This 50-Year-Old Mom Went Viral on TikTok for Her Style—See Her Summer Staples

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(Image credit: @ELLAPOTTERSAYS)

When I first saw a video of Larissa Mills and her daughter Ella on TikTok, I immediately hit the follow button. As someone who lurks on social media almost daily doing sartorial research, things can often get repetitive. But with Mills, I am always excited to see what outfit she and her daughter will be sporting for the day. When I asked her to describe her style, she said it was "classic, undone, simple, tailored and feminine. I put detail on form as well as function. I don't like 'perfect' style. If something looks too well matched or too done, I’ll need to mess it up a little." I've said this before, but at 50 years old, Mills is living proof that trends and style have absolutely no age limit. I'm 23, and I find myself hitting the save button on many of her outfits.

While she's already shared with us her wardrobe staples, I just had to know more. This time, I asked about the pieces she relies on for the summertime, and she certainly delivered. Needless to say, I'm influenced yet again. Keep scrolling to shop her summer picks. (I know I am.)

Mid-Thigh Shorts

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(Image credit: @ELLAPOTTERSAYS)

"Levis high-waisted, mid-thigh jean shorts are my favorite. They're classic, flattering, and very functional. They can be worn with a body suit and flip-flops for a super casual look or a long-sleeve silk blouse, low-heeled sandals, great jewelry, and bag to look polished and chic."—Larissa Mills

Linen Shirts

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(Image credit: @ELLAPOTTERSAYS)

"Long-sleeve linen shirts by Left on Friday or J.Crew are the epitome of form and function. They are ideal for warm days and evenings. They're soft, so I can tie them in different ways depending on whether I'm wearing a high-waisted or low-waisted pant."—Mills

Vintage Crossbody Bags

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(Image credit: @ELLAPOTTERSAYS)

"I love vintage crossbody bags—my favorites are from Fendi, Gucci, and Prada. In the winter, I tend to stuff my phone and wallet in my jackets but in the summer I don't have that option. I love the crossbody because it's less fussy and I don't have to worry about leaving it somewhere."—Mills

Linen Pants

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(Image credit: @ELLAPOTTERSAYS)

"I own linen pants in white, black, and tan from Posse but I also have many from a small boutique in Mexico called Ziva Tulum. They're effortlessly chic for summer and so versatile. I can go grocery shopping in them with a tank and flip-flops during the day and then throw on a striped oxford, blazer, and great jewelry for night."—Mills

Great Sunglasses

"Great sunglasses are a must-have. For me, Smith glasses have been a staple for years but I am also loving Oscar x Frank for more statement-looking ones."—Mills

Black Slip Dress

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(Image credit: @ELLAPOTTERSAYS)

"I love a black mid-calf silk slip dress. They're popular right now, but for me, they're always popular. I have a Miu Miu black silk slip dress and it's one of my best purchases. I've worn it at least three times every summer for the last 20 years and it's still a favorite."—Mills

Staple Jewelry

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(Image credit: @ELLAPOTTERSAYS)

"I'm so covered up in the winter so a big star staple in the summer for me is jewelry—necklaces, bracelets, and watches in particular. I love my Cartier tank watch as a staple, and then I add newer and more fun ones to layer like my SC Collection pearls, Ella cross earrings, and Coutukitsch zodiac/snake charm necklaces, and hoop/charm earrings. Love!"—Mills

Next, Thanks, TikTok: The 38 Viral Amazon Items I Wish I Bought Sooner

Associate Fashion Editor
Yusra Siddiqui is an editor who resides in New Jersey but bounces between the suburbs and NYC. (She's a Jersey girl at heart.) After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, she found her way to the team after graduating from LIM College in 2022 with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, and Nylon, but she always knew that Who What Wear was where she was meant to be. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest thing fellow Gen Zers are up to on the internet, and sharing what she can about the modest-fashion market. You can also catch her dabbling in entertainment, talking about the costume choices of the latest Netflix series or diving deeper into how the plotline affects the viewers in a myriad of ways. Lastly, she likes to create content for Who What Wear's TikTok. Her personal time is spent doing similar but also different things—deep diving into almost every new TV show (Bridgerton, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things are favorites), planning her next local getaway (whenever that may be), and reading the latest Emily Henry or Sally Rooney novel in one sitting.