How to Dress Like Serena van der Woodsen on a Budget

The internet may be buzzing about the new show Emily in Paris, but Gossip Girl hit the small screen over a decade ago and graced us with some of the most iconic fashion moments ever! Although it’s been thirteen years since Gossip Girl first aired, many of the outfits from the show are still on-point in today’s fashion world. 

Blake Lively in Gossip Girl, image from Pinterest

One of the most iconic characters from Gossip Girl is Serena van der Woodsen, played by Blake Lively, and her classic yet effortlessly chic New York style is still emulated to this day.  

From her handbag collection to her exquisite shoes to her ethereal dresses, Serena’s entire wardrobe is mention-worthy, but my absolute favorites are her winter picks!

The structure of a chic coat and leather boots looks so put-together, yet versatile, which makes it perfect for any occasion. Read on to see how you can recreate Serena’s iconic winter look for less!   

1. Turtleneck Sweater Dress 

A sweater dress is a winter staple. I love how Serena opted for a turtleneck so that it’s able to peek out despite the heavier overcoat that she wore.

2. Red Plaid Leggings  

Rather than opting for just plain black leggings, Serena spiced up the entire outfit with a muted plaid pattern instead. This helped add a bit of fun to the entire outfit since the rest of the ensemble worked with several solid blocks of color.  

3. Leather Over-the-Knee Boots  

This is one of the pricier items on the list, but it’s still pretty affordable. A great pair of boots is definitely worth the investment since you can pair it with just about any outfit to instantly elevate your look.  

4. Light Blue Coat 

A good coat is a wardrobe staple, but if you’d like to save a bit of money, you can also opt for more lightweight options, since they usually cost a bit less. Just make sure you get one that’s lined since lining can be replaced easily if there is any wear-and-tear.

5. White Gloves  

Gloves may be optional depending on where you live, but they really help to pull the whole look together. Rather than opting for black gloves, Serena chose a pair of white ones that paired perfectly with the white dress and light blue coat that she wore. This kept the outfit from looking too busy.  

6. Oversized Handbag  

Finally, you need a handbag! During Gossip Girl’s run, the oversized handbag was a big trend, but in recent years, the mini bag has been all the rage. To pay homage to Serena while still staying trendy, I opted for a medium-sized bag in an interesting shape, since it adds the perfect finishing touch to the ensemble.  

What do you think of Serena’s iconic winter fashion? Who are some of your favorite TV fashionistas?