We used ChatGPT as a stylist, and it generated custom lookbooks and color palettes. Human stylists had some thoughts.

In an intriguing exploration of artificial intelligence in the realm of fashion, two reporters decided to test ChatGPT's capabilities as a personal stylist. They uploaded their photos and prompted the AI to generate outfit ideas and color palettes that would help them look polished, from casual outings to professional engagements. The task was simple yet revealing: one reporter sought versatile outfits for everyday activities, while the other needed suggestions suited for both work events and dining in trendy Los Angeles hotspots. After receiving the AI's recommendations, they turned to three human stylists for their expert opinions on the results. The feedback from the stylists highlighted a divide in perceptions of ChatGPT's usefulness. One stylist likened the AI's output to a typical subscription box, suggesting that while the outfits weren’t technically flawed, they lacked excitement and individuality. Charline Zeroual, a sustainable wardrobe stylist, noted that while the color palettes were on point, the suggestions felt devoid of personality. She emphasized the need for standout accessories and patterns, which ChatGPT seemed to overlook. Both Amanda Massi, a luxury stylist based in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and Dacy Gillespie from St. Louis echoed these sentiments, describing the AI's suggestions as too generic. They expressed confidence that AI wouldn't replace human stylists anytime soon, with Massi pointing out the limitations in the AI's sourcing of clothing options, often missing higher-quality or independent labels that a human stylist would typically consider. While ChatGPT could successfully curate custom lookbooks and offer outfit ideas, the reporters found that the recommendations often fell short of their personal styles. Even when given detailed feedback, the AI struggled to provide inspiration that resonated deeply with their fashion preferences. In one experiment, when the reporters instructed ChatGPT to find specific brown moto boots, the AI's first suggestion was decent but also echoed a simple Google search result. Other links provided by the AI led to broken pages or completely unrelated products, showcasing its current limitations in understanding nuanced fashion requests. Despite these shortcomings, the stylists acknowledged the potential for AI in the fashion industry, particularly for those just beginning to explore their personal style. Massi expressed excitement about future innovations, proposing concepts like a digital closet where AI could mix and match existing wardrobe items to create new outfits. As the discussion concluded, Gillespie highlighted that while ChatGPT can serve as a useful tool for sparking ideas, it is not a replacement for the intuitive and personalized approach that human stylists offer. The consensus was clear: for now, AI in fashion is an interesting starting point, but it still has a long way to go before reaching its full potential.