High School

Fashion writers and editors must learn to write well, so it is important to take English, journalism, and communications courses in high school. To gain a better perspective on fashion and design, take classes in family and consumer science, including sewing and design, if they are available in your school. Since much of the fashion industry is based overseas, taking classes in a foreign language, such as French or Italian, will also be beneficial. Since all editors and writers use computers, take computer science courses and learn how to type quickly and accurately.

Postsecondary Training

A college education is usually necessary if you want to become a writer or editor. Employers prefer to hire people who have a communications, English, or journalism degree. Fashion writers and editors must be knowledgeable about their subject, so classes—or even degrees—in fashion design and marketing are also strongly recommended. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design accredits educational programs in fashion.

A few colleges and universities offer degrees in fashion writing or fashion journalism. For example, the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California, offers an associates degree in fashion communication and a masters degree in fashion journalism. Visit https://www.academyart.edu/degree/fashion-journalism for more information about the programs.

Certification

Several colleges and universities offer programs in which students can earn certificates after taking a certain number of classes about topics such as proofreading and copyediting. Schools that offer these programs include the University of Chicago, City College of New York, Columbia University, New York University, Pace University, and the University of Denver. A list of colleges and universities that offer these programs can be found at http://bookjobs.com/publishing-programs. Additionally, the Poynter Institute for Media Studies and ACES: The Society for Editing offer certificates in editing. The Poynter Institute for Media Studies also offers more than 100 interactive journalism courses. Visit https://www.poynter.org/shop for more information.

Other Education or Training

A variety of webinars, conference seminars, and other continuing education opportunities are offered by professional associations such as the Society of Professional Journalists and Editorial Freelancers Association. Topics include editing, writing, interviewing, social media, and technology. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

There is no certification or licensing available for fashion writers and editors.

Any experience working or volunteering as a writer or editor will be useful for aspiring fashion writers and editors.

Good fashion editors and writers are analytical people who know how to think clearly and communicate what they are thinking. They must have the ability to conceptualize in two and three dimensions and convey this information to their audience. They should have a working knowledge of clothing construction and an eye for fashion trends. Fashion editors and writers must keep abreast of the latest styles and movements in the fashion industry. Other important traits for writers and editors include curiosity, creativity, a detailed-oriented personality, and the ability to meet deadlines.