The Internet is demanding to know what the fashion icon has in store for her summer outfits.
( @emmachamberlain / Instagram )
Whether you’d like to admit it or not, it’s Emma Chamberlain's world right now, and we’re just living in it. Since posting her first YouTube video in summer 2017, Chamberlain has amassed 10 million subscribers and boasts another 12.5 million and 9.7 million followers on Instagram and TikTok, respectively. Without a single ounce of shame, I’ll admit that I’m a full-blown stan.
W Magazine called Chamberlain “the most interesting girl on YouTube,” and she’s firmly claimed her spot as one of Gen Z’s most influential “it girls” for all things fashion. Mind you, she’s only 19. But how did this once slightly cringey (come on, admit it) YouTuber find herself in this position? What makes her aesthetic so special? And most important, what the hell is she planning to wear for what’s gearing up to be a vaxxed-girl summer. Kisses to you, Ms. Pfizer.
Knees Deep in the Fashion Game
While Chamberlain always posted thrift hauls to her channel and expressed interest in the fashion realm, she wasn’t recognized as a serious player in the industry until recent years. So what gives? She had the relatable personality, style potential and widespread influence among younger people. All she needed was the conduit.
This is where Derek Blasberg comes in. Blasberg is a former contributor to publications like Vanity Fair, Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Now serving as the head of fashion and beauty partnerships at YouTube, he brokered the deal between Chamberlain and Louis Vuitton starting with her attending fashion week with the french designer in 2019. From that moment on, she let the rest of the industry know she wasn’t here to fuck around.
Chamberlain says her fashion philosophy “is sometimes wearing ugly shit and making it look cute,” which is what’s earned her so much clout. Overall, her aesthetic is accessible. She’s mastered the art of being able to style your grandmother’s thrifted clothes and spin them into an Insta-worthy fit. With the help of the cutest accessories and killer footwear, Chamberlain can make just about anything look good. She’s also a purveyor of the Y2K aesthetic. At any second, she just might give us another serve; the Pinterest girls are quaking.
So Emma, What Are We Wearing This Summer?
Everyone needs to know how to style this summer, and they’re looking to Emma. On several of her latest TikToks, comments flurried in from users.
“Emma can you decide what we’re wearing for summer so I can prepare,” one comment read. “Bestie. What are we gonna wear for summer,” read another. Who better to look to than the fashion icon herself?
In March, Chamberlain joined Fashion@Brown, a student-led fashion organization at Brown University, for a virtual talk where she shed some light on the trends she’d be exploring this summer. After a bit of Instagram stalking and a binge of her most recent videos, I’ve compiled a list of summer trends sure to be Emma-approved.
Levi’s Cut-Offs
Who isn’t a sucker for a pair of vintage Levi’s? If I see a pair, I’m buying them. And this summer, I’ll be in my cut offs living my Troye Sivan fantasy. I’m predicting we’ll be seeing lots of cutoffs this summer on all genders. For those female-presenting, I think we’ll be seeing more of a bermuda short-esque inseam that parallels their male counterparts. So grab a pair of scissors and get to cutting.
Charm Necklaces and Chunky Rings
If Emma says we’re wearing charm necklaces and chunky rings, then we’re wearing charm necklaces and chunky rings. Brands like mon cher moi, La Manso and éliou have abandoned seriousness and embraced the playful vibe we’re all yearning for with their vibrant-hued accessories. Seen on people like Emma, Dua Lipa and Harry Styles, I’d say we’re in good company.
Crochet Tops
News flash. Knitwear isn't only for the winter. Yes, you heard that right. Crochet is back, and by the looks of Emma’s Instagram, it’s a trend she’s taking with her into the summer. Whether it be a vest or an ultra-cropped party top, thrifted or upcycled, we’re rocking it all summer 2020. The more obnoxiously colorful, the better.
Bright Colors and Funky Patterns
Speaking of bright colors, they’re helping to define the trends of 2021. Brands like House of Sunny and Paloma Wool have played with flamboyant patterns and bright hues. Coming in the form of sheer tattoo tops, funky party pants and an endless amount of accessories, color is something we’re experimenting with this summer — anything goes.
Long Skirts
Miniskirts ran 2020. Honestly, they're staying on board for 2021, too. But long skirts are the summer trend you’re really not going to want to miss out on. Leaning into ‘90s Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy vibes, we’ll be seeing these skirts in a lot of wrap and midi iterations. Dress it up with a pair of strappy sandals or make it edgy by throwing on your platform Doc’s.
“Birkenclogs”
I had to save the most polarizing topic for last. Yes, we’re making the Birkenstock Boston, otherwise known as the “Birkenclog,” happen this summer. In one of her latest videos, Emma said this is a trend she’s been waiting out on but finally caved. And if your TikTok #fyp looks anything like mine, this is a trend you’re going to want to hop on. Your feet will thank you.
The queen of YouTube has spoken, and these are the trends for the summer. So, get on board or get lost. Stay safe, get vaccinated and prepare yourself to show out for the summer with the latest trends.
Jacob McLean is an Online Writer at Rowdy Magazine. When he's not hunched over his computer, drinking alarming amounts of coffee or searching for new music, you'll probably find him daydreaming about his future life in NYC like every other basic bitch. Find him on Insta at jacobmclean_