Character Dossier: Gossip Girl Chic

Photo credit: imgmodels.com

The cast of Gossip Girl are truly living a golden life on screen and off (they so deserve an Emmy). Remember the frenzy following other teen phenomenons like Beverly Hills 90210 and Dawson Creek ? Just like them, Gossip Girl has everything you want in a good teen drama — rebellion, envy, friendship, and gossip. But the quick-witted drama about these Upper East Side teens is a bit edgier, making it not only worthy of the teen set, but the 21+ crowd, too.

I haven’t walked the halls of a high school in, oh, a couple of years … wink, wink … but I see the obsession behind the Gossip Girl series. Besides the to die for hair, the sophisticated wit, and the sensational story lines — like Blair’s love triangle with Nate and Chuck and almost pregnancy scare, Serena’s ‘deadly’ secret, and Jenny’s vintage Valentino caper — a fashionista’s gotta love the dare-me-to wardrobes.

These prep schoolers are supremely stylish and you can’t be faint of heart (or light in cash) if you want to mimic their Manhattan moxie. Their wardrobe selection reads like a Who’s Who in fashion — Coach, Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Nanette Lepore, James Perse, and Seven For All Mankind.

Here are a few character looks:

Serena van der Woodsen

Serena (Blake Lively) turns up the glam on her Constance Billard school uniform with high fashion designer confections like Coach handbags and leather boots (or fringed Minnetonka Moccasin boots) layered over knee socks and tights. She makes school-wear debonair enough for everyday.

Blair Waldorf

Who else but Blair (Leighton Meester) could doll up in a red, white, and blue ensemble with no fireworks in sight, and still look trés chic? Although Blair’s persona is about as cozy as an ice cap, she’s the queen bee amongst her prep school entourage, and for good reason, her style is impeccable. She loves her accessories, especially decorative headbands embellished with bows and flowers, patterned tights, and designer handbags by GoldenBleu and Be&D.

Chuck Bass

And what about Chuck (Ed Westwick)? He’s the poster boy for GQ. He sports Brooks Brother ties one day and pairs a button-down shirt and ascot (or bow tie) with a Ralph Lauren blazer the next. I swear his look is southern gent meets ivy league prepster, but it works and fits his savoir faire attitude.

So, just what about their style is so enviable and how can the everyday fashion diva (or divo) achieve their fierce fashion forte without a legion of stylists at beck and call?

It’s simple:

1. Don’t try to fit into a mold, wear looks that compliment your style.
2. Shy away from cookie-cutter fashions from discount chain stores (especially the one Paris Hilton thought sold wallpaper).
3. Mix high-end designer labels with budget finds for an ecclectic look.
4. Dare to be different and look for gear NOT sported by everyone in your inner circle.
5. Scavenge vintage boutiques and antique stores to find one-of-a-kind designer pieces, also see if your stylish grandmother wouldn’t mind you rading her closet for rare finds (I do it all the time).
6. Follow trends loosely, incorporate your style into the latest looks, making it your own.
7. Avoid knock-offs and look-alikes, true fashionistas will know you are a fashion fraud, so avoid the embarrassment and opt for less expensive QUALITY pieces that look intentional.

Chicly Yours,
The Chic Spy

Photo credits: cwtv.com (unless otherwise noted)