Mom, do you want your little sweetie or your trendy older girl to look a bit like Serena, Blair or Jenny? Do you know what I’m talking about? If not, go to your Netflix account and add Gossip Girl Season One to your list. While the Gossip Girl fashion trend has been around for about two years, it just gets hotter and cuter as more moms, grandmothers, and girls become addicted to this television series.
Little Gossip Girls
The best style for most toddlers, preschoolers, little girls, and preteen/tween girls is still the Jenny Humphrey schoolgirl look from the first and second seasons. Her plaid-prep-school-girl-channeling-her-inner-rocker ensembles are still just as charming and cheeky as ever.
So, pull out those Catholic-school tartan skirts, plaid or blue blazers, cute trench coats, brightly colored tights, satin headbands with bows, and anything else that “should” or “shouldn’t” go with the old traditional prepster look.
Gossip Girl Trend
Grannies and people without cable, who want to help their daughters or granddaughters get cool back-to-school goodies, need to know that Gossip Girl is a younger version of Sex and the City. The setting is NYC (like S&TC) but the characters are (mostly) wealthy prep school girls who augment their boring school uniforms with ridiculously expensive handbags, hats, coats, jewelry, and all that. Well, any girl of more moderate means can get a similar look with less money, more imagination, and vintage (thriftstore) finds.
Jenny Humphrey Style
Here are some elements of the Jenny Humphrey style, but remember not to wear all of these at once unless you (and a trusted friend) think the total effect looks cool not clownish.
- Bright pops of color with preppy outfits
- Purple and Red Accessories (Notice socks worn over tights.)
- Big bows
- Cute tights and berets
- Short skirts with tights
- Pink tulle under skirts and cool boots
Trendy Clothes for Little Girls
There is no reason why a baby babe can’t have a trendy uptown style of her own.
Some of these items are still in stores and some are just shown for inspiration. If a store is listed with a product, that doesn’t always mean that it's not carried in other stores, so look around.
- Mack & Company plaid coat at Nordstrom
- Sweet Ivy dress:
- Boden Funky Pinafore (Larger sizes too.)
- Roxy Kids Little Girls Plaid Shirt Dress at Macys.com
- Guess Little Girl Plaid Set
Girls Plaid Clothing
Kids in grade school and middle school have tons of Jenny Humphrey options. Here are several styles that most real-life girls can afford to buy.
- Plaid Skirt Sets at Macys.com
- Knitworks Green Plaid Shirt at Kohl's
- Basic Editions Girls Plaid Jumper at Kmart Sizes 4/5 – 14/16
School Uniforms for Girls
One of the best parts of this trend is that girls can wear items from school uniforms even if uniforms are not required. And, school uniforms are usually well made and inexpensive, so check into Nautica brand or google Catholic school uniforms for great deals. Just remember that really short skirts look better with tights or leggings.
- Nautica Little Girls Scooter
- Nautica Girls Jumper
- Ralph Lauren Girls Polo Dress
Basics for Prep School Style
Here are some goodies that can go preppy, funky or punky. It’s all about how you put the pieces together. And, Gossip Girl style does not mean that you have to connect the dots in exactly the same way as the television stylist did. If you have the right pieces and accessories, you can create a fab look that is flattering to you, your coloring, and your body type.
- Epic Threads Ruffle Cardigan in black or gray
- Grane Kids Striped Top
- Ralph Lauren Kids Girls Ruffled Henley:
- Kids prep school blazer
Bright Colors
Jazz up tartan plaids, jeans, or anything with some bright pops of color, but wear mostly neutrals with less intensity or people will be blinded by your brilliance. Start with boring normal colors then shoot your outfit to the sky with some cool accessories.
- Catimini Accessories
- Ralph Lauren Kids Hoodie in red
- Deux Par Deux Sweater: The cutest thing on earth.
- Boden Accessories
Kids Boots and Shoes
The rocker part of the look includes funky shoes or boots. Here are some cute examples, but anything with a bit of funk will work well. If you're wearing tights and plain shoes, add a pair of lacy or textured anklets.
- Cute Red Boots for little girls
- Sketchers Kids Boots
- High Top Sneakers
Tweens and younger teens may want a boot with a bit of a heel. It just depends on what the other girls at school are wearing.
Gossip Girls Hats
The look is missing something without the headband or beanie. You can always find the latest cool stuff at TopShop, Charlotte Russe, or Forever 21. And, ask grandmother if she remembers how to knit a toque. Here are some images for inspiration.
- Beret with bow This is so absolutely perfect. Get a wool beret and add a bow to it.
- Plaid Newsboy Cap Try Mudd Plaid Cadet Cap at Kohl's or Self Esteem Tee and Plaid Hat at Sears.com.
- Navy Wool Beret
- Bakerboy Cap See Hills Hats of New Zealand at Village Hat Shop or Cabbie Hat at Speigel.com.
The easiest way to get the right look is to put a “normal” prep school outfit together and then add some crazy and unexpected tights, gloves, shoes, or costume jewelry. Gossip Girl style is all about the details.
This is not just a costume. Your little chick can wear this to school.
More Articles:
Cute Book Bags for High School & College - Plaid, Prints, Colors
How to Wear Ankle Boots With Skinny Jeans
60s Style - Mod Dresses, Go Go Boots, Beatles
Cloche, Fedora or Newsboy Caps for Women and Girls
Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
Join the Conversation