How I Shop: Natalia Bryant

We all buy clothes, but no two people shop the same. It can be a social experience, and a deeply personal one; at times, it can be impulsive and entertaining, at others, purpose-driven, a chore. Where do you shop? When do you shop? How do you decide what you need, how much to spend and what’s “you”? These are some of the questions we’re putting to prominent figures in our column “How I Shop.”

At just 20 years old, Natalia Bryant has walked a Versace runway, signed with one of the top modeling agencies in the world and fronted several major campaigns — all while pursuing a film degree at the University of Southern California. Between gracing red carpets and attending core classes, there’s plenty of variety in Bryant’s wardrobe. Throughout this double life of sorts, her style switches between ultra-glamorous and casual. But there’s one through line in her closet: simplicity.

“When I’m doing red carpet events, I do like to dress up — but at the same time, I usually like to keep things monochromatic,” Bryant tells Fashionista. “I really like wearing all white or black. I like to keep everything very basic. When I’m on campus or with my friends, I’m also very laid-back and want to be as comfortable as I possibly can.”

Bryant’s “laid-back” and easygoing style is a result of the fashion legacy her famous parents set and became known for in the early 2000s. Her mom, Vanessa Bryant, in particular, sported plenty of comfy, relaxed silhouettes in neutral colors with subtle statements. 

“My whole life, I’ve looked up to my parents and their style,” says Bryant. “Both are very different, of course, but I find myself taking a bit from both of them. On one hand, my dad (Kobe Bryant) mostly wore athleisure, but still made it a point to look his best. Growing up, I always went shopping with my mom. I always looked to her for fashion advice, and still do, to this day.”

Bryant’s latest fashion project leans into the effortlessly stylish vibe she’s been curating over the last few years: a campaign for Ugg, a brand synonymous with comfort. For the latest installment of Feels Like Ugg, the Southern California-based brand tapped Bryant amongst several other young stars to lead a conversation on self-expression and reflection. Ahead, she tells us more about the organic nature of the partnership, how Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette” inspires her style, stories of shopping with her mom and more.

“I’ve always really loved shopping. I’m so lucky to have a great mom with a great sense of fashion. Having her guide me through the industry has been great, because it’s really the first thing I wanted to do. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a fashion designer. I’ve always had that love for fashion; being able to become more involved in it is really cool.

“I’ve always really admired ’90s fashion. There’s a sense of simplicity, yet there’s also a fun side where everyone felt comfortable wearing whichever clothes they wanted to pair. Personally, I like being comfortable, but when I do go out, I like to dress up in a way that channels that classic, elevated style in a modern way. I do also look at red carpets for inspiration for my style, but ultimately I love to add my own take on things.

“My mom has a style I can’t really explain — it’s just really cool. I always wanted to be her when I was growing up. She’s always told me that less is more with fashion and also makeup… My go-to outfit is a good pair of jeans and a sweater or a T-shirt, then a pop of color with a purse or another accessory.

“Collecting jeans has become my thing over the years. I love being able to pair different outfits with different washes and cuts. I love how versatile they are, especially for living in Southern California. It’s super cold in the morning and then by mid-day it’s blazing hot, so I love that I have so many options. The very first pair I became obsessed with were these low-rise jeans that had a criss-cross button situation; they’re by R13, and I still have them.

“I love high-end brands, but for me it’s really about seeing what the pieces look like each season. I do enjoy being comfortable in what I wear, especially as a full-time college student, so I’m always trying to find that balance of beauty and comfort. Lately, I’ve been loving my low-rise baggy jeans from Grlfrnd and Citizens of Humanity, which really hit that happy medium for me. They’re so comfortable and so flattering that I’m confident in however I choose to wear them, whether that’s during the day when I would pair them with a plain T-shirt and sneakers or at night with kitten heels or ballerina flats.

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“My favorite thing to wear in the fall is my Ugg boots. I wear them wherever I go — especially when it’s that perfect crisp cold weather. Even when I’m leaving events, I’ll always bring my Uggs with me to change into after a long night. My first pair of Uggs were the little brown boots that had tiny bows on the back. They’ve always given me a sense of comfort since I was a little kid, so they’ve always been a staple.

“I’m very strategic when it comes to shopping. I’ll put things in my online cart and will tell myself, ‘If it’s still there tomorrow, it’s meant to be.’ I usually shop online purely because I don’t really have time to shop in stores. Revolve has really been my go-to recently, because basically everything is on it and it gets delivered pretty fast.

“Working in the fashion industry in recent years has helped me grow as an individual. I’ve been able to learn more about myself in these spaces, while also learning more about myself in school. They really go hand-in-hand.”

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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