Loves Impact On Style: Exploring Devon Lee Carlson’s Style Evolution

By: Libby Clark

It’s no secret the people we spend the most time with can have a major impact on our lives and personal style. Devon Lee Carlson, an internet sensation, fashion icon, and self-made "It" girl, has always been celebrated for her eclectic and effortless style. Known for co-founding Wildflower Cases, a phone case brand who often collaborates with celebrities and well-known brands, Devon has earned widespread admiration for her fashion sense. Throughout much of her time in the spotlight, she was in a relationship with Jesse Rutherford, lead singer of the alternative-indie band, The Neighbourhood. Their shared love for vintage and rock-inspired fashion heavily influenced her aesthetic. However, since their breakup, fans have noticed subtle shifts in Devon’s style that raise an interesting question: how much do the people we’re closest to truly shape the way we present ourselves to the world?

Through the Years

Devon Lee Carlson was an entrepreneur before she became an influencer — at just 17 years old, she started her business Wildflower Cases with her mom and sister, Sydney Carlson, in 2012. What began as a DIY project quickly turned into a multimillion-dollar brand after Miley Cyrus posted a photo of one of their cases on Twitter, launching them into the spotlight just as Instagram was gaining traction. Now, their cases can be seen on the phones of celebrities like Bella Hadid and Lana Del Rey. The cases are influenced by Devon and Sydney’s personal styles and always reflect the trends and spirit of the time.

2015-2016

A quick scroll through Devon’s early Instagram feed makes it clear she was an icon in the making. Her style was playful and feminine, with a carefree, California-girl vibe that perfectly captured the indie sleaze and boho aesthetics of the 2010s. A true party girl, she was often spotted attending Wildflower events and taking on Coachella with effortlessly cool outfits reflective of trends of the time, while also starting new ones. When she started dating Jesse Rutherford in 2015, his edgy style began to leave its mark on her look. Having worked at Vans, Journeys, Urban Outfitters, and the Active skate shop as a teen — and admitting he shopped at Hot Topic “inappropriately young” — Jesse’s laid-back grunge aesthetic was well established. As their relationship grew, their shared love of fashion became more obvious, which makes it all the more fitting they met at the mall!

2017-2018

Devon’s style started to shift, especially after she began modeling for Réalisation Par. She was often seen in their signature wrap dresses, paired with scrunchies, white chunky sneakers, and oversized jean jackets. Jesse was even seen wearing her clothes, never afraid to embrace his feminine side. His love for fashion extended to women’s wear too, something that started when he was younger, exploring the stores at his local mall, The Oaks. When the men’s section couldn’t keep up with his evolving style, he started shopping in women’s clothing. “Showing up in a Target women’s blouse or something was more interesting to me than wearing normal shit,” he said in an article for GQ.

2019-2020

By 2019, Devon and Jesse had become the couple, a style power duo that caught everyone's attention. As their relationship blossomed, so did their fashion choices. The pair shared an apartment an hour’s drive east of L.A., where their wardrobes reflected their evolving tastes. Jesse, still wearing punk tees, swapped his ripped jeans for designer versions and traded in his fishnet shirts for a more cultivated look. “It’s like wine — the older I get, the more my style matures,” he told GQ, though he admitted he was proud of taking all the fashion risks he did in his younger years. Devon, on the other hand, was playing more with patterns than ever before, incorporating a lot of colors and trendy brands like UNIF and Dolls Kill into her wardrobe. Her style deeply influenced by the ‘90s and early 2000s, something reflected in her work with Wildflower’s designs. She intuitively selected outfits that coordinated with Jesse’s, creating a cohesive look for both of them, as she explained: “Wherever we are, we want to make sure we look like we came together.”

2022-2023

In 2021, Devon and Jesse quietly and privately ended their six year relationship. Following her breakup, Devon's personal style continued to evolve, embracing a more refined and individualistic look. The split, which was devastating to fans, seemed to spark a shift in her fashion, as she returned to her roots, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Wildflower cases with a renewed sense of self. While her style remained eclectic, it became less edgy and more polished, reflecting her growth and newfound independence. However, her carefree and fun spirit was still present, seen in her choice of vibrant colors and playful accessories. Her wardrobe leaned toward sophisticated pieces, including high-profile moments like appearing in a Versace ad. A collaboration with Marc Jacobs and ambassadorship with Balenciaga, further cemented her status in the fashion world, boosting her fame and making it clear she was here to stay.

2023-Now

Since 2023, Devon Lee Carlson has continued to elevate her status in the fashion world, blending youthful exuberance with sophisticated elegance. She has been spotted at numerous AList fashion events, including the Valentino Spring/Summer 2025 Haute Couture show in Paris, where she was photographed arriving in a striking ensemble. She also walked in Proenza Schouler's Spring/Summer 2025 runway show marking a significant milestone and highlighting her growing style influence. Wildflower Cases continues to have significant colaborations as well; such as her collection with Sandy Liang, have also added to her fashion credentials. Her style has shifted to reflect a more mature, refined edge, while still maintaining the carefree energy that made her so popular. By effortlessly incorporating high-fashion pieces into her wardrobe and collaborating with top designers, Devon has solidified her status as a prominent figure in contemporary fashion.

The Role Love Plays

So, do relationships influence your wardrobe? Devon and Jesse’s relationship suggests that they might, and there’s some truth to this idea. When we connect with someone, especially in close relationships, their preferences and habits often become part of our own. This phenomenon can be explained by the psychological concept of mirroring — the unconscious imitation of another person’s gestures, behaviors, and even attitudes. Over time, we may start to adopt certain traits, from the music they listen to, to the way they dress, often without even realizing it.

This concept of mirroring extends beyond just adopting habits; it’s also about how we see ourselves in relation to others. The social groups we’re a part of—friends, family, and partners— shaping our identity and how we choose to express our personal style. As we spend more time with someone, their preferences begin to subtly shape our own sense of self making a balance between individuality and group identity crucial.

In close relationships, there’s often a desire to strengthen emotional bonds through shared experiences and common interests. The more secure we feel with someone, the more likely we are to adopt certain aspects of their lifestyle, both consciously and unconsciously. This adjustment isn’t about abandoning who we are but about finding that balance between individuality and shared identity, in the relationship. In the case of Devon and Jesse, their coordinating styles became a visual representation of their emotional bond and a sense of harmony and mutual influence.

Devon Lee Carlson isn’t the only celebrity whose style has evolved in the context of their relationships. Do you remember the Brad Pitt meme? It’s a series of images showcasing Brad Pitt alongside his then-girlfriends, each dressed in strikingly similar styles that reflect the influence of the women he’s with. Whether it’s a deliberate choice or a gradual, subconscious shift, coordinating your style with a partner reflects the same sense of commitment, unity, and love that forms the foundation of any romantic relationship. Over time, we’ve seen countless examples of celebrity couples whose shared fashion has become part of their identity.

Kim Kardashian’s style, for instance, was famously shaped by Kanye West’s artistic vision — a transformation so distinct many fans believe her fashion choices have felt noticeably different since their breakup. This pattern seems to have continued in his relationship with Bianca Censori, whose style has also evolved in ways that appear heavily influenced by his preferences. In both cases, this is an example of using fashion as a way to exert power over someone. When a partner’s vision takes center stage in how we dress, it can limit our ability to express ourselves creatively. In this way, relationships can restrict personal freedom, turning fashion into a tool for control rather than a form of individual expression.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, we have Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, along with Bella Hadid and her new cowboy boyfriend, Adan Banuelos. Their bold, fashion-forward looks have made them some of Hollywood’s most stylish new power couples. Each couple maintains their unique fashion identities while complementing one another. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky effortlessly blend streetwear and high fashion, pushing boundaries together while staying true to themselves. Meanwhile, Bella’s new relationship has inspired her to embrace a Western-inspired aesthetic, with cowboy hats, boots, and denim reflecting their shared love of horseback riding. Both couples demonstrate how relationships can elevate personal style, allowing each partner to inspire the other while staying true to their own styles.

This trend goes beyond the celebrity world. In relationships, fashion becomes a way for couples to communicate, bond, and show appreciation for each other. It’s a way to express unity and a willingness to explore new style territories together. Partners often encourage one another to step outside their comfort zones, whether it trying new trends, adopting a different aesthetic, or even sharing each other's favorite pieces. Ultimately, the influence of those we care about is undeniable, and whether through fashion or other forms of expression, relationships continue to play a significant role in shaping our identity and style choices.