The Age of Influence

As the fashion world turns increasingly digital, here are the local fashion influencers you need to follow

A role that was once reserved for movie stars and politicians is today open to anyone with a smartphone and good taste: the influencer. A title officially added to the Oxford-English Dictionary in 2019, these internet-born tastemakers have swiftly become the voices that ignite trends and shape culture. And while Minnesota itself may not be known for catalyzing fashion movements, it boasts a vast landscape of creators who do.

From award-winning fashion stylist and Wayzata boutique owner Jessica Hilde to “wardrobe therapist” and public speaker Lindsey Froemming, our state runs deep with fashion-driven minds that wield the ability to influence thousands. And they do it at every age, price point, and body type—assuring audiences that style (and the confidence it inspires)—knows no boundaries. Follow these seven local influencers to imbue your feed with aesthetic inspiration this winter.

Timeless Elegance: @eleanorleftwich

Eleanor Leftwich Winter Lookbook
Model wearing Eleanor Leftwich winter: Maggie Top and Meg Mini Skirt in Sterling Brocade

Eleanor Leftwich Winter Lookbook

If a time traveler poked their head inside of mother, farmer, and clothing brand owner Eleanor Leftwich’s fruitful wardrobe, they wouldn’t be able to tell what decade it was—and that’s the whole point. After years spent working in agriculture and developing a deep appreciation for time, care, and craftmanship, Leftwich launched her eponymous brand and social media persona, championing a timeless elegance that feels increasingly rare in our modern digital landscape.

“I’m endlessly inspired by heritage and art—old family photographs, vintage portraits of American women, the way clothes were once made to last. Trends come and go, but craftsmanship, proportion, and feeling good in your clothes never expires,” says Leftwich.

 Eleanor’s Favorites:

Signature piece you can’t live without? Quiet confidence

Favorite local boutique or thrift spot? Filigree Jewelers and June

One trend you’ll never subscribe to? Shirts that are missing the bottom half

Dream fashion collaboration? Naiomi Glasses

One fall/winter 2026 trend you’re excited about? Hygge—I lam a homebody and don’t mind the early sunsets!

Aging in Syle: @jessicahilde_style

Jessica Hilde

Jessica Hilde

Before she was running her appointment-only luxury boutique, The Showroom, and managing a loyal Instagram community of 22,000, Jessica Hilde was already influencing Minnesota’s fashion scene, working as a model, editorial stylist, clothing merchandiser, and published author (Hilde published “Child Modeling the Whole Experience” in 2008). Her 25-plus years of industry experience have sharpened her keen eye and classic sense of style, which she uses to empower women her age to revamp their wardrobes and unlock their confidence.

Echoing her own timeless-yet-edgy wardrobe, Hilde encourages women to invest in quality foundations while embracing experimentation. “I have found as women age, they are afraid to try new silhouettes,” she shares. “Trying something new can help one have a more youthful glow.”

Jessica’s Favorites:

Signature piece you can’t live without? A well-made suit with elevated fabrics

Favorite local boutique or vintage shop? My Showroom in Wayzata

One trend you’ll never subscribe to? Baggy jeans—it does not work on everyone

Dream fashion collaboration? Chanel, Celine, or Yves Saint Laurent

One fall/winter 2026 trend you’re excited about? Combining shades of brown, burgundy, raspberry, and sage

Mom on Duty: @champagneandmacaroons

fashion influencer Tamara Waterston

Tamara Waterston

Known to her 90,000-plus Instagram followers as Champagne and Macaroons, Tamara Waterston has built a brand around the juxtaposition of timeless style and modern motherhood, offering glimpses into her chic—if chaotic—life with three young boys. Inspired by the effortless sophistication of French fashion, Waterston touts a personal style defined by soft tones and romantic details, reminding her followers that elegance can coexist with the beautiful mess of motherhood.

“True beauty lies in presence, not perfection,” shares Waterston. “I hope women leave my page feeling inspired to create a life that’s both elevated and attainable—where style, motherhood, and self-expression intertwine seamlessly.”

Tamara’s Favorites:

Signature piece you can’t live without? A soft, oversized cream sweater

One trend you’ll never subscribe to? Loud logos—I’ll always choose understated elegance

Dream fashion collaboration? Sézane or LoveShack Fancy

One fall/winter 2026 trend you’re excited about? Textured knits and tonal layering—cozy, classic, and endlessly wearable

Body Positivity:@paxyshia

fashion influencer Paxyshia Yang

Paxyshia Yang

Model, bookworm, and social media creator Paxyshia Yang never edits out her insecurities—she shares them. With a friendly online community of over 32,000 Instagram followers, Yang has cultivated a refreshingly honest space that celebrates individuality, creating “not only for plus-size and Asian folks” but for anyone who resonates with her story.

“There are so many things that I have been told don’t work for people of a certain shape or size and it’s just not true,” says Yang. “I so often see looks on thinner people and I just recreate them and make them all my own.”

 Paxyshia’s Favorites:

Signature piece you can’t live without? My mini skirts

Favorite local boutique or vintage shop? Cake Plus-Size Resale

One trend you’ll never subscribe to? Crocs

Dream fashion collaboration? Lirika Matoshi

One fall/winter 2026 trend you’re excited about? Unusual color and pattern mixing—polka dots always!

Wardrobe Whisperer: @fashionfixmn

Lindsey Froemming from Fashion Fix

Lindsey Froemming/ Fashion Fix

What if your wardrobe woes could be solved in a 60-second Instagram reel? That’s the magic of local wardrobe consultant Lindsey Froemming—the CEO and lead stylist behind Fashion Fix. Known for her interactive reels, practical fashion advice, and daily encouragements, Froemming creates content with one simple goal in mind: helping women change wardrobes, not their bodies.

“When I created Fashion Fix, I was thinking about women who want to look good but have a lot of barriers. Barries like budget and access. Or deeper ones like body dysmorphia, disordered eating, or postpartum,” shares Froemming. “I want Fashion Fix to be a safe landing place in a world where style messaging can be really noisy.”

Lindsey’s Favorites:

Signature piece you can’t live without? My vintage coach purse

Favorite local boutique or thrift spot? The Bloomington Goodwill and Jenny In The City in St. Paul

One trend you’ll never subscribe to? Dumping on fast fashion. I believe a sustainable wardrobe is a wardrobe you don’t see as disposable. If you aren’t buying clothes that fit your shape, style, and life you will end up getting rid of them whether you bought them from Old Navy or Nordstrom.

Dream fashion collaboration? Maurice’s.I know it’s not the most glamorous or sexy brand, but they are a Minnesota company that offers inclusive sizing and are budget friendly.

One fall/winter 2026 trend you’re excited about? The ’90s mom look is still going strong, and it will through this fall and winter. I am here for it!

Local Lens: @whereshewore

Hannah Swenson of Where She Weore

Hannah Swenson

Known by followers as “where she wore,” Hannah Swenson is the eyes and ears of all things Twin Cities fashion, sharing her favorite boutiques, vintage shops, runway shows, markets, and designers with her active online community. An avid lover of vintage, Swenson describes her style as both classic and unexpected, a visual ode to her passion for supporting small businesses and shopping sustainably.

“Fashion is always changing, and I find new inspiration every day,” says Swenson. “I love incorporating high and low pieces, vintage and new, and discovering new ways to style pieces I already own.”

Those seeking a similar mode of inspiration will find no shortage on Swenson’s page, whether it’s a new way to wear an old trend, a swoon-worthy stylized fashion shoot, or the next can’t-miss event of the weekend.

Hannah’s Favorites:

Signature piece you can’t live without? A vintage men’s blazer

Favorite local boutique or vintage shop? I love Olio in Northeast Minneapolis and thrifting at Uplift North, Arc’s, and Savers. Parc has fantastic basics, too.

One trend you’ll never subscribe to? Low-rise pants of any kind

Dream fashion collaboration? Chloe x Wales Bonner

One fall/winter 2026 trend you’re excited about? Lingerie-inspired lace. I love pairing it with oversized, masculine pieces.

Street-Style Edge: @flygrllifestyle

Chanelle Whimper

Chanelle Whimper

Wardrobe consultant, designer, and MartinPatrick3 stylist Chanelle Whimper would best describe her boundary-pushing style as “tomboy-chic,” an alluring mix of sporty basics, eclectic accessories, and bold pops of color. She first got her start in the fashion space by selling a line of thrifted jackets for kids, and soon thereafter, “Fly Girl Lifestyle” was born, a personal styling service and embodiment of her stop-you-in-your-tracks everyday street style (which has amassed an Instagram following of nearly 40,000).

“Style isn’t about perfection or chasing trends, it’s about discovering what makes you feel good… what makes you feel fly! If my content can help someone trust their instincts, try something new, or feel a little more fly in their everyday life, then I’ve done my job,” says Whimper.

Chanelle’s Favorites:

Signature piece you can’t live without? My glasses and my hats

Favorite local boutique or vintage shop? Urban Jungle and Chromatic

One trend you’ll never subscribe to? I will never not repeat an outfit. I deem myself as a serial outfit repeater, and I always will be that.

Dream fashion collaboration? Eyeglasses collab with Spike Lee

One fall/winter 2026 trend you’re excited about? I’m excited about the long coats, the cozy hats, and chunky boots