Idolized in the eyes of many, social media influencer Emma Chamberlain’s fashion sense is scrutinized and constantly on display. She is expressive through her fashion. Whether you love or hate it, her voice bleeds through each inch of the fabric; if she was to walk by me, I would undoubtedly look twice. 

With a net worth of twelve-million dollars and an Instagram following of 14.7 million, her presence is undeniable. Her decisions and choices on what is “in” mold the fashion industry. If something is fashionable to her, who am I to say it isn’t to me?

Not only does she shock with certain outfits but just her ideas surrounding fashion itself. Her big opinions on fashion fuel my big opinions on fashion. 

“Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain,”—Chamberlain’s podcast—is the one and only podcast I can tolerate. While covering her day-to-day mood as well as material she finds important, one major topic dominates this series: fashion. 

In one episode I chose to listen to, Chamberlain discusses the idea of trendy vs. timeless. Basically, she concluded that if she liked it and it was trendy, she would wear it. The opposition was true as well: if she hated it and it was trending, she wouldn’t wear it.

Trendy is the pieces that are relevant now, but ones she doesn’t see lasting—a sensation, an overnight trend. Animal prints, cowboy boots, and neon colors are some of her examples. 

Timeless is in reference to pieces that will always just work. Leather jackets, long skirts, knee-high boots are a few she mentions, just a few timeless items she addresses.  

Upon a deeper look, I must not ignore that Chamberlain tends to be a figure I focus on when choosing what is “okay” to wear. I basically can’t disagree with much she says. Regularly, she sets the trend.

She has been the face of a Louis Vuitton shoe collection, the face of Pacsun’s new campaign, shot for V Magazine, makes appearances on Vogue as well as Cosmopolitan, and has multiple other brand deals. How could I not idolize her? 

However, this opinion on trendy vs. timeless is spot on. Yes, following trends is just part of the conformity our lives entail, and it’s hard to not buy into some of it. But, choosing staple pieces is not only more sustainable but much cheaper.  

Chamberlain’s staple outfit? A pair of Levi’s and a white shirt. Basic, yet always stylish, fitting most any occasion. However, she works to make every variation of this outfit different, changing its accessories and ensuring creativity. 

Chamberlain places an emphasis on wearing what you feel confident and comfortable in. Stalking her Instagram and podcasts, it’s obvious she is an advocate for layers. Jackets, sweater vests, button downs, the list goes on. 

Personally, I love this aspect of her clothing sense. Regularly, she tends to steer clear of plain, simply trending clothes. Yes, that is her staple, but as I mentioned, it almost always has something more defining about it. 

Take for example, blue jeans and a plain tank top. If this outfit is chosen, a chunky colorful pair of shoes, an interesting pair of sunglasses, or a graphic on the top or bottom would likely be included. 

Moving away from her more everyday outfits, let’s talk more about some of her specific outfits. 

To start, her Met Gala look. Oh my God. This was everything. Refined and sophisticated, yes, but also powerful. Fully bedazzled, Louis Vuitton was represented in a stunning manner. My true favorite part of this dress, however, would definitely be the cut-outs. They provided dimension and an edgy factor. She looked absolutely striking. 

When Chamberlain shot with Vogue Australia, she modeled a few different outfits, all of which held a different silhouette than I am regularly exposed to. Nonetheless, they all seemed like artwork. When I think of the multitude of photos released, however, a floor length blue dress by Adi Karni Vagt comes to the forefront of my mind. 

The color is beautiful. Chamberlain has blonde hair for this shoot, and it worked with the blue. The dress, however, is somewhat strange. The sleeve length passes her hands, and at the bottom, it spills onto the floor. The drapery is a statement, but with a dress that appears so soft—almost delicate, I don’t know, something seems off. But undoubtedly, from all the looks styled for Vogue Australia, this is the one prevalent in my mind; they must have done something right. 

Lastly, when featured on the front of Cosmopolitan, striking is the best word I can use to describe her. 

Usually, I am not the biggest proponent of off-the-shoulder clothes. It all feels very reminiscent of my seventh-grade style. All the same, with her deep, brunette hair in a high pony and the patterned silk green set, it was authoritative and empowering. I wouldn’t usually go for such an intricate pattern; however, I think this works. The only strange idiosyncrasy I can pull is that it looks to have a skort bottom. I don’t think this takes from the look, I just question why it was done. 

For the past about three days, I have been able to stalk and dissect much of Chamberlain’s projected fashion sense, and yet, she keeps me wanting and wondering about what comes next. With her bountiful exposure to society, how could she not?

Though I am not always in love with each and every outfit Chamberlain chooses or is told to wear, I will continue to love and idolize her for many reasons. For one, I love that she encourages perspective and choice: wear what you want. In turn, she shares her opinions and is undeniably true to who she is no matter what society enforces onto her.