Sitting down with Charli D’Amelio, it’s obvious she’s grown far beyond the girl we first met on our For You Pages. She has evolved into a high-fashion fixture, and we’ve had a front-row seat to her style evolution.
Fashion shapes our identity, it’s one of the first stories we tell about ourselves—where we come from, what we value, and what we secretly wish we were brave enough to say out loud. Our clothes walk into the room before we do. We all have fashion regrets; some of mine include a Hello Kitty phase, a goth era, and a Rick Owens phase heavily influenced by a streetwear-obsessed ex-boyfriend (who spent more time on Grailed than on me).
But those "fashion eras" we cringe at now were the building blocks of our current identity. I caught up with Charli to talk about navigating that growth with millions of eyes watching, and how she finds what pieces speak to her.
Ava: We’ve all watched your style journey evolve over the years. Looking back at your past style, what's one trend you wore that makes you cringe?
Charli: Honestly, I don't love to knock my younger self, because she was just doing her best. But I would say the galaxy leggings and the donut-print leggings that I used to wear... we could have done without those. But it’s okay, I admire them now.
Working with Prada since the age of 15, Charli has witnessed the house's transformation firsthand. Having officially signed as a brand ambassador in 2025, she continues to be a key face for the house today.
Ava: You’ve become such a fixture in the high-fashion world recently. How has working with iconic houses changed the way you dress?
Charli: I was very lucky to start working with Prada when I was 15, back when I really didn't have a sense of style. Over the years, I've kind of grown up with the brand and seen it change. Through that, I've been able to find what really speaks to me—it's been an amazing partnership from the beginning, and I'm excited to see where it goes.
Ava is a Creative Editor at OOTD. She moved to New York City at 18 to pursue a career in fashion and now covers your favorite fashion figures, events, and trends.
Charli’s current look is a collaborative effort with her stylist, Carlee Barrow. Together, they ensure every detail is intentional. Much of her style evolution is inspired by the people she spends every day with—and of course, the “First Lady of Coachella” herself, Hailey Bieber.
Ava: How would you describe your current style?
Charli: I think my current style is a little all over the place. It matches however I'm feeling, whether that's in a black sweatsuit or a nice dress and high heels. I really just like to wear whatever I feel comfortable in for the day, but I always try my best to make it cohesive with how I'm feeling on the inside.
Ava: Has anyone in particular influenced the way you put those looks together?
Charli: I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from my friends and the people I spend every day with. But also, working with different stylists—especially now, my stylist Carlee and I kind of work together to figure out exactly what we're looking for and being really intentional about every outfit we step out in. Someone who's been on my mind lately is Hailey Bieber—she's just so classy, chic, and elegant. I’d also say I would want my friend Maya Boyd’s closet, because that girl really knows how to dress.
Ava: I love to say that a closet that’s "all over the place" isn't a mess, it’s a reflection of a multifaceted life. But even with a variety of styles, I think everyone still needs their staple items that tie everything together. What is one staple item you think everyone should invest in by the time they're 20?
Charli: Invest in good quality accessories, whether that's jewelry, shoes, or bags. You can find a lot of vintage shoes, and as long as you have a good cobbler, it doesn't matter. That's the best way to do things: wear your shoes into the ground, get them fixed, and wear them all over again.
Ava: Speaking of staples, we’ve been calling the Kate Spade Duo the 'Hannah Montana' bag because it really does give you the best of both worlds—switching from a day in the office to a night out in New York with ease. What’s your favorite quality about Kate Spade bags?
Charli: Probably the versatility. I think there's so much you can do with one bag, whether it's a clutch, a crossbody, or a shoulder bag. I love the fact that one purse can be eight different purses.
Proving the power of this versatile staple, Charli was recently spotted pairing her metallic silver Kate Spade Duo Bag with a chic, off-the-shoulder black knit and a flowing midi skirt. The skirt’s shimmering, multi-colored striped waistband perfectly complements the high-shine finish of the bag, while delicate strappy heels pulled the entire look together for a sophisticated, "off-duty" street style moment.
From our For You Page to Front Row, Charli’s style evolution reminds us what fashion is really about: not chasing trends, but the ongoing process of discovering, refining, and owning your identity through what you wear.
