In a world where aesthetics are constantly recycled and re-designed, the true fashion icons are the ones who evolve with intention. Emma Chamberlain, Sofia Richie Grainge, Zendaya, and Sabrina Carpenter have each undergone remarkable transformation, from their early days in the public eye to their current reign as style icons.
Their fashion journeys reflect more than changing trends—they reveal maturity, self-awareness, and a growing confidence in personal identity. Let’s explore the style transformation of four style icon, and dive into each of these women by breaking down their old style vs. their style now.
Emma Chamberlain: The Internet’s Thrifty It-Girl Turned High Fashion Powerhouse
Old Style: Thrift Store Cool Meets Gen Z Chaos
Emma’s early fashion sense was a snapshot of 2018’s Gen Z spirit. She was the face of the YouTube meets Depop aesthetic—vintage tees, dad sneakers, denim cutoffs, and oversized sweatshirts. She didn’t care about being sleek or “on trend” and that was the charm. Her outfits were quirky, comfy, and slightly ironic—exactly what made her so relatable.
- Staple pieces: checkerboard Vans, scrunchies, thrifted windbreakers, and tiny sunglasses
- Style vibe: quirky, casual, authentic—she was never trying to be someone else
Now: Polished Minimalist with an Editorial Edge
Today, Emma walks the fine line between vintage cool and refined minimalism. She’s a muse for Louis Vuitton and regularly experiments with clean tailoring, muted tones, and silhouettes that balance edge and elegance. Her street style is now Parisian-inspired, with structured pieces, leather accents, and well-chosen accessories.
- Staple pieces: tailored trousers, cropped blazers, vintage belts, loafers, and neutral palettes
- Style vibe: effortless sophistication meets fashion-forward and cool
Sofia Richie Grainge: From Trendy Influencer to Quiet Luxury Queen
Old Style: LA Socialite with an Instagram Edgy Twist
In her earlier days, Sofia Richie followed the 2010s LA “It-girl” blueprint: trendy co-ords, bodycon dresses, logo-heavy streetwear, and athleisure. Her style was very much of its time—flashy, curated for Instagram, and clearly influenced by brands like Fashion Nova, Yeezy, and Off-White.
- Staple pieces: biker shorts, oversized hoodies, crop tops, logo bags, clear heels
- Style vibe: trendy, social media-driven, high-low mix of casual and glam
Now: The Minimalist, Old Money Muse
Post-wedding Sofia emerged as the face of “quiet luxury.” She traded in logos for timeless silhouettes, focusing on monochrome tones, premium fabrics, and a sense of understated elegance. She wears designers like Chanel, Khaite, and The Row, and her wardrobe is filled with pieces that whisper wealth and refinement.
- Staple pieces: slip dresses, tailored blazers, wide-leg pants, minimalist gold jewelry, ballet flats
- Style vibe: clean, classic, curated—she is the minimalist old money aesthetic
Zendaya: From Teen Starlet to Fashion’s Fearless Icon
Old Style: Colorful, Youthful, and Experimental
Zendaya’s early red-carpet moments were a mix of teen-friendly fashion and early risks. She played with colors, textures, and layers—often bold but not always refined. Her Disney-era looks leaned into playful statement pieces that reflected her fun personality and willingness to experiment.
- Staple pieces: bright gowns, funky heels, voluminous skirts, bold prints
- Style vibe: fun, theatrical, and fashion-forward—but still discovering her voice
Now: Couture Queen and Red Carpet Visionary
Today, Zendaya is arguably the most exciting fashion icon of the decade. With the help of stylist Law Roach, she has created moment after moment—from structured Mugler robots to liquid metallic gowns. She mixes archival vintage with futuristic couture, often making bold artistic statements.
- Staple pieces: sculptural gowns, androgynous suiting, vintage designer pieces, bold beauty looks
- Style vibe: experimental, editorial, narrative-driven—every look tells a story
Sabrina Carpenter: Sweetheart Turned Modern Bombshell
Old Style: Disney Darling in Pastels and Playful Prints
In her early career, Sabrina embodied the sweet, approachable pop princess. Her wardrobe consisted of florals, pastel mini dresses, and classic “cute girl” silhouettes. Think of it as a pre-coquette, PG version of feminine dressing—charming and age-appropriate, but lacking the edge we see now.
- Staple pieces: floral prints, fit-and-flare dresses, ankle boots, soft curls
- Style vibe: sweet, feminine, and wholesome—a modern take on “girl next door”
Now: Coquette Meets Couture Meets Pop Star
Sabrina now embraces bold glamour with a flirtatious twist. She’s fully stepped into her pop star image, channeling modern Marilyn Monroe energy with mini dresses, corsets, and glossy red lips. Her stage and red-carpet looks are dramatic and daring, while her off-duty style remains romantic and curated.
- Staple pieces: micro minis, platform heels, corsets, baby tees, and opera gloves
- Style vibe: feminine, sultry, and fashion-conscious—Old Hollywood with a Gen Z twist
In Summary: Style Maturity with a Side of Bold Identity
Now that we have looked at the style transformation of four style icons, we can better understand these four women are more than just well-dressed—they represent the power of transformation. They each started with a raw, unfiltered version of style that reflected youth, accessibility, and experimentation. Over time, they’ve refined their tastes, stepped into their confidence, and cultivated looks that reflect their deeper identities—not just trends.
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