Fashion creator Lilli Van describes her Melbourne wardrobe as a “costume closet” full of mismatched chaos. The creator, who works as a social media coordinator, is a self-described maximalist who has always prioritized bold expression over trends. Her closet is a curated mess of colors and patterns where florals sit beside polka dots and vintage fur jackets hang next to voluminous skirts, creating a look that recalls a 2000s movie set.
From Bratz Boots to The Clique
Van’s style developed early, influenced heavily by teen media. As a teenager in Canberra, she wore eight-inch Bratz-inspired boots and a large vintage fur coat, often facing judgment in a city with a limited fashion scene. She credits her parents and her creative, uniform-free school environment for allowing her to experiment freely. “I’ve never felt like I needed to fit into any box,” Van said.
Her love for 2000s aesthetics runs deep. She was obsessed with the film The Clique, leading her to ask for a mannequin torso for Christmas so she could plan outfits. She also drew inspiration from Angela Anaconda and Bottle Top Bill for her creative video edits. Van says her style is always evolving, often decided by layering every item in her closet until something works.
She relies on investment pieces that have stood the test of time. One of her most treasured items is a long coat with faux fur lining, purchased at a market in Canberra. She and her mother split the cost, and she has worn it through many winters since.
Local Melbourne brands are a staple of her wardrobe. Homie is a favorite for its social enterprise focus, while Variety Hour is another label she wears constantly. She often spots people wearing Variety Hour pieces on the street, noting that she feels most like herself when wearing their distinctive patterns.
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Personal Style Evolution
Van’s approach to fashion is all about experimentation and having fun. She loves to layer clothes and try out new combinations of colors and patterns. This approach has led to the creation of some truly unique and bold outfits, which have become a hallmark of her personal style. Whether she’s pairing bright, eye-catching tights with a flowy skirt or layering a vintage fur jacket over a patterned dress, Van is always pushing the boundaries of fashion and self-expression.
One of the key elements of Van’s personal style is her love of investment pieces. She believes in spending money on high-quality, timeless items that will stand the test of time, rather than fast fashion that may quickly go out of style. One of her favorite investment pieces is a long coat with faux fur lining that she found at a market in Canberra. She fell in love with the coat instantly and, with the help of her mother, was able to purchase it. The coat has been a staple of her wardrobe ever since, and she loves it just as much as the day she bought it.
Van’s personal style is also influenced by her love of nostalgia and play. She often finds inspiration in the pop-up books that her mother used to buy her as a child. These books feature interactive paper dollhouses and detailed, flowy dresses that spark her imagination and creativity. By adopting her inner child and leaning into play, Van is able to create a sense of wonder and magic in her fashion choices, which is reflected in her bold and quirky sense of style.
As for whose wardrobe she would steal if she could, Van has a clear answer: Reece Witherspoon. She is particularly fond of Witherspoon’s iconic wardrobe from the movie Legally Blonde, which features a array of colorful and stylish outfits. Van loves the idea of keeping all of those iconic pieces and accessories, and believes that they would be a great addition to her own wardrobe. With her love of bold colors and patterns, it’s no surprise that Van would be drawn to Witherspoon’s stylish and playful sense of style.