A fashionable timeline of how the YouTube star became an elevated style muse
So, we love Emma Chamberlain. She is the definition of viral internet success most could only ever dream of. She has catapulted to viral superstardom since starting her YouTube channel in 2017. Since then, she has amassed an unbelievable 12 million subscribers and accumulated 1.65 billion views. (Not to mention her 15.1 million followers on Instagram!) Over the years, Emma's videos and girl-next-door schtick have evolved, and so has her style, as shown by her partnerships with various fashion brands, from Calvin Klein to Aritzia.
Chamberlain's journey went from being a beloved YouTube personality among the digitally inclined Gen-Z to becoming a high-fashion multihyphenate, sitting in the front row at the latest New York and Paris Fashion Week runway shows. She teamed up with stylist Jared Ellner a few years back, crafting some of her most memorable and iconic looks. Her influence has only grown as she dazzles into a future fashion icon amongst her generation, from stunning appearances at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party to famously meme'd as a red carpet correspondent for Vogue at the annual Met Gala. She has also graced the covers of the September issue of Marie Claire (2022) and Vogue Australia (2023), respectively. Her unique sense of style is gradually unfolding before our eyes! Here's a look at Emma Chamberlain's style evolution.
2017
The epitome of the Instagram, 'VSCO Girl,' era was in full effect. Teddy coats, Fjällräven backpacks, pastel t-shirts, and flat tennis shoes showcased the early YouTuber's style. Chamberlain exuded a delightful VSCO aesthetic with her fashion choices and seemingly laid-back California-based pictures expressing the nostalgia of adolescence. Her YouTube channel and shareable pictures gained traction, displaying her as a future style influencer for teen girls. Her go-to outfits comprised fitted jeans or denim shorts matched with white crop tops and tanks.
2018
Remember the '90s with sitcom bombshells Jennifer Aniston, Melissa Joan Hart, and Elizabeth Berkley? America's delightful sweethearts were blessing family households through their TV screens. Now, imagine the internet equivalent all over our phone screens today. Yes, Chamberlain is now that girl! She continued to embrace her adoration for the timeless denim and white top combination throughout 2018. She also developed a late-'80s and early '90s scrunchie obsession, with her line of scrunchies called 'High Key' becoming a prominent accessory to her youthful, girl-next-door hairstyles. And notice her deeper hair color as a brunette! One accessory that has remained a constant in Chamberlain's wardrobe from 2016 until now is her sunglasses collection, which she switches on and off from micros to oversized aviators. She later joined forces in collaboration with eyewear retailer Warby Parker in 2023.
2019
Imagine getting the brand deal of all brand deals with one of the famous French fashion houses. As shown in both looks above, Chamberlain's style has evolved since becoming a Louis Vuitton brand ambassador in 2019. Her casual VSCO denim pants and shorts became more sophisticated and refined, reminiscent of a young Twiggy without the pixie cut, with black mini dresses and oversized jackets chicly hanging off her.
2020
Throughout 2020, Chamberlain spent her time in lockdown like us all, except she traded her pajamas for nostalgic daywear basics. She added a flare of style inspiration from Clueless (1995) and Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990-2000). Everyone loves the '90s, and she displayed a classic combination of chunky, oversized sweatshirts, crewnecks, knit sweater vests, flawlessly matching 90s jeans, and corduroys. Chamberlain balanced her Louis Vuitton pieces with relaxed, casual, everyday "sweater weather" outfits.
2021
In 2021, Chamberlain wore a custom, asymmetric, gold-studded Louis Vuitton mini-dress ensemble at her first Met Gala appearance as a Vogue correspondent. She even told Vogue the experience was like "going to prom," what a way to brag to your former high school classmates! Chamberlain later spent her time in Paris off the red carpet, developing her French girl aesthetic with a hint of '60s mod style with penny loafers or a '90s Party Girl (1995) inspo in Parker Posey fashion with two-piece matching sets and halter tops.
2022
Aritzia has slowly but surely become the 2020s version of Kitson as its popularity has grown exponentially over a few years despite being established since the 1980s. With her 2000s aura, Chamberlain would've fit right in with Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, and Lindsay Lohan 20 years ago. In November, Chamberlain became a brand ambassador for Aritzia's Sunday Best Fall 2022 campaign. Similarly, her Louis Vuitton mod style presents her as a university student perfect for an autumnal academic aesthetic. She wears fitted button-downs under oversized cable knit sweaters with pencil skirts and chunky socks. She also wears various daytime looks with collared shirts, midi dresses, high-heeled boots, and blazers, giving a staunch French 'Clean Girl' vibe.
2023
Une étoile est née! Last year was triumphant as Chamberlain became fashion's brightest young star and muse. She has been seen at all of Fashion Week's most significant events worldwide, sitting in the front row at major runway shows and draped in brands such as Thom Browne, Loewe, and Miu Miu (to name a few). She graced Marie Claire's September issue and became the face of her coffee brand, Chamberlain Coffee. Her looks and relatable appeal resemble a Gen Z contemporary of a young Sofia Coppola, Drew Barrymore, or Tavi Gevinson.
2024
Take this young, only-child girl from San Bruno, California, who is now her own Edie Sedgwick. Chamberlain is now a global multi-brand ambassador, podcast host of Anything Goes, entrepreneur, model, and still just a girl! Her red carpet looks have become more daring, donning a Goth-y spin on nature in Jean Paul Gaultier at this year's Met Gala. She shows more skin in her looks as she blossoms into a gorgeous young high-society debutante with a hint of lustful rebellion.
At only 23, Emma Chamberlain wears some of the world's most famous designers. Her fame rises as one of the most influential personalities of her generation, and she is only getting bigger. Chamberlain's appeal offers us more than just insights into her life; it also reveals important truths about our own experiences regardless of our differences. She also knows something about elevating your style as you grow and is always willing to take risks in what she swears!
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