The 51-year-old mother from Massachusetts is becoming an unlikely style icon
A 51-year-old mother has become an unlikely style icon after her teenage daughter started flaunting her chic looks on TikTok.
Larissa Mills, of Beverly, Massachusetts, has landed a string of big deals with the likes of Gap and Anthropologie after making her debut on the video-sharing platform last year.
She has since spoken about the assumption that “you can no longer be seen as a fashionable person in your own way” after becoming a mother – and now encourages others to show their own style.
Here, FEMAIL reveals how an accidental social media post put Larissa in the spotlight.
Larissa Mills, from Beverly, Massachusetts, has become an unlikely style icon after her teenage daughter started flaunting her chic looks on TikTok
Larissa’s journey started when her teenage daughter posted a TikTok clip that quickly went viral
In March 2022, Larissa’s daughter Ella, then 17, took to TikTok with a casual video of her mother walking through the family kitchen.
She uploaded the clip as part of the trend asking people to “show your mom and then your pantry.”
And when the teen put Larissa in front of the camera, she looked effortlessly chic.
Larissa wore black pants, a blue shirt and Converse before teaming the look with a beige overcoat — and followers were mesmerized.
In March 2022, Larissa’s daughter Ella, then 17, took to TikTok with a casual video of her mother walking through the family kitchen
Social media users showered the clip with praise for the unlikely style guru, saying they were now ‘obsessed’
The video quickly took off and to date has more than 7.3 million views, with social media users showering the clip with praise for the unlikely style guru.
Many said they were now “obsessed” with Larissa, as one urged, “Must see more of her outfits!”
Another simply added, “I want to be her omg.”
And a third said, “She’s a really quiet fashion icon!”
This is where Larissa’s whirlwind journey into the fashion industry began.
How the 51-year-old teamed up with her daughter to capitalize on the spotlight
Ella began regularly posting “outfit of the day” clips on her page, which showcased her mother’s signature style.
Larissa’s wardrobe consists of relaxed silhouettes, high-quality basics and a variety of brands – both high and low-end.
She has often said that the foundation of her outfits is always comfort, but she is also a sucker for texture.
Previously giving fashion advice to Who wears whatLarissa, who is 5ft 4in, said that ‘flip-flops instantly make any outfit less of a hassle’ and praised ‘the lengthening effect that wearing one color gives’.
Ella began regularly posting “outfit of the day” clips on her page that showcased her mother’s signature style
The style icon also added that she “would never save a special piece of jewelry for an event” — often pairing it with sweatpants or a tee instead.
And thousands of fashion fans have taken her advice and her content is regularly received with hymns.
Larissa now has over 201,000 followers on Instagram and daughter Ella has over 248,000 fans on TikTok.
The 51-year-old previously spoke of the growing interest in her wardrobe.
Larissa’s wardrobe consists of relaxed silhouettes, high quality basics and a variety of brands – both high and low end
Previously, Larissa, who is 5ft 6in, gave fashion advice to Who What Wear, praising “the lengthening effect that wearing one color gives”
She said Fashionista“I think it’s weird that the mom thing still sticks around — like, once you’re a mom, you cut your hair and you can no longer be seen as a fashionable person in your own right.”
Elaborate on her new found fame, she said: “I get a lot of DMs about this – for being 50 and not having given up.
“I also get parenting DMs saying, “I wish my mom was more supportive,” or, “I want to be in a relationship like yours.”
“So there’s something that I feel is an emotional component to committing to a relationship.”
The popularity of the style guru reached new heights after making deals with major brands
It didn’t take long for Larissa to catch the attention of some major brands, including Anthropologie, Gap, and Jenni Kayne.
Last month, Larissa appeared on Anthropologie’s TikTok account in a series of paid collaboration clips.
One was titled, “The styling class is in session with #AnthroAmbassador Larissa Mills, and we’re taking notes.”
She stepped out in a striking ensemble that consisted of Larroudé Kate Patent Leather Boots ($485), a Sadie Halter Tie Dress ($248), a Nadya Belt Bag ($38), and a Maeve Double-Breasted Blazer ($170).
It didn’t take long for Larissa (pictured on set) to catch the eye of some major brands including Anthropologie, Gap and Jenni Kayne
And in another clip for the brand, she slipped into something a little more risky with Anthropologie captioning the video, “Who’s that girl?” None other than the incredibly stunning Larissa Mills.’
It is unknown how much Larissa made from the deal, but it is not the only paid partnership she has been offered since she was thrust into the spotlight.
She and daughter Ella have also posted a series of promotional videos for Gap.
In one, Larissa gushed about the brand as she said, “I can’t believe I’ve been wearing Gap since I was in high school.”
Last month, Larissa appeared on Anthropologie’s TikTok account in a series of paid collaboration clips
She said she had continued to love it through the different stages of her life and even put her kids, including Ella, in Baby Gap clothes.
The duo then showed off their Gap ensembles as they listed the items display – and fashion fans loved it.
Most recently, Larissa, who now describes herself on LinkedIn as a “Fashion Content Creator,” was featured in ads for high-end lifestyle brand Jenni Kayne.
Neither Larissa nor Ella have revealed what’s next for the mother-daughter duo, but thousands of fans hope they continue to provide style inspiration.