Generations of Style: Mother's Day Edition

Style is often a reflection of where we’ve been. This Mother’s Day, we’re looking back at the women who influenced us first—and how their presence continues to shape the way we dress, create, and express ourselves.

 

 

Meet Elise

@eliseapfell

1) How has your mom influenced your sense of style?

I love imagining her reading that question because for a long time she did not consider herself a stylish or fashionable person at all. About 10 years ago she let her hair go naturally silver and it sent her on a whole new style discovery journey. I think we would both say I really took the reins there and became her stylist and personal shopper, a role I will never let her fire me from! Her influence on my style came largely from the freedom she gave me to be myself. So many awkward middle school and high school years of thrifted ensembles and kitschy vintage pieces, and she would only ever tell me how cute and stylish I was. Bless her. 

2) What is the best fashion advice you received from your mom?

I can't think of a direct quip or quote, but she always encouraged me to learn to sew and upcycle (before that was even a term). She bought me a sewing machine when I was in high school and I still like to tailor, upcycle, and mend my own clothes.  

3) Since this campaign is all about recreating a vintage photo, what decade of fashion do you love best and why?

Late 1960's, early 1970's. Something in between Paris in the 60's and California in the 70's is where my style likes to be. Marianne Faithful, Francoise Hardy, Joni Mitchell, Jane Birkin of course. Now that I think about it, maybe I just like a good set of bangs. 

Meet Mikki

@momikki

How has your mom influenced your sense of style?

My mom is self-admittedly not very stylish but I think this had a major impact on me because it allowed me the freedom to cultivate a style of my own. She really allowed me to express myself through clothes as a kid, which often led to mismatched items, baggy ensembles and constant shifting of aesthetic based on my most recent pop cultural icons — whether that be the ladies from Clueless, the Spice Girls, or my favorite Disney Channel stars.

She is also a very practical person when it comes to fashion, so as an adult, I have an intentionality about how I shop. Only buying pieces that I need and love versus having a closet filled with lackluster items that I regret buying. 

What is the best fashion advice you received from your mom?

I remember I had this silly notion, steeped in capitalism, that repeating outfits was taboo and I had to wear something different every day (and I'm still working on loosening my grip on it!) My mom was aghast by this and called it out as being ridiculous which is totally true.  

Since this campaign is all about recreating a vintage photo, what decade of fashion do you love best and why?

I love 90s fashion the best because it has so much range. People often cite minimalism as the key aesthetic which I love for simplicity’s sake, but the 90s also gave women the flexibility to play with shape, texture, and patterns through hip-hop streetwear and grunge, which is what makes me feel the most free in my body.

 

Meet Moana

@moanahana

How has your mom influenced your sense of style?

I’ve been influenced by my mom’s style for as long as I can remember. As a little girl, I loved playing dress-up in her clothes, which is such a special memory for me. She had the most beautiful pieces—gorgeous fabrics, classic styles, and timeless prints—and an effortless eye for accessories and putting everything together. Her style is effortless, sophisticated, and elegant, and it always has been.

What is the best fashion advice you received from your mom?

The best example she’s set for me is how she carries herself. She always reminded me that it’s your inner self that shines—not just the clothing, but how you express yourself in it. She showed me that great style comes from embracing who you are, and that’s shaped both my sense of style and how I approach getting dressed.

 

Since this campaign is all about recreating a vintage photo, what decade of fashion do you love best and why?

I usually don’t connect to just one specific decade of vintage fashion. I’m more inspired by certain aesthetics within different eras but if I had to pick one, it’d be the 90’s. I’ve always loved the more minimal, effortlessness of 90’s fashion. There’s something so understated about the silhouettes—simple, neutral pieces that feel relaxed but still really put together. It has that “model off-duty” energy that doesn’t try too hard but still feels elevated. I’m drawn to how timeless it is too—it still feels just as relevant today.

 

Meet Lena

@lenasivjensen

How has your mom influenced your sense of style?

My mom lived through the 90's, so seeing all her old photos inspire me to follow just that.

What is the best fashion advice you received from your mom?

To be confident in anything that I'm wearing!

Since this campaign is all about recreating a vintage photo, what decade of fashion do you love best and why?

Definitely the 90's! I love that it's casual, minimal, but you can also add your own little twist to it.

 

 

A reminder that the pieces we wear often carry a little bit of where we came from.

 

xx,

The Just Black Denim Team