Social media gets a bad rap for being addictive, promoting unrealistic standards of perfection, and in some cases, even being a national security risk. (TikTok even faces a possible ban in the U.S. because of it!). But I prefer to view the internet in a more positive light: I see it as a place to scroll and find endless style inspiration. Case in point: My latest fashion follow, who describes herself as a “maximalist cat lady,” is making me consider taking more risks with my wardrobe—and reminding me to have more fun with it, too. Enter Eve-Lily Charlotte.
I first came across Eve-Lily’s content while mindlessly scrolling through TikTok one late evening. In her video, the creator and stylist—who is based in Manchester—was attempting to style a black beaded top. As she slipped on a bright pink mesh top and satin skirt underneath it, I was weary of the process—until she added a sculptural bolero, one single dangly earrings, and pointy Versace pumps. Combined, the maximalist ensemble, somehow, worked. “I call it ‘eclectic maximalism,’ as my outfits are inspired by a vast range of aesthetics and decades,” the creator tells Vogue of her personal style. “I’d say I rein it in a little more than a lot of maximalists, though: I’m quite strict with color theory and co-ordination, as well as sticking to more flattering silhouettes.”
Video: Courtesy of @evelilycp
I was instantly intrigued by her fearless approach to dressing. So much so, that I began to tune into more and more of the creator’s TikTok videos. “I have two main styles of TikToks,” Eve-Lily says. “One is my get-ready-with-mes, which are a lot more relaxed and off the cuff; my other TikTok style has a higher production value, and these will showcase a range of outfits, usually with some creative transitions.” No matter the format, her videos are all filled with amazing more-is-more outfits. In one clip, she will build an outfit around an orange feathered hat; in the next, she will channel a garden party vibe in a sunflower dress—with the matching headpiece, of course.
Turns out, Eve-Lily gets many of her statement items from the vintage and secondhand world. “I am still a charity shopper, as well as source pre-loved pieces on eBay, Vinted, Depop & Vestiaire,” she says. When she does look for new pieces—on sites like SSENSE and Farfetch—the creator enjoys perusing emerging labels such as T Label, Shone, and Shan Chen. “Chopova Lowena Carabiner skirts [are my weakness]—I have a collection of six now,” she says. “And shoes: I always run to the shoe section in charity shops, because I’m obsessed with dainty vintage kitten heels. I love me a weird ugly shoe to elevate a more toned down outfit, and give it a bit of personality.”
Video: Courtesy of @evelilycp
Watching Eve-Lily seamlessly navigate extra-bright tops or voluminous coats, there’s clearly no outfit concept too wacky or experimental her to try. It’s made me think a lot about my own approach to personal style; why am I so afraid of venturing outside of the box? For spring, should I be challenging myself to incorporate more outré garments into my looks? Her content has certainly acted as a crucial reminder that fashion is meant to be a form of self-expression.
Video: Courtesy of @evelilycp
Feeling inspired, I asked the creator where she gets ideas for her new ensembles or styling ideas. “I love recreating runway looks from my own wardrobe with layering, pinning, and creativity,” she says. “I also ask my followers on stories what they’d like to see me do.” Perhaps I should take to my Instagram or TikTok to source new outfit ideas. Actually, that sounds horrifying—but I will take her tips for pulling off maximalism, should I embrace it. “Confidence, creativity, and the acceptance of haters,” she says, is the trick. “I realized that having haters just means I’m doing something different and interesting, which is exactly what I want to be. That shift in mindset gave me so much more confidence in my style—which meant I carried it so much better, too.”
