Gossip Girl was not just a fashion show to watch, but it also spawned real-life fashion trends. So, let’s break it down:
Capes:
This is a great example of how Gossip Girl used visual dominance through clothing. Wearing capes, Blair and Serena appear physically larger than their minions or even each other, which meant they had the power or at least wanted to appear that way.
Bubble Hem:
An 80s comeback in the late 2000s and early 2010s, it was a favorite for Blair Waldorf. She wore it in some of her most iconic looks from season 1 and season 4. Serena van der Woodsen also donned the bubble hem during the iconic fashion show moment in season 2.
Bodycon Dresses:
Serena lived for a good bodycon dress, especially the 2010s staple of the Herve Leger bandage dress. Blair even donned it a few times, most iconically during the “three words, eight letters” white party scene in Marc Jacobs.
Gowns:
Gossip Girl has a glamorous event or party almost every episode, so many of the characters were required to wear gorgeous dresses and gowns. Gossip Girl brought glamour back to fashion, and fashionistas everywhere couldn’t be more thankful. Blair especially had an affinity for ball gowns from her epic Paris train station dress to her silver debutante gown.
Preppy Style:
Prep school fashion and Upper East Side style saw a rise in popularity on high fashion runways thanks to Gossip Girl’s early season aesthetic and affinity for high fashion. It was almost as if the designers were specifically catering to the show with hopes of getting their clothing on Blair or Serena. With TikTokers and fans still looking at Gossip Girl and their preppy aesthetic today for inspiration, it’s clear that this style is as timeless as it is fun.
Maximalism:
Even though minimalism gained popularity, maximalism was so ingrained into the show’s fashion mindset, that even their minimalism was very maximalist.
Headbands:
A must-have for any Blair Waldorf-inspired outfit. Blair showed people how to have fun with headbands. Without her favorite accessory, that iconic Prada headband would never be so beloved.
Hats:
When Blair Waldorf started to mature, costume designer Eric Daman switched out Blair’s signature headband for an array of hats. From pillbox Jackie O-Eeque hats to classic berets, Blair had a love for all types of headwear.
Coats:
Gossip Girl showed people everywhere that living in a city with seasons doesn’t mean your outerwear needs to be unfashionable.
Pussy Bows:
Another Blair Waldorf staple. No doubt due to Kate Middleton, Hillary Clinton and many other global icons donning this look at the top, both to show power and femininity alike.
Ties:
Serena van der Woodsen and Jenny Humphrey made the Avril Lavinge-esque accessory look effortless with their school uniforms.
Brooches:
Blair made the often times Grandma associated accessory hip and youthful.
Cutouts:
Serena loves good, suggestive cutouts. Cleavage rhombuses were her signature.
Ballet Flats:
On the rare occasion Blair Waldorf wore flats, they were usually ballet flats. While timeless, very few feet types can call these shoes comfortable.
T-Strap Heels:
A sturdy heel option compared to Sex and the City’s Manolo Blahnik. Although actually wearing heels in New York, either type is highly unrealistic.
Knee High Boots:
This was often Serena’s preferred flat shoe. A staple in colder months, Serena showed how to have fun with tall boots other than just skinny jeans.
Tights:
Every girl on Gossip Girl showed how to have fun with tights. The women often mixed prints and used patterned tights to make an outfit stand out more. They are more comfortable than you might think too.
Nightgowns & Lingerie:
Blair Waldorf showed girls everywhere that just because you are at home or sleeping doesn’t mean you have to look anything other than fabulous.
Chanel:
Chanel was noticeably left out of the 2000s logomania trend. At the time, it was seen as your grandma’s favorite brand, except for The OC’s Mischa Barton wearing it both on and off the show. However, Gossip Girl made the brand young and cool again with their characters carrying an endless supply of Chanel handbags.
Phillip Lim:
The up-and-coming design was a favorite of costume designer Eric Daman.
Nannette Lepore:
Lepore once said that what Gossip Girl did for her company was what editorial could do in the 90s.
Silk Scarves:
From hair wraps to 50s neck scarves to Audrey Hepburn-esque head scarves, Blair and Serena loved a good silk scarf. They also wore them in very different ways, showing women how to get creative with them.
Marc Jacobs:
A favorite of Blair Waldorf. I bet one of your favorite Blair looks is a Marc Jacobs.
Jennifer Behr:
The majority of Blair’s iconic headbands and hair accessories were Jennifer Behr. Now, Behr’s accessories are everywhere.
Abigail Lorick:
Margaret Colin didn’t really design Eleanor Waldorf’s designs. Neither did Eric Daman. It was Abigail Lorick who was the secret behind Waldorf Designs.