The shaping of a person's outward appearance, especially with regard to hairstyle, clothing, and makeup, in order to create a particular look.
example
Für die Hochzeit hat sie ein professionelles Styling gebucht.
She booked professional styling for the wedding.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Styling' is a loanword from English. Many English verbs ending in '-ing' that describe an activity become neuter nouns in German with the article 'das' (e.g., das Training, das Doping).
EXAMPLE
Das Styling der Models für die Modenschau dauerte mehrere Stunden.
The styling of the models for the fashion show took several hours.
Context clue
You can tell from the context whether it refers to a person's appearance or a product's design. If it is about hair, clothing, or makeup, it refers to a person. If it is about cars, furniture, or technology, it refers to a product.
EXAMPLE
Ihr neues Haar-Styling gefällt mir sehr gut.
I really like her new hair styling.
Typical collocations
When referring to people, 'Styling' is often combined with verbs like 'machen' (to do/make), 'bekommen' (to get), or 'brauchen' (to need). Typical areas are 'Haar-Styling' (hair styling) or 'Outfit-Styling' (outfit styling).
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Date macht sie sich noch schnell ein schönes Styling.
Before the date, she quickly does a nice bit of styling.
Typical collocations
In the context of product design, 'Styling' is often described with adjectives such as 'sportlich' (sporty), 'elegant' (elegant), 'modern' (modern), or 'klassisch' (classic). For example, people speak of the 'Styling eines Autos' (styling of a car).
EXAMPLE
Das sportliche Styling des Wagens spricht vor allem junge Käufer an.
The sporty styling of the car appeals especially to young buyers.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
Styling vs Stil
style
'der Stil' and 'das Styling' both have to do with appearance and design. 'Stil' is more general and can describe a personal way of doing things, clothing, art, language, or design. 'Styling' refers more to deliberate outward presentation, especially with hairstyles, clothing, makeup, or products. The words can be confused because both occur in fashion and design. A simple difference is: 'Stil' describes the general manner or style, while 'Styling' often describes how something has been specifically put together for a particular look.
Styling
Für die Feier achtet Lena heute besonders auf ihr Styling.
For the party, Lena is paying special attention to her styling today.
Stil
Er hat einen einfachen Stil und trägt fast immer dunkle Kleidung.
He has a simple style and almost always wears dark clothing.