Teen promiscuity on TV may be nothing new, but high schoolers in high-end labels have captured the imagination of the young female viewing demographic, despite, or perhaps because of, the current economic downturn. It’s the show that all the girls are gossiping about, and it chronicles the lives of wealthy, young New Yorkers for whom Marc Jacobs isn’t a maybe; it’s a must.
Why we love it: It’s posh and put together. And it’s not just about the schoolgirl look. While Serena and the gang manage to personalize their preppy uniforms with snappy accessories, it’s when they’re schmoozing and scheming that we really see them turn up the style. Now that cool’s in session, let’s begin the roll call.Blonde bombshell
Serena is Barbie, only with more cleavage. Girls want to be her and boys want to be with her. Whatever she’s wearing, she’s truly radiant, from her long, tousled blonde hair to her megawatt smile. She loves having fun, isn’t afraid to show some skin and has an effortless sexiness about her at all times.
What’s in her wardrobe: Serena likes to show off her killer bod with plunging necklines, short hemlines and figure-hugging silhouettes. When it comes to casual looks, she loves cropped jackets, skinny jeans, and fabulous boots or glam heels. She’s always going somewhere, so satchel bags suit her active social life. Silk scarves tame her golden mane.Park Avenue princess
Deceptively sweet and prim, Blair is the reigning Queen of Mean and stops at nothing to get what she wants, whatever that may be at any given moment. Like her machinations, her outfits are very carefully considered and designed to elicit a specific response. Whether she’s trying to impress or seduce, she always looks immaculate.
What’s in her wardrobe: Blair thrives on being among New York’s elite, so she’s just as at home in her private-school uniform as she is in a designer dress, though she likes to leave a little more to the imagination. She seems to have a headband for every occasion and a cute bag and shoes to match. Girly to the max, she adores feminine details like ruffles, rosettes and bows. Classic coats also warm the cockles of her cold little heart.
Cutting-edge cutie
Unlike her more privileged peers, 15-year-old Jenny has had to rely on her talent to find her niche as an up-and-coming fashion designer. A former “good girl,” her newfound independence is evident in her rebellious rocker-chick look, with smoky, kohl-lined eyes and a jagged platinum ’do. As a designer, Little J’s tastes are edgier, and she combines pieces in unconventional ways to great effect.
What’s in her wardrobe: Jenny knows that fashion and music go hand in hand. That’s why she loves flamboyant ’80s style, like the layered look of miniskirts or tube dresses over leggings paired with funky ankle boots and knit berets. When she’s dressing up, she likes to take her look over the top with retro-style cocktail hats, hair flowers and rockin’ jewelry. Dramatic eye makeup is a signature part of her look.
Brooklyn beauty
If Jenny is a misfit, then her home-schooled friend Vanessa is an alien as far as the other girls are concerned. Not only is she not rich, but she’s also—gasp—nice. Though she’s not perfect, she always strives to do the right thing and help others. Guys think she’s sweet; girls think she’s a snore. But regardless of what anyone thinks, Vanessa’s always true to herself.
What’s in her wardrobe: Vanessa’s heart of gold and unpretentious nature are reflected in her easygoing neo-Bohemian style, which she accents with urban details like large hoop earrings and statement necklaces. Colorful prints highlight her fresh-faced glow, while relaxed-fit jeans, kicky suede boots and scarves with an ethnic feel complete her look. And it’s a long way from Brooklyn to Manhattan, so a stylish hobo for all her essentials is, well, essential!
You love the show. Now you're in the know on how to dress like the characters you love—or love to hate.
