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With nearly 4 million followers across her social media accounts, an accomplished modeling career, and her own beauty line, Ellie Thumann is truly — as her IG bio puts it — “making the world [her] oyster.” The almost-21-year-old has come a long way since she first began creating fashion, beauty, and lifestyle videos in 2014. And while she still shares the relatable, entertaining content that first made her a social media star, it’s clear that she’s about to enter her supermodel era — and her work as the face of the XOXO® fall and holiday ad campaign proves it.
Her Campus chatted with Thumann about her partnership with XOXO, her personal style, and more. Check out the full interview below!
You’re the face of XOXO’s fall and holiday ad campaign. What has it been like to work with the brand?
It has been incredibly exciting to work with the brand. I feel like everyone [on] the team was so kind and encouraging to me and made the entire process so fun on top of being able to wear such cute pieces!
What has been your favorite part of working with XOXO on their fall/holiday campaign?
Being able to model pieces for my favorite time of year, which is the fall and holiday season, was super exciting on top of being able to re-create a 90s supermodel look!
XOXO’s campaign is a throwback to the iconic supermodel campaigns of the 1990s. In your opinion, how has the modern supermodel changed since then?
I think there is so much more inclusivity with supermodels [today], which I absolutely love, and I feel everyone is celebrated and appreciated for what makes them unique.
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is all over the place, but I love to find a cool look that I feel comfortable in, which normally includes baggy pants and a fun crop top! I think street style and a supermodel-off-duty look is something I’m really inspired by.
How does your work as a model and social media creator influence your style?
Doing what I do has completely changed my life, as I have been able to travel and meet people in such unique settings. My job has taught me a lot more about fashion on top of my own passion for content creation, which makes my traditional days blend with work…[it] can be super interesting, but it’s something I’m very grateful for!
What trends are you excited to wear this fall and winter?
I’m really excited to wear all sorts of big boots and oversized coats. I think it’s always fun for me to bring my own Arizona style into fall and winter clothing, which normally includes a cropped turtleneck (which has mixed opinions for sure).
How will you be adapting current fall/winter trends to fit your style?
I am a desert girl at heart, which means I am used to limited clothing because of how hot it is…I think it will be interesting to transform traditional fall and winter clothing into an environment where it’s not necessarily super cold.
What are some of your favorite pieces you got to wear during the XOXO photoshoot?
I absolutely loved the low-cut jeans and the fun sweatshirt and sweatpants suits. Anything that is a matching set is my go-to!
Were you able to take home any XOXO pieces from the shoot? If so, which ones did you grab?
I was able to take a bunch of the jewelry which was really fun, and I still wear a bunch of the earrings today!
If you could give one piece of style advice, what would it be?
Don’t let traditional society’s idea of fashion dictate how you want to represent yourself within fashion. Wear what makes you feel confident no matter the opinion of others, as that is something that has really transformed my own confidence with what I wear!
Want to add Ellie Thumann’s fave XOXO styles (and more!) to your fall and holiday wardrobe? Shop the new collection at your nearest retailer!