Everything Your Favorite “Gossip Girl” Leads Would Wear Today
By: Aaron Royce
Hey, Upper East Siders! As fashion month ends and spring collections bloom in store windows, we couldn't help but think of another looming fashion event: the upcoming Gossip Girl reboot. Though we'll have to wait for the show’s newest redux to drop, there's one thing that can't wait: the clothes. Thanks to costumes by Eric Daman, the original show made outfits worn by Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively) and Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) style inspiration for numerous fashionistas even after the show had wrapped.
Though there's no costume designer announced yet, we're still imagining what bohemian Serena or ladylike Blair would wear in the new decade. Ahead of the show's premiere, check out likely selects and styles inspired by our favorite leading ladies. We know you’ll love it, XOXO!
Blair Waldorf
Blair is as regal as they come, and we know she wouldn’t give up her trademark feminine style in 2020. With a wardrobe stocked with Oscar de la Renta, Valentino and Diane von Furstenberg, Blair's outfits were always chic with touches of tradition –– no lace, bow, or headband (a Waldorf staple) unworn. Prep wasn't always "in" during the show's run, but Blair’s costumes used a variety of styling cues and notable designers to create a fashionable take on the aesthetic.
Headbands
Blair Waldorf wouldn’t be Queen B without her headbands, whether they matched her jewelry or complemented her whole outfit. When the accessory came back last year, we knew Blair would be the first person to shop the trend.
LELET NY headband, $278; Shopbop.com
Bright Bags
Structured satchels, colorful clutches and top-handles, bright bags were a key to the Waldorf wardrobe. Thanks to the variety of styles today, Queen B would have plenty to choose from!
Kate Spade New York satchel, $258; Nordstrom.com
Statement Jewels
When classic statement jewelry made a comeback last fall, it seemed almost too good to be true! With a penchant for bright baubles and dramatic drops, Blair would approve of this trend.
Baublebar necklace, $25; Baublebar.com
Darling Dresses
Uber-feminine dresses with ruffles, puffed sleeves and button embellishments are trending right now — and Blair’s vintage-chic aesthetic would fit in seamlessly.
H&M dress, $35; Hm.com
Pretty Pumps
With a shoe collection to rival Carrie Bradshaw’s, Blair always stepped out in show-stopping shoes. Whether it was silk, bows or mixed-texture details, she’d still wear her favorite accents featured in spring collections today.
Betsey Johnson pumps, $129; Betseyjohnson.com
Serena van der Woodsen
Serena van der Woodsen’s bold, eclectic style is a lesson in individualist glamour — not unlike the street style set at fashion month. Equal parts bohemian, equestrian and showgirl, her outfits covered a full range of details, from glitter and metallics to colored crystals and animal prints, that would be Instagram magic in 2020. Mixing brands like Christian Louboutin, Ralph Lauren and Alice + Olivia with a Coachella-worthy statement necklace and bag was a signature way for her to style herself. It also paved the way for maximalist fashion, which she’d continue dressing for today.
Body Candy
Whether it was chunky bangles, studded necklaces or jaw-dropping earrings, Serena’s accessories always made a glamorous statement. Now that dramatic jewelry is trending, we have a feeling she’d be in her element in 2020.
Alexis Bittar earrings, $295; Alexisbittar.com
Bold Bags
Hobo bags, totes, satchels? As long as it was detailed, Serena had it in her rotation. The recent reptile trend is one she’d love.
ALDO bucket bag, $60; Asos.com
Jackets
Serena’s ensembles were almost never complete without a unique jacket or topper. From equestrian blazers to fringed vests, they added an extra layer to her bohemian-fashionista outfits and would fit right into the “you do you” 2020 mentality.
Zadig and Voltaire jacket, $658; us.zadig-et-voltaire.com
Boho Dresses
The ultimate Serena outfit wouldn’t be complete without a flirty, detailed dress that could transition from Upper East Side brunch to a party at the Empire. 2020 has led to more contemporary aesthetics, so we’d imagine she would find detailing through embroideries, patterns and structure just as appealing as her staple sequins.
Free People slip dress, $88; Freepeople.com
Punchy Pumps
Whether they had crystals, animal prints, or a clashing color palette, Serena wore her shoes in a perfectly eclectic fashion. The return of bold footwear in 2020 seems tailor-made for the Upper East’s favorite It-girl.
Sam Edelman pumps, $160; Samedelman.com