Laini Ozark: The Wardrobe Icon
Background on Laini Ozark
In this week's article, I will be focusing on fashion once again, but taking a more of a sustainable approach to it. One Youtuber that I have started watching since the beginning of quarantine, Laini Ozark. She is a fashion blogger on YouTube, who is continuing to evolve in fashion popularity. Laini is from Michigan and graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2020 and is 23 years old. She also has a dog named Ernie (who sometimes makes special appearances in her videos, which I always enjoy). She also has her own merch that pays homage to her dog. The baseball caps are labeled with, Ernie's World. She also sold t-shirt with miniature magazine clippings on it.
How did I find out about her channel?
During quarantine, I was trying to evolve myself, and one of those ways I wanted to do that was through my clothing style. I have always loved dressing up and it was difficult to find inspiration through YouTube because everyone wore the same fast-fashion brands each season and wasn’t unique to the individual person. However, I found myself slipping into those ideas of styling outfits, where I felt even more confused than I did before. In helping with this journey, I tried minimalist styles with more plain colors and more colorful styles as well. But nothing seemed to fit with my personal style. Then I looked at the color theory that some people talked about. It’s basically finding colors that suit your skin tone the most. Which was somewhat helpful but confused me even more. Until I stumbled across Laini Ozark’s videos, I learned more about finding my own personal style and clothes that were timeless to me.
Why did I continue watching her videos?
At first Laini’s content was more surrounded by trendy try on hauls that she would get from sponsorship, vlogs, updates on her bus that she was transforming, how to style certain wardrobe items (e.g., denim jacket) and virtually shopping with her on the internet. If you take a look at the picture below, her style seemed on trend and at the time that was what I found inspiration from because it’s how I thought I wanted to dress at the time. However, as Laini evolved, so did I.
Now her content surrounds vlogs, and (my personal favorite) where she gives tips on how to thrift on the internet (i.e., eBay, Depop) or reusing items in your closet to create new outfits. How to find outfits in your closet just by remaking them into unique ones. For example, If you have a tank top you can maybe layer it with a t-shirt or long sleeve. Or if you have a long dress you can reuse it by putting a shirt over to make it a skirt. Different creative and unique ways to create fits.
*Note: In the image above and the image below you can see the difference in how she used to dress versus now. You can tell in the image below it is more unique to her and what she likes and I think is more memorable fit than the one above. Although, the image above shows a practical fit if that fits someone else's style. There is nothing wrong with either image, it is just attached to look at the differences.
How does she make me feel more confident in what I wear?
Reminders to the audience (aka hype girl)- Oftentimes in the videos
Speaking about her experience- In the video Laini would talk about her experiences and how it impacted how she dresses and her confidence. I feel like I can relate to a lot of her stories, and that I can wear whatever I want as long as I feel comfortable and confident in it. The only thing that matters is if I like what I am wearing, not others.
Below is evidence to the impact that she has had on me from a comment I made on her YouTube video.
If you want to feel inspired like I was after watching the video, you can go ahead and find out yourself.: )
Why do I continue to watch Laini Ozark?
Her refreshing energy- When I am overwhelmed with other videos on YouTube or other things in life, I will run right to Laini’s channel. While her voice is soothing, so are her videos. With that, it is also refreshing because I know that I will learn something new when I click on it.
Her impeccable taste in clothing- Laini knows how to dress. The fact that she is able to rock cowgirl boots effortlessly is amazing. I also like how when she wears her outfits she’s unapologetically herself. Sometimes she mentions that other people may not like this, but she does (and I do too). I sometimes try to get inspiration from some of her outfits to help me create my own.
Her exceptional advice- Her tips are impeccable (lol). I love the fact that she uses different platforms (i.e. eBay or Depop) to look for clothes and how she is able to give advice on styling colors or patterns. In addition to thrifting trends, or finding items of clothing similar to trends (if you are interested in it) so that your piece won’t always go out of “style”. I can’t find a video where I haven’t used her tips and tricks to help better my own style, she always gives good advice.
Some memorable tips from her videos that I apply to my wardrobe (and that may help you too:)) 1. If you are tired of your wardrobe, do not look for any inspo. Instead put two pieces from your closet that you don’t think typically go together and try it on. Then try to put it together with accessories to see how you feel.
2. If you are looking for ways to better your style, swiping out your sneaker for Dr. Martens or boots, or in general anything different. Also, adding colorful running sneaker to your wardrobe in replace of your white sneakers.
3. To find original outfit inspo, save clothing pieces on Pinterest, instead of entire outfits to put together in your own way. Or if you have a celebrity you like, look up their personal stylists’ name on Pinterest and go from there.
Clos(thing) Points
Throughout the year that I watch her content and it changes with the times and the points of my life I am in with my style. I felt that all the YouTubers were focused on the trends and shopping at fast fashion stores. I realized that for me, it does not offer any creative expression for me. It made me feel like I was in a bubble. Her pieces are timeless and how she is able to create different ideas that don’t seem recycled from other YouTube channels’ s all the time is refreshing. Because of that, I will continue to watch her videos forever, as long as she keeps making them. :)
In talking about her process, in general it is not always easy being a content creator and making content that is relevant and watchable. I am sure there are times that she was in a rut, and was difficult to find a new topic for her next video. Also, for her to have such a great impact on my life took learning and experience from herself. In general, its important to grow as an individual, whether that is through the clothes we wear or how we can better ourselves (i.e. mentally or physically).
I can definitely thank her for the evolution of my style. As I continue to push the norm and find what I feel comfortable and confident in. At first, it can be scary because it’s different and new but it’s comforting at the same time and makes shopping and finding outfits for yourself a whole lot easier!