The Fashion Insider Diary: Sofia Wimberly on Embracing Your Inner Girly-Girl with Sustainable Edge
The lives of content creators may seem picture-perfect, but they're always navigating the delicate balance between relatability and aspiration. It's a fine line to tread, especially when it comes to fashion, where being both composed and lighthearted, playful, and fun is essential.
Sofia Wimberly, an American influencer with a loyal following on Instagram (@soooffffiiaaa), effortlessly embodies this cool-girl aesthetic. Her feed, brimming with buzzing restaurant scenes, street style shots, and casual behind-the-scenes snippets from modeling jobs, is a testament to her curated style.
Drawing inspiration from fashion icons like Alexa Chung and Devon Lee Carlson, Sofia translates the girlish, carefree glamour of the Noughties into the Gen Z online world. Her wardrobe is a mix of ballet flats, babydoll dresses, leather boots, and sheer skirts, all sourced from a mix of independent brands and sustainable gems.
In this exclusive interview, Sofia shares her styling tricks and tips, offering a glimpse into her personal style, favorite brands, and must-have accessories. She also reveals her go-to outfits for various occasions, from date nights to busy workdays, and her strategies for curating a perfect Instagram feed.
Date Night:
"For date night, I love a white flowy top and a red purse. It's a simple yet elegant look that always makes me feel put together."
Holiday Style:
"My go-to holiday look is a white dress and a pair of sunglasses. It's effortless and chic, perfect for a relaxing getaway."
A Day of Work:
"For a classic work look, I'd wear my grey trench coat, layered over a dress with yellow sunglasses. It's a versatile outfit that can take me from meetings to lunch with clients."
A Chic Sunday Stroll:
"A pop of color is my go-to for a Sunday stroll. My red bomber jacket is a favorite, adding a touch of fun to any outfit."
An Outfit That Sparks Confidence:
"The outfit I feel the most confident in is a pair of jeans styled with a mini dress worn over the top. It's a playful yet polished look that always makes me feel my best."
Personal Style:
"My personal style is all about comfort, classic pieces, and versatile accessories or a pop of color. I love mixing and matching different looks to suit any occasion."
Go-To Outfit for a Busy Day:
"My days are usually an amalgamation of different jobs and events. I need an outfit that can take me from meetings to social events. My go-to is a pair of ballet flats and a comfortable dress or skirt. In the summer, I love my ballet flats, and in the winter, I swap them out for a black boot with a comfortable heel."
Go-To Brands:
"Most of my clothes are from charity shops, car boots, or my mother's closet. I have a pair of black shorts from the brand Paiden that I adore and wear all summer."
Outfit That Always Lifts Spirits:
"It depends on my mood. Sometimes, I need a super girly outfit, like a cute babydoll dress and kitten heels. Other times, I need extreme comfort, like an oversized, baggy tracksuit set."
Fashion Icons and Inspirations:
"Three people have inspired my style choices since I was a teenager. First, Alexa Chung, who I discovered during her Tumblr era when I was obsessed with the Arctic Monkeys. She embodies a classy look while making it fun. Next, Devon Lee Carlson, the queen of Instagram. Her style is so casual yet cool, and I always strive for that balance. Finally, Lindsay Vrckovnik, a model and knitwear designer based in New York. Her unique style and way with colors are truly inspiring."
Must-Have Accessories:
"Shoes and a good jacket. In the summer, I love a statement pair of shoes, and in the winter, a nice coat that keeps me warm and prompts people to ask where it's from. My current favorite is a long, slightly oversized houndstooth coat from Nobody's Child, which I pair with a hoodie for a casual look."
Staying Up-to-Date with Trends:
"I try to incorporate pieces in my wardrobe that I'll wear for a while. If I want to switch up my wardrobe, I turn to Vinted. My rule is to clear out something when I add something new. I treat Vinted money as free shopping money, but it helps me declutter my closet."
Curating the Perfect Instagram Feed:
"I'm way too obsessed with the visual aspect of my Instagram feed! I feel a sense of peace when my feed is cohesive and visually appealing. I plan my posts in advance and make sure they go together with the current color scheme. I think the key to a perfect Instagram feed is to be too perfect. Monotone feeds can be boring, so I like to throw in something different once in a while."
Fashion Fails:
"I don't really have any fashion fails. I notice great outfits when I see them, but if someone is wearing something I wouldn't wear, I don't give it much thought."
Creating Memorable Evening Looks:
"I have a few special items of clothing that I save for special occasions. If I want to create a memorable evening look, I'll pull out something from my 'special items' wardrobe.
