After starring as the title character in Disney's Moana last year, Auli'i Cravalho has become a household name and the youngest actress to ever voice a Disney heroine. She was cast as Moana when she was just 14, at 16 performed "How Far I'll Go" at the 2017 Oscars with Lin-Manuel Miranda, and she's still just getting started. When she's not flying around the country or doing her homework on the beach, the Hawaiian actress has been shooting the upcoming Rise for NBC, which follows a high school drama program and the impact it has on its small town. She was also just recently named the brand ambassador for WallFlower Jeans' back-to-school #FeelingIt campaign, following in the WallFlower girl footsteps of stars like Katherine McNamara, Bella Thorne and Sarah Hyland.
Long story short, this girl shows no signs of slowing down, but she did find time to chat with us and share her favorite styling tips, go-to musical artists and the mantras that keep her going despite her crazy schedule.
Her Campus: You're the new face of WallFlower Jeans, which is so exciting! Denim is easy to dress up or down—what are some of your favorite ways to style the jeans from the new collection?
Auli'i Cravalho: I personally love to style denim-on-denim looks, especially when you can pair it with a bright shoe! And you can never go wrong with a pair of well-fitting jeans and a white shirt; it's clean, simple and timeless.
HC: The #FeelingIt message is so important. Where do you get your fashion inspiration?
AC: I've always thought of inspiration as a feeling. I get inspired by swing music to wear polka dots, I wander into a shop and search until I find the piece that makes me light up. My style is myself personified. The message #FeelingIt is just that, allowing yourself to play with fashion to your heart’s content, but also simply asking, does this make you feel like you? And if the answer is yes, you're on the right path.
HC: We see you dressed up and super glam on the red carpet and at events, but what does an everyday outfit look like for you when you're just working or on the go?
AC: I love dressing up for different occasions, but styling everyday looks are my favorite! A pair of wonderfully fitting jeans are almost always the base, whether they're skinny, boot cut or even a pair of bell bottoms. I like pairing that with a good graphic tee, and chunky heels. Oh! And don't be afraid of accessorizing with some costume jewelry! A bold ring or a graphic earring can be super fun, and not too expensive either.
HC: "How Far I'll Go" is such a power anthem. Do you have any favorite songs to get you pumped up or inspired?
AC: My taste in music changes every day, hour and minute, but songs and artists that touch my heart remain my inspiration for some time. "How Far I'll Go" is definitely one of those songs stuck in my heart and my head. My favorite artists are currently Matt Corby, Leon Bridges and French artist, Stromae. They've each got so much to share, and never fail to inspire me.
HC: What's one of the most surreal things that has happened since Moana premiered? (Besides getting to represent WallFlower Jeans, of course.)
AC: Performing at the Oscars, singing the National Anthem at the National Memorial Day Concert and booking an NBC series! I've been so blessed with all of these opportunities, and it all started with Moana! I'm so, so grateful!!
HC: With your crazy schedule of filming, performing and traveling, how do you balance everything? Any advice for staying sane when you're super busy?
AC: Finding a balance in a career like this is most certainly a challenge, but that really is the key—finding the balance, and taking time for your health being most important to put into that balance. My advice is the same, being physically drained is utterly different from being mentally drained. Calling the end of a long day is necessary in the case of the latter, and that's okay.
HC: Finally, what's your favorite inspirational quote/mantra?
AC: "Just breathe", "Laugh often" and "Carpe diem." The three remind me that there's always enough time, there can never be too much laughter and to "seize the day."