Serena van der Woodsen, the epitome of Upper East Side chic in the 2000s, reigned supreme with her enviable wardrobe, inspiring countless teenagers with her fashion-forward choices. Played by the captivating Blake Lively, Serena’s style was a reflection of the era, incorporating numerous trends that defined the time.
From rubbing shoulders with fashion icons like Anna Wintour, Tory Burch, and Tyra Banks to gracing red carpets and navigating the bustling streets of Manhattan, Serena wasn’t afraid to embrace the daring and the exclusive. But what would the fashion-forward It Girl be wearing in 2024? What contemporary trends would capture her discerning eye?
Serena, known for her maximalist, sexy style, the antithesis of the current ‘quiet luxury’ trend, would undoubtedly be drawn to the resurgence of sheer fabrics. We envision her embracing the transparency trend, which reigns supreme in everything from tops to dresses, channeling the sophistication and sensuality of Bruna Marquezine’s look at the Saint Laurent Summer 2025 show.
The colorful tights trend, perfect for those chillier days, would undoubtedly find its way into Serena’s closet. This playful and bold take on a classic wardrobe staple, a stark contrast to the traditional black and nude, would resonate with Serena’s love for the unexpected. We can easily picture her pairing these vibrant tights with mini skirts or sleek dresses, a nod to her best friend Blair Waldorf’s signature style.
Boho, the fashion movement that originated in the 1960s with Woodstock and gained global popularity in the 1970s, is making a triumphant return thanks to the influence of Chemena Kamali at Chloé. Serena, always in tune with the latest trends, would readily incorporate this free-spirited aesthetic into her wardrobe, adding a touch of bohemian flair to her looks.
Serena’s penchant for maximalism would undoubtedly find a home in the statement belt trend. We envision her adorning her outfits with bold, eye-catching belts, adding a touch of personality and edge to everything from casual jeans to formal gowns. She would delight in the endless possibilities for styling this trendy accessory.
An avid traveler with a penchant for luxurious getaways, Serena would be a natural adopter of the beachwear-meets-streetwear trend. This style, which emerged on the runways of Miu Miu, Stella McCartney, Hermès, and more, seamlessly blends swimwear elements like bikinis, swimsuits, and hot pants into everyday looks. Imagine Serena rocking a chic swimsuit paired with high-waisted denim shorts or a vibrant bikini top with a flowing skirt, showcasing her effortless style.
Serena’s love affair with high heels, a staple in her ‘Gossip Girl’ days (she even wore them to school!), would lead her to embrace the platform trend that stole the spotlight at Chanel’s Summer 2025 show. These statement shoes, a nod to the 1980s, would add a touch of drama and height to any of Serena’s outfits, a true reflection of her glamorous personality.
The balloon skirt, a popular fashion silhouette in the 1980s, is back in the spotlight, available in mini, midi, maxi, and even dress form. Serena, always on the cutting edge of fashion, would effortlessly incorporate this trend into her wardrobe, experimenting with different lengths and styles, making a statement with every outing.
The scarf has replaced the traditional scarf in the closets of fashionistas, offering a lighter and more colorful alternative with a wide array of prints and textures. Serena, who always embraced the bold and the whimsical, would be drawn to this versatile accessory, pairing it with sunglasses to create a cool 1960s vibe. We can imagine her channeling the style of celebrities like Beyoncé and Luisa Sonza, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to her looks.
Cut-outs, or strategically placed openings in clothing, have made a major comeback this year, even making their way into swimwear. These daring designs, often found in swimsuits, offer a touch of intrigue and playfulness. Serena, known for her love of all things sexy, would undoubtedly embrace this trend, incorporating these eye-catching cuts into her wardrobe, showcasing her confident and alluring style.
Finally, Serena’s closet would be incomplete without the return of the capri pant, a nostalgic piece with a timeless appeal. She would likely embrace the capri pant, not just in its tailored form, but also in its sporty lycra version. Expect to see Serena rocking this versatile piece, pairing it with heels and stylish blazers, following the lead of fashion icon Kendall Jenner, proving that comfort and style can co-exist.
Serena’s style journey in 2024 would be a testament to her unwavering fashion sense, her ability to blend trends seamlessly, and her confident embrace of the bold and the daring. As always, Serena would be a style icon, a beacon of fashion inspiration, showcasing how to make a statement with every outfit.