Fashion was essential to cult favourite Gossip Girl’s success. A heady mix of scandal, seriously notorious characters, good ol’ fashioned debauchery, and all-consuming love triangles helped too. While the show’s primary plot point may have been about a mysterious blogger who documents every scandal in the lives of Manhattan’s obnoxiously wealthy teenagers, the focus shifted fairly quickly to the show’s decadent fashion choices. Watching and emulating Blair’s signature headbands or Serena’s breezy bohemian style was a milestone for the fans. After almost a decade, the style showcased on the show, driven by costume designer Eric Daman, remains iconic and has been imitated by several shows that came after it. Gossip Girl’s imminent reboot by HBO Max has got us all misty-eyed, and we are taking a walk down the haute couture memory lane of the OG show. Walk with us while we dab at our eyes with Hermès scarves.
In Serena Van der Woodsen’s enviable closet hung dresses by every big-name designer, so it was never a surprise that she turned up in exquisite creations for every occasion. This stunning lace Zuhair Murad dress was one of her big moments at the ballet, with the perfect draping and bead detail to flatter her figure.
A fan of all things gold, Serena makes this Studio 54-inspired head-to-toe gilded Diane Von Furstenberg look easy. We love the plunging cowl neckline, chunky maximal bangles, and the big blonde hairdo.
Blair Waldorf was the messiah of all things classic: fashion, love, Hollywood, and revenge. This blazing Oscar de la Renta was quintessentially her style, with gorgeous ruching on the bodice and ruffles on the asymmetric length of the gown, paired with a simple, sparkling choker.
The much-awaited wedding with Chuck Bass brought with it one of Blair’s most sophisticated looks: a powder blue Elie Saab gown with tonal floral applique and rows of shimmering sequins. The Grecian headband makes her a truly fashionable bride.
Not too many people can pull off a full-floral look in candy pink, but Queen B wears Collette Dinnigan’s gossamer halter dress, with even more bows, flowers, and fuschia accessories with élan.
Trust Serena to perfectly style an innately feminine Georges Chakra dress with unexpected millinery and pastel brogues and transform it from glam to boho in a minute. The sparkly caging looks just right in her summery look.
A prom dress from Marchesa? Gossip Girl had it all. With delicate boning on the bodice and shimmering gold peacock feathers across its length, this stunning black ball gown stands the test of time beautifully. We could see this on a red carpet in 2021.
Serena was clearly a patron of DVF, and this look is a bohemian lover’s dream. The easy kaftan-esque silhouette in a sophisticated digital print is perfectly cinched with a chunky belt and her signature slouchy big bag. A certified head-turner.
We live for Blair’s preppy style, and this perfect Bettie Page nautical dress is no exception. Keeping with the vintage sailor girl aesthetic, it is paired with black and white YSL pumps and minimal accessories so the striking collar can do the talking.
Who would be so audacious to pair black and yellow together with florals, if not the GG It Girl? Serena set the bar high in this ruffled Ralph Lauren dress, with its dramatic high neck, black floral details, and the all-important black silk gloves.
