"I Don’t Envision a Style So Much as an Emotion—Unbridled Joy"

The Style Questionnaire with Lydia Okello

It’s time for another Big Undies Style Questionnaire with Lydia Okello!

One quick thing: Submit questions here for the next episode of Indulgence Gospel.

Lydia Okello, 34, is an influencer, writer, and model based in Vancouver, BC. They are a fat, Black, queer, nonbinary person who loves personal style. They have been working in fashion since they were 15 and posting outfits to the internet since 2008.

Lydia says:

I love the expression personal style gives each of us, and I love to deep dive about the beauty and enjoyment of clothing. It’s something we all need, but there is so much enjoyment that can be derived from the way we dress.

I remember seeing Lydia modeling for Premme (RIP) and admiring their colorful style, a cool mix of poofy dresses and androgynous separates that they hashtagged #tombabe. Lydia has continued to be one of my favorite social media follows, truly a ray of light on Instagram & TikTok.

I would love to know what about style or getting dressed brings you unbridled joy.

What are you wearing right now?

Sneakers and a Big Bud Press short sleeve petite jumpsuit. It’s weirdly cold here in Vancouver, so I’m also wearing a Wray Shacket today—the black floral one.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?

Some knit, beachy pants from Target. 

If you had to wear a uniform, what would it be?

Something soft (cashmere sweater or cardigan), a vintage tee and soft trousers or loose pants. Shoes would be bright/bold boots and/or mary janes and/or platform sandals. 

What does nonbinary style look like to you?

I don’t envision a style so much as an emotion—unbridled joy. I think there is a sense of knowing oneself and leaning into expression. Leaning into the “selves” that can be expressed through style. It’s never going to look the same from person to person. It is just as easily a huge floofy Simone Rocha gown as it is a devastating suit. It’s a tee and jeans. It’s everything.  

Lydia Okello, from an interview on The Zoe Report

Where did you get clothes as a kid? Describe a favorite childhood outfit.

I grew up low-income, so most of the clothes I had as a kid were thrifted or hand me downs. This made me super obsessed with the hunt—a thrifted treasure is still one of my favourite dopamine hits. As a child, I really loved shoes (still DO). I remember I had a pair of Converse-like sneakers that had a floral pattern on one side and denim on the other. I would wear them with a swishy dress or bike shorts and a big tee. I also had a pink and orange Madras plaid set which was a little sleeveless crop top with matching shorts. Those made me so happy. 

Tell me about an item of clothing that you wear only to do a specific activity.

I think the only things that falls in this category are some of my pyjamas and some of my workout wear. But even in those categories, I have things that I wear outside of those activities.

What did you wear to the last party or event you attended?

A Ganni dress (similar), a little Maguire satin floral pin (similar) and my blue mary janes. 

What do you wish you had in your wardrobe/closet that you don’t?

I feel like I’m always looking for loose fit garments that are fit and graded properly for fat folks. I always want pants that are loose on my thighs AND calves. With my proportions, it’s often snug in the hips and butt. So maybe that?

I feel like every week I see a new garment that I’m like WHY DON’T THEY MAKE THIS IN SIZE FAT?? One of my dream brands is Simone Rocha. Would love a wardrobe of Simone in my size.

styleisstyle

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Tell me about an experience that changed your relationship to clothing, or to getting dressed. 

Going to New York for the first time, during Fashion Week. I felt so filled with wonder—people were really expressing themselves. I grew up in a small city, and where I live now is pretty homogenous. It was so exciting to be in a place where creativity and personal style was embraced and encouraged. I think that first trip in 2010 really made me feel encouraged to pursue a career in fashion. It also made me feel like my individuality could be an asset, not a negative. My style isn’t super out there, but I know I wear things that some people don’t think I should, or aren’t considered “flattering.” Being around the energy of New York, it reminded me that honing into my own vision of myself is always the option.  

styleisstyle

A post shared by @styleisstyle

Tell me about an accessory or piece of clothing that you lost or ruined, but still think about. 

I definitely have items that I thrifted in the past that I donated again—sweaters and cardigans are the things that come to mind first. 

styleisstyle

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What’s your 2024 summer must have?

Long baggy shorts. Sunshine.

Who do you think has good style?

Pete Voelker for Vogue

I have a kind of endless list of people I keep style tabs on. I think that Chloe Sevigny has great style. She had some of the best wedding looks I’ve ever seen.

Taylor Hill, Getty Images

I think Da'Vine Joy Randolph has really phenomenal red carpet looks.

Tommaso Boddi, Getty Images

Tyler, The Creator’s modern prep is SO satisfying to me. 

I love following

Jessica Torres

(on Instagram), Roseline, NamGlam, Darnell, Emma from Shop Berriez, Michelle, Raisa Flowers, Simi, Kellie B, Jade Fox.

Anything else you want to tell us about getting dressed?

I come back to—wear what you want. It sounds very simple, but I think many of us would feel better in our bodies, and happier if we just… wore what we liked. I know there are lots of rules, I know people want to dictate who should wear what. I cannot stress enough… it truly doesn’t matter what other people think of your wardrobe. It matters how you feel, and what you want. 

Thank you Lydia! You can follow Lydia’s work on Instagram & TikTok.

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