Gossip Girl Fashion – Seasons 3 & 4: Serena van der Woodsen
You guys seemed to love the post on Gossip Girl Fashion – Seasons 3 and 4: Blair Waldorf that I wrote a few weeks ago, and a ton of you requested that Serena van der Woodsen be the next character whose style we spotlighted.
Our original Gossip Girl Fashion series was written a couple years ago, and, of course, each character’s style has evolved since then. These new articles focus on Seasons 3 and 4 and each character’s new sense of style. Below, I’ve broken down Serena’s outfits into her favorite pieces, so it’ll be easy for you to make her style your own!
Serena’s New Style
After graduating from Constance, Serena has continued her reign over the island of Manhattan while at Columbia University. Even though she’s still dealing with rumors, dating drama and her best friend’s scheming, Serena’s style has transitioned effortlessly from private school plaid to chic, glamorous comfort.
Serena has always been a pro at mixing unexpected accessories, fabrics and trends – whether she’s pairing a sequined dress with a denim jacket, or a designer gown with messy hair. The best way to describe her style? Effortless glam.
Serena’s New Fashion Essentials
Embellished Tanks
Tank tops are a huge part of Serena’s wardrobe, and for good reason – they’re easy to mix and match with anything in your closet, and also fun to dress up or down. Our favorite Gossip Girl wears hers loose with short-shorts, tucked into high-waisted pants and skirts, or with her favorite pair of skinny jeans. The best part? It’s really easy to find budget-friendly tanks!
Product Information: All tops from Forever 21
Bohemian Touches
A huge reason that Serena’s look always appears to be effortless is because she wears pieces that are loose, comfortable and natural (in contrast to Blair’s fitted, structured choices). Bohemian looks also lend themselves easily to mixing and matching with Serena’s more glamorous pieces, as they create a great contrast to the typical Upper East Sider luxury.
Product Information: Vest, Necklace and Jeans – Forever 21; Hat, Dress – Urban Outfitters
Unexpected Accessories
The best part of every Serena ensemble, of course, is the accessories! No matter what occasion she’s dressing for, Serena is always rocking fun jewelry, amazing shoes or funky hair pieces. Rocking accessories with personality is definitely the easiest way to bring a little bit of Serena-style to your wardrobe. No matter what your style is, add a couple funky rings, or a great pair of brightly-colored heels to get that unexpected, effortless look.
Product Information: Fedora – Urban Outfitters; all other items – Forever 21
Serena’s Hairstyles
Unlike Blair’s sophisticated ponytails and curls, Serena sticks to messy, natural hairstyles. When her thick blonde hair isn’t down, she wears it in undone ponytails and buns. Serena is also a fan of using bobby pins to keep sections of her hair away from her face. Want to get her look? Here are a couple how-tos!
- You can get messy, beachy curls just by using a flat iron. Curls too perfect after you finish? Just run your hands through them to get that natural look.
- This hair scarf style tutorial showcases a great way to get those waves while incorporating one of those unexpected accessories I mentioned above.
- Obviously, the easiest way to do the messy ponytail look is just to, well, do a ponytail. But if you’re feeling creative, this is a great spin on the popular up-do.
Tying it All Together
Over the last four seasons, Serena has stayed true to her bohemian, yet glamorous spirit. As she’s grown up (and moved on from school uniforms), her look has become more pulled-together and mature, while still maintaining its effortless nature. She’s never been confined to the normal Upper East Side fashion expectations and that’s why Serena has become such a fashion icon!
Your Thoughts?
What do you guys think of Serena’s style from these past couple seasons? Are you more of a preppy Blair or Serena wild-child? How do you think Serena’s style has evolved since the first season of Gossip Girl? I love hearing from you guys so be sure to leave a comment!
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Posted on on November 1, 2010 / Filed Under: Inspiration / Tags: Accessories, Celebs, Clothing, Fashion Inspiration, Gossip Girl, Hair, How To, Inspiration, Inspired by, Outfits, Serena Van Der Woodsen, Shoes, Shopping, Tips, Trends
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TK
You forgot the boob panels that must be present in every outfit. :)
Maxine
Arn’t her clothes also revealing. Her style should be effortless SEXY glam lol
Miriam
Could we feature Vanessa soon? Her style is my favorite! :D
Isabelle
Blair and Serena are the only styles I like on the show, but I do have to echo the ever-present boobs, lol
Cass
Although I don’t like Serena herself, her style is my absolute fave. :) Great post!
-Cass
Carolyn
I like both Blair and Serena’s styles. What annoys me this season is the characterization of Columbia–I go there, and it is NOTHING like what it appears to be in the show. Most of us are nerds who see nothing wrong with a Friday or Saturday night in the library.
Jessie
omgg love it!!!
can you please please do another character as well????
Maxine
I do not think Jenny changed her style since she hasn’t been on Gossip Girl in this fourth season. So I guess Jenny is out and Vanessa is in? Why don’t you ever do Lillian Van Der Woodsen?
Serena
It seems like Serena’s style is hallmarked by unique pieces thrown together in a seemingly effortless way…. and it seems to always fall perfectly into place. Especially cool? Her statement shoes and bohemian jewelry. If I could get locked in any TV character’s closet it would be hers, hands down.
kristine
I’m a little dissapointed you missed what my friends & I call “the Serena Braid”
the high braided pony tail she has been wearing everywhere!
& she has been sporting a lot of updos – usually a twist on a high pony tail
such as the way she wore her hair during the first episode of the fourth season.
just something I associate with her that I was surprised didn’t make it to this update.
& on who to do next – I would strive for Vanessa
although Jenny’s style has changed since your update of her
Jenny’s style is also essentially a cleaner version of Taylor Momsen’s herself
& given the amount of tours she is doing – she isn’t going to be a large part of season 4
(:
Annie
Please do Vanessa next, especially her hairstyles and makeup – she always pulls it off so naturally!
Milana
For the most part I love Serena’s style, but it can be a little bit risque at times!
Tammy
I wish there were more variety and creativity with the items–not just Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters. They’re awesome outfits but I like the challenge of mixing clothing and accessories from different stores, rather than buying everything all at once from one place (which isn’t practical for most college students, anyways).
Ciara
can u please do a more detailed post on the hairstyles and makeup of the girls on gossip girl? they always look amazing :)
Nikki
I think this is by far her best season of looking great it brought back her style what she was known for in season one wearing short dresses I always love how she has that boho style always pair a nice structure jacket over something by far she is coming into her a own as a style icon
Charlotte - University of Birmingham
ahh i love it :]]]
while i completely covet blair’s style, serena always looks effortless in a way that i could never manage.
this is a great breakdown of her look, i especially love the accessories!!
fantastic post :]]
Charlotte xxx
Katie
I like Serena’s old style better. I loved her boots and beautiful coats :)
brittany
i lov serena and everything about her! lot both styles and i lot how everything just go’s so well like she can just pull anything out of her closet without looking and make it look amazing! lov u serena!
Dariha
really the best article ! thank you , author