Employers usually look for a person that has a two to four year degree and is knowledgeable about textiles, fabrics, accessories, and fashion trends.

A bachelor’s degree of fine arts, or associate degree programs in fashion design are offered at many colleges, universities, and private art and design schools. Some fashion designers combine a fashion design degree with a business, marketing, or fashion merchandising degree. This is especially good for those who want to run their own business. Basic classes - color, textiles, sewing and tailoring, fashion history, pattern-making, computer-aided design (CAD), and design of different types of clothing (for example, menswear or footwear). Classes in human anatomy, math, and psychology would also be useful.

Internships with design or manufacturing firms can help aspiring fashion designers learn necessary skills. Valuable experience can be gained by working in retail stores, as personal stylists, or as custom tailors. This type of experience can help designers gain sales and marketing skills, and at the same time learn what styles and fabrics look good on different people.