Fashion coordinators and merchandise planners work to create a unified look in retail stores, design houses, or fashion magazines, while visual merchandisers are responsible for designing in-store and window displays to attract customers. A fashion buyer or assistant buyer uses his or her keen eye for style to select and purchase apparel and accessories from designers, manufacturers, and wholesalers for retail sale. And, if you're more the entrepreneurial type, you may want to consider opening your own boutique, where you can cater to a very specific clientele.

In spite of the wide variety of career opportunities in the fashion marketing industry, the number of jobs in clothing, apparel, and accessory stores is expected to have a more sluggish growth rate than average through 2012. This means that to stay on top in this competitive industry, you need to build an even stronger foundation. It is important to have a college education, and either an associate or a bachelor's degree will suffice for most employers. Ambition, talent, style-sense, and marketing skills are also a necessity for fashion marketing success. If you land a job in the field, you can expect a starting salary of around $20,000, with the potential to earn as much as $100,000 a year.

Overall, the perks outweigh the challenges in the spirited and sometimes cutthroat world of fashion marketing. So, if you think you've got what it takes, start by doing your research and learn more about a career in fashion marketing and merchandising.