Imagine looking through 3.7 million outfits online in search of just the right fit. Sounds like an impossible task, doesn't it? Not anymore — artificial intelligence (AI) stylists make such a task possible.

An AI stylist is a computer algorithm (算法) that can put together outfits. It works by scouring the internet in a very similar way to the Google search engine. The program searches for clothing images on fashion blogs, online stores and social media, collecting thousands of outfits created by human stylists. The program can also "read" text and pick out important details about each article of clothing. Both the images and text are stored in a data set from which the AI stylist makes fashion suggestions for people based on their personal preferences.

An AI stylist can collect tens of thousands of outfits to display to millions of shoppers online. This data set of outfits is constantly updated and controlled by a team of people. The team helps the computer improve the algorithms which in turn helps the AI stylist put together better outfits for a customer.

An AI stylist displays outfits and fittings based on a customer's desires, but it can also suggest things that may be a little out of the customer's comfort zone. People are often willing to try something new if they are following styling advice.

An AI stylist can run into trouble when people of different cultures use it. What is trendy in Asia can be very different from what is fashionable in Europe. AI stylists keep up with the latest trends in different countries and then change the program for different regions. Companies can create a set of guidelines for the AI stylist to use, which can be adjusted by country to reflect preferences for different styles.

An Al stylist must also keep up with "fashion rules". For example, big-sleeved tops do not go with skinny fit blazers. It is difficult for the AI stylist to recognize "rules" like these. So a different AI model that can recognize the cut, style and color of garments adds that information to the database.

AI stylists have been tested against real stylists and fashion influencers and have received positive feedback. Maybe someday we won't put together an outfit without using our AI consultant first.