As men’s image consultants who’ve worked with hundreds of professionals across London and beyond, we’re often asked about pricing before anything else.
It’s a fair question – investing in your professional image is a significant decision, and you deserve transparency about what you’re paying for.
Let us give you the straight answer first: men’s image consulting services range from £150 to £500 per hour ($190 to $635) for one-on-one consultations, whilst comprehensive packages can run from £1,500 to £15,000+ ($1,900 to $19,000+).
But these numbers alone don’t tell the whole story.
Understanding Image Consultant Pricing Structures
The cost of hiring a men’s image consultant varies considerably based on several factors. In our practice at TheVOU, and amongst our colleagues in the industry, pricing typically falls into three main categories:
1. Styling Consultations by the Hour – £150-£500 ($190-$635)
These are ideal for targeted advice or specific challenges. Perhaps you’ve got a crucial presentation coming up, or you need guidance on dressing for a new executive role. An hourly session might include:
- Colour analysis to determine your most flattering palette
- Body shape assessment and fit recommendations
- Quick wardrobe audit via video call
- Specific styling advice for an upcoming event
- Personal shopping list creation
Entry-level consultants or those just starting their practice might charge £150-£250 per hour ($190-$320), whilst established consultants with strong track records typically charge £350-£500 ($445-$635).
2. Half-Day & Full-Day Styling Sessions – £750-£2,500 ($950-$3,175)
These intensive sessions are where real transformation begins. A half-day session (around 4 hours) ranges from £750 to £1,500 ($950 to $1,900).
On the other hand, a full-day experience (8 hours) costs between £1,500 and £2,500 ($1,900 and $3,175).
During these sessions, we might:
- Conduct a comprehensive wardrobe audit at your home
- Develop your personal brand strategy
- Create a detailed style guide tailored to your profession
- Shop for essential pieces together
- Coordinate complete outfits for various business scenarios
3. Comprehensive Packages – £1,500-£15,000+ ($1,900-$19,000+)
For executives and professionals serious about elevating their image, packages offer the best value and most dramatic results.
Here’s what different investment levels typically include:
Essential Package £1,500-£3,000 ($1,900-$3,800)
- Initial consultation and style assessment
- Colour and body shape analysis
- Wardrobe audit
- Personal shopping session
- Style guide creation
- 30-day follow-up support
Professional Package £3,000-£7,500 ($3,800-$9,500)
- Everything in Essential, plus:
- Multiple shopping sessions
- Seasonal wardrobe updates
- Grooming consultation
- Body language and presentation coaching
- 3-6 months of ongoing support
Executive Package £7,500-£15,000+ ($9,500-$19,000+)
- Complete image overhaul
- Personal brand development
- Media training and headshot coordination
- Travel wardrobe planning
- Quarterly wardrobe reviews
- 12 months of on-demand support
- Coordination with tailors and specialists
What Also Impacts the Styling Cost?
Several factors affect what you’ll pay for image consulting services:
Consultant’s Experience and Credentials
A consultant with 15 years of experience, celebrity clients, or specific industry expertise will command higher fees than someone newly certified.
Look for consultants with relevant qualifications from recognised institutions like the Federation of Image Professionals International (FIPI) or the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI).
Our team at TheVOU includes consultants with diverse backgrounds and specialisations to match different needs and budgets.
Geographic Location
London-based consultants typically charge 20-40% more than those in other UK cities.
Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh consultants might charge £200-350 per hour ($255-$445), whilst London rates start at £300 ($380).
Virtual consultations have somewhat levelled this playing field, though premium consultants maintain their rates regardless of delivery method.
Styling Specialisation
Consultants specialising in C-suite executives, public speakers, or specific industries (finance, law, tech) often charge premium rates due to their niche expertise.
Our image consultants and styling specialists for business professionals understand the subtle differences between dressing for a hedge fund versus a tech startup.
Service Inclusions
Some consultants include additional services in their fees, such as:
- Digital lookbooks
- Shopping service fees waived
- Exclusive access to personal shopping appointments
- Connections with bespoke tailors
- Ongoing WhatsApp support
Hidden Costs to Consider
Beyond the consultant’s fees, budget for:
Wardrobe Investment: Expect to spend £2,000-£10,000 ($2,540-$12,700) on new clothing, depending on your starting point and goals. This isn’t an additional “fee” but rather the investment in your actual wardrobe.
Grooming Services: New haircut, skincare consultation, or dental work might add £500-£2,000 ($635-$2,540) to your total image investment.
Tailoring: Budget £50-£150 ($65-$190) per garment for alterations to achieve that perfect fit.
Virtual vs In-Person Consultation Pricing
Virtual consultations have become increasingly sophisticated and typically cost 20-30% less than in-person services.
A virtual wardrobe audit might run £200-£300 ($255-$380) versus £400-£500 ($510-$635) for an in-home visit.
However, certain services, such as colour analysis and personal shopping, are generally more effective in person.
Is It Worth the Investment?
Consider this: studies show that well-dressed professionals earn 20% more on average than their poorly dressed counterparts.
If you’re earning £60,000 ($76,200) annually, that’s a potential £12,000 ($15,240) increase – far exceeding the cost of even premium consulting packages.
Moreover, the confidence gained from knowing you look your best is invaluable. We’ve seen clients secure promotions, close major deals, and transform their careers after investing in their image.
One client, a senior manager at a FTSE 100 company, credited his £5,000 ($6,350) image investment with helping him secure a director position with a £40,000 ($50,800) salary increase.
How to Maximise Your Investment
To get the most value from your image consulting investment:
- Be honest about your budget – a good consultant will work within your means and prioritise changes with the greatest impact.
- Come prepared – Know your goals, challenges, and lifestyle requirements.
- Follow through – Implement the advice given; the best consultation is worthless if you don’t act on it.
- Consider it a business investment – Often tax-deductible if related to your professional development.
- Start with a consultation – Many consultants offer initial consultations for £150-£300 ($190-$380) to assess fit before committing to larger packages.
Red Flags in Pricing
Be wary of:
- Consultants who won’t discuss pricing upfront
- Extremely low prices – under £100/hour ($127/hour) often indicate a lack of experience.
- Pressure to purchase large packages immediately
- No clear deliverables or timeline
- Commission-based shopping – consultants who earn from what you buy, not their expertise.
Our Approach at TheVOU
At TheVOU, we believe in transparent, value-driven pricing. Our consultants work with you to create a package that fits your budget whilst delivering the transformation you need.
We offer flexible options from focused consultations to comprehensive packages, ensuring every professional man can access the image consulting he needs.
Our team specialises in helping business professionals craft an image that commands respect and opens doors.
Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, launching your own venture, or stepping into a leadership role, we have the expertise to elevate your professional presence.
The Bottom Line
Investing in a men’s image consultant costs anywhere from £150 ($190) for a quick consultation to £15,000+ ($19,000+) for comprehensive executive packages.
The right investment level depends on your current position, career goals, and the level of support you need.
Remember, this isn’t about vanity – it’s about strategic professional development. Your image is your personal brand’s visual identity, and in business, perception often becomes reality.
The question isn’t whether you can afford an image consultant, but whether you can afford not to invest in your professional image.
Start with a consultation to assess fit, be clear about your budget and goals, and view this as an investment in your career rather than an expense.
The right image consultant will pay for themselves many times over through the doors they help you open and the confidence they help you build.
Ready to transform your professional image? Explore our Business Image Consulting services for men and discover how we can help you dress for the success you deserve.
Our expert consultants are ready to guide you through a transformation that goes beyond clothes – it’s about crafting your executive presence and unlocking your full professional potential.
After years of managing hundreds of fashion brands from London's office of a global retailer, Mandy has ventured into freelancing. Connected with several fashion retailers and media platforms in the US, Australia, and the UK, Mandy uses her expertise to consult for emerging fashion brands create top-notch content as an editorial strategist for several online publications.
A passionate advocate for inclusivity and diversity, Aidan is the driving force behind The VOU as its Editorial Manager. With a unique blend of editorial acumen and project management prowess, Aidan's insightful articles have graced the pages of The Verge, WWD, Forbes, and WTVOX, reflecting his deep interest in the dynamic intersection of styling with grooming for men and beyond.
With years of expertise in high-end fashion collabs and a PhD in Sustainable Fashion, Ru specialises in eco-luxe wardrobes for the modern gentleman seeking understated refinement.
With over twenty years of front-row fashion and styling events, collabs with haute-couture houses, and a PhD in Luxury Fashion, Laurenti is an expert in crafting personalised looks that depict old-money sophistication.