5 Reasons AI Will Never Replace a Personal Stylist

In 1995, we watched in awe as Clueless’ Cher Horowitz clicked through her digitised wardrobe, while her computer suggested outfits from her carefully curated teen-queen closet. Back in the analogue world of the 90s, this kind of technology seemed so outlandish and impossible that it became many girls’ idea of a “dream wardrobe”. Fast forward 30 years to today’s world of AI styling apps, augmented reality mirrors and virtual reality stores, and Cher’s closet now seems clunky and outdated.

AI is growing rapidly, and, in the fashion industry, startups are focusing on everything from improving operations to modernising the design process. This industry in particular seems invested in using AI to streamline processes, cut costs and respond to trends in record time. When it comes to shopping, there are a growing number of brands using AI technology to change the way we shop. Some chatbots can make recommendations based on niche prompts and micro-trends, while others offer AI styling sessions and product suggestions that are personalised to suit your specific shopping needs. 

AI vs. personal stylist: which is best?

So, how much is AI shaping our fashion choices, and can it ever replace a real-life personal shopping experience? Here are five reasons why virtual styling will never replace in-person styling and how a House of Colour Personal Stylist can help you unlock your style, explore your goals and discover your confidence.   

1. Style is personal

The key to personal style is in the name – it’s all about YOUR likes, dislikes, mood, emotions, lifestyle and comfort. An AI personal shopper or virtual stylist can make some nice suggestions, but it can’t take into consideration your life experiences and nuanced reasons for dressing how you do. Your House of Colour image consultant will learn about you as a person and how your clothes need to fit your everyday life and budget. They’ll consider the clothes you already have, advise which pieces work best for you and how they can be worn in a new way, discovering and refreshing your personal style, so you feel like the best version of you!   

2. Clothes don’t always equal confidence

Many people agree that personal style is about having an in-built confidence to pull off a look. Often, that confidence doesn’t come naturally, but is something that can be nurtured and grown over time. The emotional support and encouragement given by a personal stylist can never be replaced by technology, as AI doesn’t have the emotional intelligence needed to understand what it is to be human and how your mental state can affect how you perceive yourself and influence what you choose to wear. Your House of Colour stylist understands that confidence doesn’t come from simply looking great; you need to feel it too!

3. You’re unique!

AI stylists collect information based on what’s currently popular on social media, images that are being shared online and the information you give it. Real life isn’t an algorithm, so this copy-and-paste formula means that if we all take AI’s advice, everyone will end up looking pretty similar! Style has always been about self-expression, and the boldest names in fashion push boundaries in a way that makes people sit up and take notice. A great stylist will work with you to discover your clothing personality and curate your style in a way that reflects your uniqueness – not just what’s popular now. 

4. AI styling often means buying more

Let’s be real, brands are using AI to their advantage, not to be helpful, but to convert more people from browsing to buying. Functions like virtual try-on or a carousel showing what other people bought can encourage you to spend or buy more than you initially planned. When you work with a House of Colour personal stylist, they’ll encourage you to make the most of the pieces you already own. They can identify gaps in your wardrobe and suggest investing in a few key pieces that will help you build outfits, without promoting over-consumption.  

5. We need real human connection

We hear it more and more often: the thing lacking in many people's lives is community and connection. By living our day-to-day life online and through screens, it’s easy to forget that it’s vital for our health and wellbeing to spend time with other people! An in-person styling session brings a human element to the process that AI will never be able to replicate. From reading your body language, listening to your backstory and adapting to real-life situations, a personal stylist brings empathy, understanding and connection to the experience that’s truly authentic. Your House of Colour stylist is someone you can go back to again and again, for seasonal advice, special occasions and so much more. 

Conclusion: why human stylists matter

AI is here to stay and certainly has its place in many industries. From streamlining back-end processes to summarising extensive data, it can help to make many jobs easier and more efficient. The kicker is when it’s used in jobs that require creativity, insight and emotion – things that technology can only replicate and never innovate. AI virtual stylists can be a handy tool for last-minute outfit inspiration or to help catalogue your existing wardrobe, but when it comes to building a meaningful rapport with someone who understands the power of human connection, nothing can beat the experience of in-person styling. 

To book your styling appointment, unlock your clothing personality and own your personal style, get in touch with your local House of Colour Stylist today!