Emma Chamberlain's Influence On Our Style

by Leo Lukaszevicz

In the ever-changing landscape of fashion and style, the digital age has given rise to a new generation of influencers who have a significant impact on their peers. Among them is Emma Chamberlain, a charismatic and relatable content creator who has emerged as a trendsetter for Gen-Z, redefining style norms and making fashion more accessible than ever before. Through her authenticity, humor, and commitment to individuality, Chamberlain has not only transformed the way her audience approaches fashion, but also played a pivotal role in the resurgence of thrifting and accessibility to luxury.

Emma Chamberlain burst onto the YouTube scene in 2018, quickly gaining millions of subscribers through her unique vlogs, lifestyle content, and infectious personality. What set Chamberlain apart from other influencers was her willingness to be real with her audience – she was unapologetically herself, documenting and sharing the highs and lows of her life, from mundane moments to genuine struggles. This relatability resonated deeply with her viewers, creating a friendship-like bond between Chamberlain and her audience.

One of the most notable ways Emma Chamberlain has influenced Gen-Z style is by championing the idea that fashion should be inclusive and accessible to everyone. Gone are the days when high-end brands dictated the trends. In her early days, Chamberlain demonstrated that style doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. Instead, she embraced a mix of high and low fashion, showing her audience how to curate unique and affordable looks. One of the most memorable staples from Chamberlain’s closet was the influence of her famous “teddy bear jacket” in 2018. In some of her old videos, she wore a beige fuzzy coat that took the internet by storm. So many people followed her lead, with this jacket quickly becoming a staple item in seemingly every teenager’s closet at the time.

Chamberlain's "Come Thrifting With Me" series also became a staple on her channel. She explored thrift stores, showcasing the hidden gems one could find without breaking the bank. This approach not only encouraged her audience to experiment with their style and break away from the firm grip fast fashion had on the youth at the time, but also highlighted the environmental benefits of second-hand shopping. Through her content, Chamberlain made it clear that fashion could be sustainable, budget-friendly, and fun.

While thrifting has always been a concept, Emma Chamberlain's influence significantly contributed to the thrifting renaissance among Gen-Z. Thrift stores – once primarily associated with budget constraints – became the go-to destinations for fashion enthusiasts to seek out unique and vintage pieces to add to their wardrobes. The thrill of the hunt, the joy of finding hidden treasures, and the satisfaction of sustainable shopping became popularized through Chamberlain's lens. Her impact on thrifting is not only evident in her videos but also in a broader shift in media and online content. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok and Instagram, have displayed a clear surge in content related to thrift hauls, DIY transformations, and sustainable fashion tips. The stigma around second-hand clothing has diminished, having been replaced by a sense of pride in scoring one-of-a-kind pieces and contributing to a more eco-conscious approach to fashion.

In addition to promoting accessible fashion and thrifting, Emma Chamberlain has championed the idea that personal style should prioritize individuality over keeping up with trends. Through her own eclectic wardrobe and bold fashion choices, she encourages her audience to embrace their quirks and uniqueness. She’s attempted to replace the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards or follow mainstream fashion trends with a celebration of self-expression and authenticity through your wardrobe.

While Emma Chamberlain initially gained fame for her down-to-earth and relatable approach to fashion, she has more recently made significant strides into the world of high-end fashion, marking a dynamic evolution in her style journey. This transition has had notable implications for Gen-Z, blurring the lines between accessible and aspirational fashion and challenging traditional notions of exclusivity within the industry.

Her collaborations with prestigious names in the industry marked a departure from her roots in thrifted and affordable fashion, introducing her audience to a more polished and elevated side of her style as she and her viewers both grow older simultaneously. This move reflected not only Chamberlain's personal growth but also signaled a shift in how Gen-Z chooses to engage with luxury fashion.

By partnering with high-end brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Chamberlain brought a new level of accessibility to the luxury fashion world. Her collaborations often featured pieces that – while they were undoubtedly upscale – were styled in a way that felt relatable and adaptable to a broader audience. This approach resonated with this generation, as they began to see high fashion as something personally attainable and capable of being integrated into their own closets.

Emma Chamberlain's involvement in high-end fashion has played a crucial role in dismantling the traditional exclusivity associated with luxury brands. Historically, these brands were perceived as catering exclusively to a select elite, creating an impenetrable barrier for the average consumer. Chamberlain's collaborations and her showcasing of finer pieces in her content challenged these preconceptions, illustrating that high-end fashion can be embraced by anyone with a passion for style.

Moreover, her unfiltered and genuine approach to presenting high fashion resonates with Gen-Z's rejection of artificial perfection. By incorporating these items into her wardrobe in a relatable manner, Chamberlain communicates a powerful message to her followers – that fashion is about personal expression rather than adhering to rigid societal standards.

Emma Chamberlain's influence on Gen-Z style extends beyond the clothes she wears or the brands she promotes. By promoting accessibility and sustainability, as well as encouraging individuality, she has redefined the fashion landscape for a new generation. As Gen-Z continues to navigate a world of ever-changing trends, Emma Chamberlain serves as a beacon of authenticity and style inspiration, seamlessly incorporating both high and low elements within her style, as she encourages us to do the same without feeling restricted by societal norms and industry standards.

Until next Monday,

Leo

Photograph: Interview Magazine

Emma Chamberlain's Influence On Our Style