Calling all Upper East Siders… the return of Gossip Girl is on the horizon and we can barely contain our excitement for another era of secrets, sex, and scandal. Gossip Girl shaped us into who we are, and although there can only be one Chuck Bass, the reboot is sure to take over our lives once again. In the meantime, let’s remember the icon that is Blair Waldorf and everything she taught us about fashion over the five years she blessed our screens.
1)Sophistication above all: From grabbing coffee with S to a casual shopping spree along 5th Avenue, Blair always looks immaculate. Her sophisticated style is timeless and accessorised, of course, with pearls.
2)Having a bad day? Wear a beret… (or any hair accessory for that matter): Berets aren’t just for the French, and if anyone pulls off la mode parisienne, it’s Blair. A headband or stylish hat is the perfect way to complete and coordinate any outfit!
3)Overdressing is a myth: B has stunned in Elie Saab, Vera Wang, Oscar De La Renta: you name it, she’s worn it. She certainly knows how to dress up, yet somehow look effortlessly put together. Investing time into your appearance is a form of self-care, and any occasion, no matter how small, is an opportunity to dazzle.
4)Lingerie is everything: From chemises and Agent Provocateur corsets to her iconic lace stockings, Queen B certainly has a lingerie collection any girl would dream of. She taught us that underwear is just as important as the outfit, and that wearing it for yourself is one of the most empowering things you can do.
5)Embrace bright colours: Nothing catches the eye more than vibrance, especially during the summer months. Mix and match colours with your accessories and makeup for a stand-out look that nobody will forget. The same goes for prints – don’t be afraid to branch out of your comfort zone! After all, if there’s anything Blair Waldorf taught us, it’s that mainstream is boring.
6)But equally, monochrome is chic: You can’t go wrong with a monochromatic ensemble, especially with a pop of colour- be that a lime green clutch or red stilettos. Whether you’re begging God for forgiveness after having “surrendered your virtue to a self-absorbed ass” (s1 ep8), or attending the highly anticipated Hampton’s White Party, B’s got you covered.
7)Classy outerwear will change your life: A winter coat is a very personal choice, but Blair Waldorf seems to have you covered in every department. Whether you’re inclined towards the staple Burberry trench coat or you prefer something a bit more ‘out there’, throughout all six seasons of the show Blair’s winter wardrobe covers it all. Versatile, stylish and, most importantly, warm; classy outerwear makes it look like you have your shit together, even on the days where you don’t.
8)Don’t underestimate the power of a blazer: Timeless, preppy and chic. Even if you have no clue what you’re doing, a blazer makes it look like you do, which is basically the same thing, right?
9)If a man has great style, forgive him when he sells you for a hotel: Yes, it was a morally questionable decision. But ask yourself, will you ever meet someone who wears a Hermès silk scarf and Berluti leather loafers quite as he does? Sadly, I’m not aware of where you can purchase your own Chuck Bass, but if anyone is, please do share this information with the world.
10)Ultimately, even on your worst days, your elegance radiates from within: Whether you’re halfway through fifth week and crippled with deadlines or heading to a 9am, hungover and wearing last night’s clothes – B shows us that sophistication comes from within. Even after marrying the wrong man and having a breakdown in the middle of JFK, Blair pulls off the questionable attire in true Waldorf style, bringing hope to us all as we attend online lectures in pyjamas, hoping our tutors don’t notice.
Artwork by Rachel Jung
