Photo: The CW
Today’s the day, everyone: The Gossip Girl series finale airs tonight (8pm on The CW)!
Maybe I’m just being dramatic, but this feels like the end of an era. I remember constantly running up my parents’ cell phone bill in high school because I could not stop texting my friends during every episode. And even though GG has run its course, I’ll never forget the amazing characters or fabulous fashion that helped shape my high school years.
On that nostalgic note, we’re finishing our Gossip Girl fashion retrospective series with our beloved queen bee – the stunning Blair Waldorf. As a devoted fan of the book series, I was terrified that the TV Blair wouldn’t live up to her fierce reputation. I was so wrong! Leighton Meester brought the lovably-neurotic Blair to life, becoming a fashion icon in the process.
From the manipulative, insecure teen queen of the earlier seasons to the passionate, dedicated fashion mogul we know and love today, Blair inspired both our lives and our closets. It’s SO hard to say goodbye, but below, we’ll give her a sendoff with 5 outfits inspired by our favorite Blair looks.
Fille Fatale
Dress, Tights, Headband, Pumps, Clutch, Earrings | Photo: The CW
When we first met Blair in the pilot episode, she was desperate to win the devotion of her long-term boyfriend, Nate Archibald. And with an outfit like this, how could she not prevail? I think at this point, the show wanted Blair to play villain against Serena’s heroine, so it’s no surprise she’s vamping it up with lots of rough textures and black lace. She may look nice, but this B is definitely naughty.
Snag Blair’s bad girl look in a black lace dress with sheer lace sleeves. Textured floral tights and black court shoes add to this look’s vintage feel. Get some much needed Upper East Side sparkle with a sequined clutch and diamond studs (real or fake – we won’t tell!). Complete the look by paying homage to Blair’s signature accessory – a black hair wrap tied into a girlish bow. Feel like a queen yet?
Queen of Constance
Dress, Coat, Tights, Belt, Bag, Pumps, Headband | Photo: The CW
As Constance Billard’s reigning Queen Bee, Blair always made sure she looked impeccable. She specialized in preppy classics and expertly mixed primary colors, creating some absolutely drool-worthy looks. I don’t know a single girl at my high school who didn’t own at least one fancy headband after Blair made them a must-have.
To look like Queen B, create a classic schoolgirl look with pops of bright, primary colors. Pair a scholarly black and white collared dress with a vivid yellow pea coat and coral-red tights and you’ll be on the top of the Met steps in no time. Add trendy but classic accessories, like a neutral brown waist belt and a matching satchel, for the ultimate in old-money elegance. Oxford heels and a tortoiseshell headband complete this Blair-approved look.
Bright Young Thing
Dress, Coat, Scarf, Tights, Pumps, Bag, Headband | Photo: Pacific Coast News
If Blair is a master of anything, it’s mixing bright, monochromatic hues and vintage-inspired glamor. Of course, all of Blair’s outfits are envy-worthy, but she really shines in her gorgeous outerwear. It’s obvious that she stole a few wardrobe secrets from her role model, Audrey Hepburn, here. (Note: this is the outfit she wore when Chuck told her he loved her for the first time!)
To match B’s chic out-on-the-town look, you’ll need a brightly colored, ’60s-inspired wool coat – I’m loving this rich green one! Layer it over a long-sleeve lace dress in deep lime, and top it with a metallic scarf tied into a bow. Blair loves her tights, so channel her style with an opaque white pair. Bright yellow pumps and a matching bag add that much-needed pop of color, while a pearl-embellished bow headband completes the look.
Fit for a Princess
Dress, Sandals, Clutch, Necklace, Earrings | Photo: Pacific Coast News
Step aside, Kate Middleton. Blair’s time as a princess helped her style evolve past schoolgirl-chic, requiring her to add more classic, mature pieces pieces to her wardrobe. Though Prince Louis turned out to be a total sociopath (really should have seen that one coming, Blair), at least he gave her a chance to wear the most beautiful clothes the show had ever seen, like the breathtaking Oscar de la Renta gown she wore on their first official date.
I’m pretty sure none of us can afford a real Oscar gown (or even a decent knock-off), so try a more wearable short dress covered in orange-red ruffles to get Blair’s future-princess look. A dress this fabulous doesn’t need many accessories, so stick with simple pops of fuchsia – a pair of peep-toe sandals and a classic clutch will look absolutely stunning. Keep your jewelry refined and sophisticated, adding a simple gold necklace and elegant pearl studs.
Born to Rule
Blouse, Skirt, Bag, Pumps, Necklace, Bangle | Photo: Pacific Coast News
After overcoming every obstacle a teen drama can throw at a girl (unintended pregnancy, life-threatening car accident, dating a Brooklynite, etc.), Blair matured with grace and dignity, especially in the wardrobe department. These days, her headbands and tights are nearly nonexistent, and though I miss her signature accessories, it really shows how much Blair has grown. Her style is still preppy and proper, but it’s much more relaxed, with the refined elegance of a woman who knows what she wants and who she wants to be.
Steal Blair’s casual elegance by pairing a ruffled yellow blouse with a high-waisted floral skirt for a look that’s both fun and sophisticated. One thing that hasn’t changed about Blair is her love of bright, matching accessories, so grab some vibrant orange pumps and a matching bag. Complete the look with chic but casual jewelry, like a bright bangle and a stylishly tangled necklace.
Your thoughts?
What’s your favorite Blair look? Any last minute finale predictions? Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think of the outfits – I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Great looks! She is my favorite GG character!! So sad the show is coming to an end! But I’ll look foward to emulating her style thanks to this post!
That red dress she wore…Perfection.
I fell in <3 with headbands because of Blair and her mixing prints and she was never shy wearing color. Going to miss this show 🙁
Her citrus skirt ensemble is beautiful & unconventional – great job recreating it!
For a similar print option in blousy shorts:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/110379001/fun-lemon-print-skirted-shorts-xssm?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=lemon+print+&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all
I was waiting for this post. I love Blair!!
Please do one with the character of Gossip Girl! After tonight, we will finally know who he/she is, so it would be fun to get some outfits inspired on the mystery person.
Love! Blair is my favorite! And she’ll always be a fashion icon! All these looks are great!
I absolutely ADORE Blair and her fashion. I love how despite she grew out of her tights and headbands (which totally sparked a trend) she still kept her signature style of inserting pops of colour into all her outfits. Out of everything in the series, I’m going to miss her the most.
I LOVE this.
Extremely feminine No wonder this show did so well. Her look is refreshing.
Blair has always been my favorite character. I liked her style during the first 3 seasons best but I think my all time favorite Blair outfit is the one she wore during the Thanksgiving episode of season 1. I’ve tried to find a dress like that one with a casual structure yet elegant detailing of course in a neutral color or a festive holiday color. Thanks for this post excellent points in her fashion evolution.
Blair is my favorite character on the show and I adore everything she wears. Her style is so feminine and classic. I love the last look!
Blair waldorf is an icon when it comes to a lot of things an most of which is fashion she is so amazing just like Chuck bass they are the perfect match GG is over ;( ill miss it n follow @judyttt
I really love Blair and her style. I think she’s such an icon. I’ve been wearing her headbands, feminine skirts, tights, and kitten heels for quite a while, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Blair epitomizes preppy, girly style for me. She’s really an amazing character (so glad she ended up with Chuck!!) and while her style has developed, she has never lost herself.
Yes, BW is a style inspiration. I learned how to mix and match, wear headbands, bows, and tights – and especially WHITE TIGHTS beyond the age of 10! I have to say, I was more into her style during her days at Constance, but, nevertheless, she never lost that certain unique look that defines her. I still try and copy her schoolgirl outfits from time to time. They’re timeless.
I loved how Blair always stayed true to herself, even when it came down to her own style.
I absolutely love Blair’s style! I love the first look with the metallic toe cap pumps. I have a pair just like them from Chinese Laundry. They are one of my favorite pumps!