Twenty-year-old Delaney Bryant, aka UFOLaney, is sure to be your next favorite stylist and fashion lover on TikTok. From accessorizing her outfits with funky hats and big chunky Marni earrings, to shoulder bags in varying color ways, Delaney offers sage advice about where to find the best fashion deals on eBay and how to express your style. SHEESH! had the pleasure to sit down and talk to Delany about all things fashion, including our mutual adoration for everything and anything Rick Owens. Take a peek inside her closet while finding out more about her favorite pieces down below.
MONDAY
UFOLaney: “It was a gloomy cold day so I decided to throw some random colorful pieces together. I rented this mens jacket from Seasons, it’s Saturdays NYC. My blouse is also from Paloma Spain, my best friend Nicho gifted it to me. My pants are thrifted, and my purse was also a gift!”
What initially drew you to fashion and styling?
I have always been obsessed with fashion from a very young age. When I was a toddler I was obsessed with hats and would always try to wear them every second. Crazy hats, funky hats, it didn’t matter. I was very into accessorizing from a young age and when I first entered high school I started to develop my own style. I became interested in the actual art of fashion, so I developed my sense of style and interest from a more educated stand point. I began watching documentaries about fashion and reading magazines like iD and Vogue which made me pay attention to how people dressed.
What are some things about fashion that annoy you?
I would say that the fashion industry annoys me. The elitism is insane and it’s apparent even on TikTok even though it’s supposed to be an app that encourages differences and you don’t have to be a professional to have an opinion on fashion. A lot of people act like you do need to be a higher-up and I always say I wouldn’t work in the fashion industry even though I am obsessed with it.
What are some things about fashion that create joy for you?
The fact that there are no rules. I can show up in a completely different vibe from the day before. I could be wearing a fully thrifted look or something extremely trendy, and it looks straight off Fashion Nova, or I could wear an item with a crazy silhouette that makes no sense and makes people go, “What are you wearing?” You can have so many different vibes and aesthetics and people are going to be like, “Wow, that’s actually really cool.” It’s really wonderful how you can play different characters with your look.
TUESDAY
UFOLaney: “This outfit is a little funky, my roommate is absolutely disgusted by my unironic love for Crocs. I thrifted this mesh top with The Shining twins and layered a Charlotte Knowles top over it. And some baggy khakis! Perfect fit for walking around.”
Any advice for people trying to figure out their style?
Try everything! You won’t know what your own style is until you start dressing in everything and find out what looks good on you and what makes you feel amazing. I would also say to start surrounding yourself with creative people. I have so many friends who are extremely talented and interested in fashion and art. One of my friends, Liana, is the mastermind behind the Lazy Oaf Melissa installation in Soho and it’s so beautiful and amazing. My other friend Eve is very into archive fashion and has every Vivienne Westwood piece and is very influenced by Japanese style. My friend Emily is also the same way and she has this amazing archive of clothing, but is also a scientist and she’s getting her PhD. Surrounding yourself with a ton of people who are into the same things that you are but also a little bit different.
What are some of your favorite pieces in your wardrobe?
I have so many for so many different reasons. I have this one pair of jeans that my mom bought me four years ago and they are so ill-fitting, but now they are trendy because they are so baggy and disturbingly old. They have now become one of my favorite pieces to wear. I wear them at least once a week and I pair them with a corset, hoodie, or Rick Owens top. I love a good pair of decrepit jeans. On the nicer side, I love every blouse that I have ever bought. I am obsessed with blouses especially ones that have an interesting take and are good quality.
WEDNESDAY
UFOLaney: “Here is my ‘dressing up to chill at home’ outfit. I’m wearing a vintage Mugler blazer I got for $20! It has the cutest little star cutouts. I also thrifted my La Perla corset and necklace. My skirt is Todd Oldham Spring/Summer 1994, I scored it on Ebay for such a good price! My tights are Maison Soski and my shoes are from Amazon.”
What fashion staples do you think everyone should own?
I would definitely say a black A-line mini skirt. I went thrifting in my sophomore year of high school and I found this black mini skirt that is my favorite to this day. It is such a good staple piece and you can also thrift it. Everyone should get one because they are so versatile and I swear you are going to wear it five times a week, because I always want too! They have such a good line and they look good with everything.
What are your go-to accessories?
I love a chain belt. They are really fun and you can throw them on top of a dress or even a swimsuit. When I go swimming I like to wear a chain belt to make the bathing suit pop.
How would you define your style?
I don’t have a clear aesthetic. One day I am a Gossip Girl character and the next a tomboy. I get a lot of inspiration from elderly people on the street, especially in Chinatown. I think they have the best sense of style.
THURSDAY
UFOLaney: “I’m wearing a Hysteric Glamour x Andy Warhol dress I got for dirt cheap, and this Danielle Guizio cardigan I wear at least once a week. Every winter I try to splurge on one staple knit piece because I know I’ll wear it a million different times. My necklaces are made by Tachibana Zakkaten and I got them from one of my fave spots, Shop Country Of. My rings are Mon Cher Moi and La Manso, and my crochet gloves and hat are from @0000kaylee on depop. My purse is beaded and vintage from the 50s. My mom’s friend gave it to me in high school.”
Your favorite style icons?
I go back to pop culture moments a lot. In high school my favorite style icon was Alicia Silverstone in Clueless. I wore a tennis skirt almost everyday for two years and I was her for Halloween two years in a row, too. It was lowkey an obsession, but I love that style. I love romantic comedies from the early 2000s because of how those girls dressed. Pop culture definitely gets me going.
Where do you get inspiration for your TikTok fashion and styling videos?
Once I really started getting into TikTok, I made whatever came to the top of my head. I thought I couldn’t be a TikToker or an influencer because I don’t have the audacity. Nonetheless, I started to realize with TikTok there is literally no pressure and I can make whatever on this app. I really had no idea how I would execute my styling and fashion hot takes, but I ran with them and they started to gain traction. From there I was introduced to fashion TikTok, which I didn’t even know existed and I thought it was so cool.
FRIDAY
UFOLaney: “I don’t party in the pandemic, but if I did this is what I would wear out. This piece is made by one of my dear friends Alessia, her brand is SAMPL_D. It’s a reworked vintage lingerie piece! My belt is something I got a hold of working at a vintage store, a 1994 Chanel chain belt. My boots are Vagabond, I wear them more than I wear flats. And my bag is Vivienne Westwood!”
What are your favorite platforms to find clothes?
I make so many videos about eBay. I want everyone to love eBay as much as I do and to start using it as much as me, I think it’s definitely much better than Depop. I also really like Poshmark, too, because it’s really ideal since there are so many people clearing out their closets and they are also extremely professional.
What are some pieces on your wishlist?
I really want a pair of Rick Owens boots, the Kiss boots specifically. Everything he touches is fire. I want a pair of Tabi boots. I love Tabi boots, I’ve wanted them for so long but I have been afraid of spending so much on one item, but one day.
Anything we can look out for in the future?
Once I finish school and settle a bit more, I will definitely be venturing out into creating a size inclusive brand. I find many indie or small boutique brands completely miss the mark on that. So my ultimate goal is to create a size inclusive fashion line.
Go support and check out more of UFOLaney via her TikTok and Instagram!
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
