Visual Merchandising Consultancy Spring Fair 2025
This month I was excited to be offered a space in the Fashion Cafe at Spring Fair 2025, held at the NEC Birmingham. I was invited to create a Visual Merchandising hub to support visitors and exhibitors with their Visual Merchandising. I enjoyed sharing my Visual Merchandising expertise to support retailers achieve more effective product placement, enhance their instore merchandising and maximise link selling opportunities. The Visual Merchandising workshops also featured practical tips on mannequin styling and dressing. For this month’s post, I wanted to share with you my top tips on successful mannequin dressing and styling ;
Dressing and styling your mannequin effectively is essential for showcasing clothing in a visually appealing way that attracts customers.
Prepare Merchandise prior to dressing on a mannequin. Press clothing and remove all security and prices tags.
Ensure that your mannequin is clean and dust free.
Dress and style your mannequin within the location that it will be shown, i.e.; window space or instore podium. This will avoid you having to carry your mannequin once its dressed. If you need to transport your mannequin, ensure you disassemble your mannequin, carrying it in parts and carrying the glass floor base separately.
When you are ready to start dressing the mannequin, start from the bottom up, dressing the legs first and adding any footwear before putting the mannequin back on its base. When putting the mannequin back on its glass floor base, check that the metal spigot (pole) fits securely into the rear of the mannequins leg and that the mannequin is secure the the glass plate. Both feet should be positioned on top of the glass plate. Allen keys can help to tighten up the spigot to the plate if needed.
Once the mannequins legs are secure to the base plate, you can then add the torso and check this is secure. I find it helpful to fit one arm ( usually the angled arm) onto the torso first prior to dressing, this will prevent you having to feed the angled arm through layers of clothing at the end. Then dress the torso and arm with clothing, leaving just the straighter arm to be fitted through the collar area of clothing at the end.
Next focus upon the styling, layer pieces in a way that highlights key details (e.g., rolling up sleeves to show a contrasting lining). You may want to ensure that jackets, coats, and cardigans are left slightly open to reveal the inner outfit. Take inspiration from current fashion and brand styling trends to assist you.
Use dressmakers pins to create a well-fitted look, try to pin only into seam areas. Try to use as few pins as possible and keep these hidden from the customers view. Adjust sleeves, hemlines, and waistlines for a natural drape.
Style with accessories to create link selling possibilities. Add belts, scarves, jewellery, or handbags to complete the look.
If the mannequin is adjustable, position it naturally to reflect the mood of the outfit. Ensure balance to prevent the mannequin from toppling over by checking that your mannequin is secure on its base plate. Finish by steaming over the completed mannequin, to ensure all creases are removed. dust the mannequin and wipe off fingerprints.
Align your mannequin styling to your brands Visual Merchandising themes. Coordinate mannequin outfits with the store’s current promotions, seasons, or trends. Also, position mannequins in high-traffic areas to maximise visibility and customer impact.
Clean your mannequins daily and refresh outfits regularly/ in line with your VM calendar to keep the display engaging. By applying these techniques, you will create effective mannequin styling that will enhance the appeal of your merchandise and drive customer engagement.
All Images and text copyright of VMC
