How to Dress Like Kaia Gerber in "The Shards"

If you've been watching The Shards and thinking Susan Reynolds has a better wardrobe than most of us did in high school, you're not wrong. Kaia Gerber plays the glamorous prep-school senior in Ryan Murphy's new FX series, and her character's wardrobe is full of pieces that feel very 1981 while somehow being extremely wearable in 2026. And apparently, Kaia agrees. "I love that era, but I think there’s a common misconception about the ’80s because you think of pastel, loud patterns, and shoulder pads. That was the late ’80s," she told Vogue at the show's premiere . "What’s so fun about our show is that it’s set during a transitional time for fashion." She specifically called out Susan's wardrobe, saying, "My character has a lot of amazing looks that I personally love, like the jeans I wear. It’s very Lauren Hutton and Brooke Shields; classic all-American looks." Based on Bret Easton Ellis' bestselling novel, The Shards follows a group of privileged Los Angeles high school seniors in 1981 as they navigate parties, relationships, jealousy, and the terrifying arrival of a serial killer known as the Trawler. Murphy, who co-created and executive produced the series, has described it as a nostalgia piece as much as a psychological thriller, drawing on his own memories of being 16 in 1981. The cast includes Gerber alongside Homer Gere, Igby Rigney, Hayes Warner, Graham Campbell, Wes Bentley, and Evan Rachel Wood. Not only is Kaia Gerber a model and actress , she also happens to be the daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford and businessman Rande Gerber. The resemblance to her mom is especially striking in the series thanks to the show's voluminous '80s hair and styling. Gerber has said being compared to her mom is an honor, and The Shards gives us a particularly fun glimpse at what Crawford's own era of teenage style might have looked like. Thankfully, you don't need to be an elite L.A. prep-schooler , or have a supermodel mom, to borrow a few ideas from Susan's closet. The show's wardrobe is full of easy outfit formulas that still work today, from fitted denim and feminine blouses to party dresses and polished school-uniform pieces. Here's how to get the look. This article may contain affiliate links or paid partnerships. We may earn a commission or compensation at no extra cost to you. All products are chosen independently by our editorial team and reflect our genuine recommendations. Burgundy, But Make It Cozy A long-sleeve knit dress is one of those pieces that does most of the work for you. Susan's version gets an extra dose of '80s glamour from its deep burgundy color and a belt cinched around the waist, creating a defined silhouette without making the outfit feel fussy. If you're looking for an easy one-and-done outfit that still feels polished, this is a pretty foolproof formula. Quince Cotton Cashmere Ribbed Long Sleeve Midi Dress, $75 Karen Kane Seamless Sweater Midi Dress, $158 Pomander Place Brielle Sweater Dress, $158 YAS Engineered Rib Knit Mini Dress, $113 Princess Polly Gratuita Long Sleeve Maxi Sweater Dress, $78 The Bow Blouse, Rewritten There's something very "old-school academic" about a collared blouse with a bow, but Susan's pale blue version keeps it from veering into full prep-school uniform territory. Add oversized glasses and you've got a look that feels smart, feminine, and a little mysterious. The best part is that you can wear it with jeans, trousers, or a mini skirt long after you've graduated from anything resembling a prep school. ELLE Collection Striped Bow Shirt, $90 Heartloom Hallie Top, $89 Quince Washable Stretch Silk Tie Neck Blouse, $90 Mango Leif Stripe Ruffle Shirt, $40 Off-Duty Model Energy A fitted mauve bodysuit tucked into wide-leg jeans is a pretty unbeatable combination. The fitted top balances the volume of the jeans, while the high-waisted, wide-leg silhouette creates that famously long-legged model-off-duty effect . It's simple enough for everyday wear but looks much more intentional than a basic T-shirt-and-jeans situation, and wide-leg denim is flattering on just about everyone. A&F Bra Free V Neck Long Sleeve, $55 A&F Long-Sleeve Crepe Asymmetrical One-Shoulder Bodysuit, $33 Avidlove Long Sleeve V Neck Mesh Ruched Bodysuit, $24 Quince Bella Stretch Wide Leg Jeans, $50 Levi's 318 Shaping Wide Leg Women's Jeans, $50 A&F High Rise Wide Leg Jean, $90 The Little Burgundy Dress Susan's burgundy halter mini proves the little black dress doesn't have to be black. A rich red or burgundy mini makes just as much of a statement for a night out, especially when you keep the rest of the look simple. Take a cue from Susan and let the dress do the talking, because sometimes you really don't need much else. Reformation Claudia Knit Dress, $148 PINK Night-Out Stretchy Knit Halter Dress, $30 All The Ways Monica Halter Dress, $84 Princess Polly Hypnotise Ruched Halter Mini Dress, $27 Nia Kathleen Dress, $57 Safari, But Make It Feminine A utility shirtdress is a fun way to play with masculine and feminine elements at the same time. Susan's khaki button-down version has that slightly safari-inspired feel, but the shorter silhouette and defined waist keep it feminine rather than overly rugged. Pair it with simple sandals or heels and you've got an easy summer outfit that feels a little more interesting than your usual sundress. Banana Republic Utility Mini Shirtdress, $72 BDG Ground Control Twill Cargo Shirt Mini Dress, $69 Banana Republic Denim Midi Shirtdress, $84 BDG Polly Linen Short Sleeve Utility Romper, $69 Lauren Ralph Lauren Belted Linen Midi Shirtdress, $135 The Party Pink Jumpsuit A flowy pink jumpsuit is basically the fashion equivalent of working smarter, not harder. Susan's version is loose, breezy, and made for moving, which gives it a completely different energy from the more fitted dresses in her wardrobe. And because a jumpsuit is essentially an entire outfit in one piece, you can throw it on, add shoes and jewelry, and call it a day. We love efficiency. Halara V Neck Sleeveless Ruched Pocket Jumpsuit, $40 BWLDR Joanna Jumpsuit, $189 Halara U Back Sleeveless Casual Jumpsuit, $50 Pretty Little Thing One Shoulder Drape Detailed Jumpsuit, $33 Bebe V Neck Ruffle Scuba Crepe Jumpsuit, $149 Prep School, Minus the Homework Because Susan is a high school student, we see plenty of uniform-inspired looks throughout The Shards. But you definitely don't have to be headed to homeroom to borrow the formula. Pleated skirts, collared shirts, cardigans, knee socks, loafers, and structured blazers can all be mixed and matched for a look that feels more Blair Waldorf than actual school uniform . The trick is to pick one or two preppy elements and pair them with something a little more modern so you don't look like you're running for the student council. A&F Nipped Waist Suiting Blazer, $80 A&F High Rise Pleased Short, $42 Bohme 100% Cotton Mary Sheer Blouse, $55 Everlane Ribbed V-Neck Vest in Everyday Cotton, $49 Miss Selfridge Navy Pinstripe Pleated Skort, $50 Lovers and Friends Meredith Mini Dress, $83 Class Dismissed The best thing about Susan Reynolds' wardrobe is that it doesn't really feel stuck in 1981. Sure, there are plenty of period-specific details, but the formulas themselves—fitted tops with relaxed denim, pretty blouses, mini dresses, polished shirtdresses, and good old-fashioned prep—still work perfectly well today. So take a little inspiration from Susan's closet, add your own spin, and leave the serial-killer subplot firmly in the television show. Consider this your permission slip to dress like the coolest girl at school, even if you're long past graduation. No homework required.