Styled by the Show: Why Gossip Girl’s Vanessa Abrams is an underrated style guru

By Valerie McHugh

Following the woes and ways of the ‘idol rich’ members of the New York elite, Gossip Girl examined a world which fell victim to the trials and tribulations of social media in its earliest stages.

The news of its reboot has everybody dusting off their ‘upper-eastsider’ membership cards and renewing their subscriptions to the original seasons of Gossip Girl. Hitting television screens in 2007, a nostalgic reflection on the fashion trends of this mid-2000’s show has begun.

The fashion senses of egocentric prom queen Blair Waldorf and NYC princess Serena van der Woodsen left fashionistas everywhere awestricken and inspired. With both characters descending from a rich, socialite background, a stylish fashion sense was a need, not just a want.

Whether it was a Chanel bag, or Chloé shoes, many of the character’s ensembles were created by some of the biggest designers in the world. But, for the underprivileged mere mortals residing on the outskirts of Brooklyn, fashion was more “off the rack” than “juicy couture”.

The artsy style sense of Vanessa Abrams, the show’s ordinary girl-next-door, was continuously overshadowed by the glitz and glam of wonder duo princess S and queen B.

However, Vanessa Abrams needs to be celebrated as a real style icon of the time, wearing affordable clothes that could be seen on the streets of Manhattan.

Here are five of her unforgettable fashion moments, some which are often overlooked…

ensemble sees Vanessa combine her love for art and her need for comfort in one go. Finished with a pair of drop earrings, this is an outfit Gossip Girl herself would have to reward for its originality.

SPOTTED: Vanessa Abrams in a matching outfit? It’s definitely accurate to say that Vanessa was a fan of layering diverse patterns and textures, with most of her wardrobe consisting of artsy jackets and sweaters. But this blue and orange plunge

money. Finished with a matching hair bow, this dress is a perfect fit for any edgy Brooklyn queen.

Ballet ballgown This pink and black number was featured in Season 4, Episode 8, and sees Vanessa flouncing her way to the ballet in style. The frilled neckline is suitable for any ‘swan laker,’ and is daring enough to match the havoc Vanessa is about to cause in this episode.

Leopard Print Cleopatra Actress Jessica Szohr wore this eye-catching outfit in Season 1 of the show, where the chunkier the bracelet, the better the fashion rating. Szohr effort

It is fair to say that Vanessa’s fashion sense is certainly individualistic and will never be everybody’s personal preference. However, Vanessa’s unapologetic way of expressing herself brings a new dimension to the show, inspiring all of you fashionistas out there to always be true to yourselves.

Happy shopping, Upper Eastsiders —XOXO, Gossip Girl

dress is highlighted by a long baby blue necklace, carrying the coolness of the blue undertones from head to toe. They say one has strength in numbers, but in this case, Vanessa has strength in colours and is more than ready to take on her arch nemesis, Blair Waldorf.

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