Minneapolis rap star Lizzo talks style, confidence and shopping

August 18, 2014 at 3:19PM
Lizzo performed at Rock the Gardens on Saturday. ] Her outfit was from B.Resale MONICA HERNDON monica.herndon@startribune.com Falcon Heights, MN 06/21/2014
Lizzo (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Minneapolis rap star Lizzo's style is as raucously inventive as the lyrics that flow from her red lips. "Thrift store shopping look like Anna Wintour," the 26-year-old sings on the lead single, "Batches and Cookies," off her debut album, "Lizzobangers."

Whether she's rocking a marching band jacket, a gold fanny pack or a floral dress with Jordan high-tops, Lizzo keeps us guessing — and definitely entertained.

Describe your style: "It's evolved into a very sporty look, but with a classic — I don't know — 'Mommy let me dress myself today' chic. Let's just say that."

What's a staple in your wardrobe? "I love kimonos because you can just throw them on over anything. Ever since I got my first kimono from Lane Bryant in high school and thought, 'This is amazing, I can wear it with everything!' "

Where do you shop? "B. Resale, my friends' closets, Ragstock, H&M, Urban Outfitters, Buffalo Exchange. I don't really shop a lot. I order things online. When I travel, I'll get some pieces along the way."

On Instagram, you have a gold fanny pack. Explain. "I was wearing a flannel around my waist a year ago and now that's become really vogue, so I've moved on to fanny packs. It's a great waist cincher. My friend Mark thought I needed a gold fanny pack, and I've been wearing it ever since. You can put everything in them and you don't have to carry a purse."

You embrace your curves with class. Do you have any advice for other how women can do the same? "Dress for your body type. Some people are blessed enough to be able to throw on something that Beyoncé wears and it looks amazing. If I try to go against the grain, and wear something that my body doesn't like, it's going to show. I like to cover all bases and make sure every part of me is comfortable."

How have your style influences changed? "I think I have the same style, but the people I'm influenced by has changed. I was dressing like Missy Elliot meets Beyoncé. With knee-high Adidas and Timberlands. Now I dress like Lizzo. I don't look to celebrities for style anymore because I've learned the chain of command. They are being dressed by a stylist who's getting inspiration from a 16-year-old kid running the streets of Melbourne, Australia. Once I learned that chain of command, I just started taking it to the streets."

Lizzo's next show is Sept. 27 at First Avenue with Caroline Smith. More info at Lizzomusic.com.

Grrrl Prty performed at the opening ceremony for Northern Spark in the Convention Center on Saturday night. ] MONICA HERNDON monica.herndon@startribune.com Minneapolis, MN 06/14/2014
Lizzo performed at the opening party at Northern Spark. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Lizzo performs during the first day of Rock the Garden. ] Rock the Gardens was held Saturday afternoon at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. MONICA HERNDON monica.herndon@startribune.com Minneapolis, MN 06/21/2014
Lizzo performs during the first day of Rock the Garden. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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