How to Dress Like a Gossip Girl

Five recession-friendly ways to fill your closet with the most popular trends from the hit show Gossip Girl

-Faye Brennan

School is back in session and you know what that means: the devious girls of Constance Billard are back to play on Gossip Girl. Last year, GG set the tone for having the most fierce fashion on TV, and we're sure Serena, Blair, and the rest of the troop will bring their covetable fashion sense with them this season (which premieres September 14 on the CW) as they head off to college.

Now, not all of us can have closets filled with couture like the Waldorfs and Van der Woodsens, but we can still dress as though we belong on the Upper East Side, canoodling with hunks like Chuck and Nate. Here are five recession-friendly ways to fill your closet with the most popular trends from the show. You know you love it! XOXO

ACCESSORIES: HEADBANDS, TIGHTS, & A FIERCE BAG

Every single character on Gossip Girl is accessorized perfectly from head to toe. If you want to look just as good, make sure each accessory you wear looks like it's on purpose and brings your outfit together. A statement headband is a great way to add some personality to a basic outfit - that's why all the girls don one when they're in their school uniforms. J. Crew has a great selection of headbands (for about $16 each), as well as Forever 21 (around $4 each).

Spotted: Serena, Blair, and Jenny Humphrey all wearing tights multiple times per episode. After all, they are a great alternative to pants and can go with both a casual or formal outfit. Get a few pairs of your own in a variety of colors and styles at H&M for cheap, and pair them with dresses, shorts, and skirts for fall. Add a fierce bag that has a bold pattern or lots of embellishments, like any of these from Urban Outfitters (about $68).

PATTERNS: PLAID & BLING

It makes sense that the Gossip Girls were often seen in plaid - they went to a private school where a preppy dress code was enforced. But adding hints of plaid to your everyday outfits can look ultra expensive and chic, and it's probably a trend that the girls will continue to wear in their college days. This dress ($44) from Nordstrom utilizes plaid in a sophisticated way, and can be dressed up or down by layering it with other pieces. Also, this Ruffle Plaid Vest from Charlotte Russe ($24.99) is very stylish and Gossip Girl worthy thanks to its big ruffles.

For a more flashy look when out on the town drinking champagne in limos like our Upper East Side idols, snazz up your LBD or jeans with some bling. Anything with shiny sequins or polished studs will do, like this fantastic sequin shrug from Arden B. ($48) or this studded vest from Wet Seal ($24.50).