looks for every dress code, plan professional shopping sessions, and optimise wardrobes by strategically integrating clothing, accessories, beauty, fabrics, and prints into a personalised styling vision.

*Course content and location can be tailored for companies and private groups. Please contact us for further information.

Three days of live online theory classes via Zoom (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM), followed by one month of online tutor support.

The theory sessions are delivered live, with active participation and direct interaction between students and the lecturer. These are not pre-recorded lessons, but a fully interactive learning experience.

DISCOVERING & BUILDING PERSONAL STYLE

• Identifying a client’s personal style through targeted questionnaires and interviews
• Exploring different style archetypes through iconic figures from the past and present
• Style dominance: uniqueness, affinities, and combinations of multiple style personalities
• The fundamental principles of creating an effective and authentic image transformation
• Introduction to the main Personal Styling methodologies: the 7 Universal Styles, the Kibbe Method, Yin & Yang theory, and other internationally recognised approaches influenced by different aesthetic traditions
• How to identify and interpret the lines, silhouettes, fabrics, colors, and accessories best suited to each style profile
• Professional assessment tools and practical exercises to identify the client’s ideal style
• Comparing different methodologies: strengths, limitations, and case studies

PERSONAL SHOPPING

• From style analysis to creating a personalised shopping list
• Budget management, pre-shopping planning, and garment selection
• Applying styling methodologies to guide purchasing decisions
• Online vs. in-store shopping: digital tools and strategies to maximise efficiency and results
• A strategic approach that aligns personal style, practical needs, and individual personality

WARDROBE

• Wardrobe analysis through an integrated approach that combines functionality and stylistic consistency
• Classifying garments according to the client’s style profile: what to keep, modify, or remove
• Creating a bespoke capsule wardrobe
• A guide to conscious shopping: key wardrobe pieces and strategic accessories
• Building the ideal wardrobe based on personal style and everyday needs
• Packing the perfect suitcase according to destination, climate, and dress codes

DRESS CODES

• Interpreting and adapting dress codes for different occasions, including casual, business, formal, and glamorous settings
• Respecting dress code guidelines while maintaining personal expression
• Translating style analysis into practical styling solutions for every context

FROM INDIVIDUAL SERVICES TO A COMPREHENSIVE CONSULTATION

• Moving from standalone services (style analysis, personal shopping, wardrobe editing) to a structured and personalised consulting journey
• Creating professional mood boards tailored to each client’s profile
• Selecting the most appropriate methodology—or combining multiple methods—for a more comprehensive analysis
• Communicating results effectively and supporting clients throughout their style journey
• Case study discussions and realistic consultation simulations

The course is open to everyone and provides the essential knowledge, skills, and professional tools for those entering the world of Image Consulting for the first time.

It is also designed for industry professionals, such as personal shoppers, stylists, and image consultants who wish to expand their expertise and broaden the range of services they offer.

• One month of tutor support for post-course guidance and further study
• A printed certificate of attendance
• Over 250 pages of digital course materials
• A 15% voucher to use on our professional e-shop

• A PROVEN EDUCATIONAL APPROACH: For over ten years, our structured methodology has helped students develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional tools needed to work with greater confidence and consistency.
• EXPERT LECTURERS: Learn from experienced professionals who combine academic knowledge with first-hand industry expertise and a clear understanding of professional practice.
• A STRONG PROFESSIONAL NETWORK: Benefit from our relationships with leading companies, institutions and educational organisations, creating valuable opportunities for connection and professional development.
• CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT: Study through programmes that are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect market changes, new developments and the evolving needs of image professionals.
• CAREER-FOCUSED LEARNING: Build practical, applicable skills designed to support your work with clients and strengthen your professional practice.
• A PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY: Join a growing network of students, alumni and industry professionals where knowledge, experience and opportunities are shared.

Maria Rosa Neri

Originally from Prato, Maria Rosa Neri spent over twenty years managing an international apparel brokerage company focused on foreign markets. For more than fifteen years, she has worked as an Image Consultant.

She is an entrepreneur, coach and trainer specialising in education and communication, and holds a Master’s qualification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

She collaborates with the Italian Image Institute as a lecturer for all courses within the Image Consultant Diploma programme and for several courses of the Image Consultant Master programme, overseeing training in Color Analysis, Body & Face Shape, Personal Styling, and Fabrics.

Humana People to People Italia and Italian Image Institute have come together to create a truly special collaboration, built on shared values and common goals: on one hand, raising awareness in the community about more sustainable fashion practices that respect the Planet, and on the other, supporting social and environmental projects.

Humana People to People Italia is a humanitarian organization founded in 1998 with the aim of supporting development projects around the world, as well as social and awareness-raising initiatives within Italy. Thanks to the collection, sorting, and sale of second-hand clothing, Humana generates funds for its social projects focused on education, sustainable agriculture, community development, and health. Here are a few key numbers from Humana Italia’s activities:

• 5,000 collection containers across 1,200 municipalities and 37 provinces in Italy
• 5 million kilos of clothing donated by citizens in 2022
• 131 million kilos of CO₂ saved in 2022
• Over 129 billion liters of water saved in 2022
• More than €3.8 million saved by public administrations—and therefore by citizens—in 2022
• 250+ employees in Italy
• 20 development projects supported in 2022 in Brazil, India, Malawi, Mozambique, Angola, and Zambia, with financial contributions totaling €1,187,548
• 15 retail stores in Italy, including 12 Vintage stores offering garments and accessories ranging from the 1960s to the early 2000s, plus an e-commerce channel

Sustainability and the fight against waste are also central to the values that Italian Image Institute promotes every day: learning about the colors and shapes that suit us helps each of us optimize our wardrobe, avoid impulsive purchases, and invest in long-lasting garments—thus reducing the environmental impact of our shopping habits.

For this reason, in September 2023, Humana People to People Italia and Italian Image Institute launched a unique partnership. This collaboration will involve the joint development of training courses that increasingly focus on sustainability, as well as support for social and environmental projects.

Italian Image Institute is part of the Edenred Corporate Welfare network!

If your company is an Edenred partner, you can use your Voucher Ticket Welfare to purchase our specialization courses.

Contact us to find out more!