Whether they’re repping Cartier and Louis Vuitton like Emma Chamberlain or styling local thrift finds like Alex van Os, fashion influencers can teach us a lot about how to make a splash in the industry. Here are eight of the most stylish fashion influencers, plus what their success shows about making it in the wide world of digital fashion.
1. Chiara Ferragni
From her humble beginnings as author of blog the Blonde Salad, Ferragni used her business acumen and CEO mindset to carve out a name for herself in the industry. Her growth over the years involved early adoption of Instagram and Reels and fearless moves into new territory. Today she runs a fashion line of her own, the Chiara Ferragni Brand, and is regarded as a go-to leader in the fashion influencing space, partnering with brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Chanel on the regular. Ferragni teaches us that bringing a strategic mindset and running your platforms like a business can position you for serious potential growth.
2. Wisdom Kaye
Kaye’s playful and imaginative yet tasteful take on fashion landed him the title of “TikTok’s best-dressed guy” by Vogue, in 2021, and number 48 on Forbes 2025 Top Creators List. His avant-garde point of view on visual storytelling and pop culture—such as his “High Fashion Avatar the Last Airbender” series—positions him as a unique voice that breaks the mold in what’s considered high fashion. Along the way, he’s secured deals with plenty of top fashion brands and a front row seat at the Met Gala. The lesson here is to let your creativity break free. Don’t let the limits of what’s been done before hold you back from your own independent style, interests, and inspiration.
3. Danielle Bernstein
Bernstein started out as a blogger back in 2010 with her ode to everyday NYC styles, WeWoreWhat. She has since become a stellar example of what consistency and adaptation can mean for growth in the fashion world. In 2016, she transitioned WeWoreWhat into a full-fledged fashion brand with multiple product lines, and in 2020, she wrote her first memoir, “This Is Not a Fashion Story.” Her clean and relatable style pairs well with her textbook growth through each state of the influencer-to-entrepreneur journey to make her a classic lesson in becoming a trendsetter.
4. Wendy Nguyen
In her blog Wendy’s Lookbook, Nguyen shares about her family’s immigration from Vietnam, her early adverse childhood experiences, and her journey through the foster care system. Despite a childhood full of barriers and an early career far from fashion (in banking, to be exact), thanks to her viral 2011 video “25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes,” Nguyen made a name for herself as a fashion influencer. Beyond tips and tricks, how-tos, and styles for everyday people (like her most recent series “as a petite, post-partum tummy momma”), she also uses her platform to advocate for juvenile justice and those in the foster care system, demonstrating the importance of authenticity for aspiring fashion influencers.
5. Mary Leest
Leest is a Russian model and fashion influencer known for elegance, luxury, and a consistent presence at big events. She demonstrates how to position yourself as a go-to fashion persona by wearing big brands and offering her own style and voice as an authority in the industry. While her content is approachable, it’s also highly curated and polished, creating a cohesive image that reflects the brands she consistently partners with, like Fendi, Bulgari, and Carolina Herrera. Leest shows that visibility, strategic positioning, and long-term partnerships can lead to glamorous success stories.
6. Bryan Yambao
Like most of the style influencers on this list, Yambao began his fashion career with a blog. As time went on, he built a name for himself in the industry and began attending key fashion events around the globe. Online, he adapted to new social media platforms with ease, securing himself as a TikTok staple, using his quick comedy, authentic personality, and fresh but relatable approach to win over his Gen Z following. Currently, he’s editor-in-chief for Perfect magazine and continues to collaborate with industry leaders (did we mention Marc Jacobs named a bag after him?). He is regularly outspoken and never shies away from exhibiting his individual identity and hot takes, demonstrating that personality can be a superpower. Find your voice and don’t be afraid to be bold with it.
7. Gabi Fresh
Since 2008, Fresh has paved the way for plus-sized influencers in the fashion niche. Her viral “fatkini” series pioneered a conversation about inclusive sizing in fashion through a series of body positivity conversations and plus-size bikini shoots. It became a beckoning call for all women who had ever felt like they needed to hide, cover, or ignore their bodies because they didn’t meet traditional beauty standards. She’s seen increased success from there, continuing on to develop fashionable styles in swimwear and beach coverups with Swimsuits for All. As of today, she has launched her own brand, Villa Fresca, and continuously pushes the boundaries of women’s empowerment in the fashion industry. Fresh teaches us that fashion is for everyone. If you don’t see something that fits your body, style, or interests, create it yourself!
8. Caroline Daur
Like many other influencers, Daur began with a blog, Caro Daur. She has continued to grow, adapt, and increase her engagement through social media and partnerships with countless high fashion brands like Gucci, Dior, and Tiffany & Co. In 2019, Daur began uploading fitness and wellness content to YouTube, partnering with Adidas and incorporating her home fitness program DaurPower into her online presence. Known for her down-to-earth personality and unique ability to mix high fashion with streetwear and fitness, Daur teaches us that you don’t need to pigeonhole yourself to be successful as a fashion influencer. Being genuinely you builds trust and connection with your audience, so don’t be afraid to incorporate your personal interests and stay true to your everyday life.
Looking to dip your toes in the world of fashion influencing or content creation, or take your next step up in your career? Keep your eyes on our open casting calls for your next opportunity.
