It's Blair Waldorf Fall: Here's How to Dress Like the Queen Bee

As we put a bow on summer, those of us packing away our Nantucket-esque , coastal grandma wardrobes are not-so-secretly rejoicing: Fall, the best season for polished, Northeast-inspired dressing , is upon us. And this season, we're taking inspiration from our favorite Upper East Sider. Whether you've read the book series, were obsessed with the show in the late aughts, or are simply an innocent bystander, you know the cultural impact of Gossip Girl is hard to deny. While I'll admit I only just started watching the show for the first time last fall (and was immediately waylaid by the arrival of my third baby—please don't tell me who Gossip Girl is!), I was instantly entranced by the show's fashion. Both Serena and Blair were poignantly set up with specific, personality-matching, covetable wardrobes right from episode one. While it's hard not to love Serena's effortless, cool-girl vibe (I'm still questioning whether or not I can pull off a tie), Blair's style is more put-together and, arguably, better suited for "the real world." Despite the character's age, her style is mature and classic, and New York to its core. With the prep-school backdrop and reliance on collegiate, yuppie pieces—from plaid dresses to pleated skirts, and the hallmark headband—Blair Waldorf style is particularly on point during the fall. Between street fashion's enduring obsession with Ralph Lauren-esque preppy style and the recent announcement of the upcoming sequel book, "Blair," the Queen Bee will be the official style icon of the upcoming season. If you're looking to channel her legendary aesthetic, here are some key considerations. 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. How to Dress Like Blair Waldorf Pick Tailored Pieces Blair's ability to always look put together can be credited to the expert tailoring of her pieces. She dresses conservatively, but in a feminine manner that flatters her figure. If you want to dress like Blair this fall, ditch oversized sweaters and flowy bohemian layers—those are much more Serena-coded. Instead, grab body-skimming knits, structured dresses, and fitted suiting separates. Add a Headband The Queen Bee is known for her puffy headbands. Reminiscent of a literal crown, these headpieces are practical for the ambitious woman who is constantly dominating the world around her and can't be dealing with hair falling into her face. Bonus: They instantly add a sense of polish to any outfit. Lean Into Elevated Accessories Just as covetable as her clothing pieces are Blair's accessories. Aside from her headbands, Blair is often seen wearing tights and carrying a structured, top-handle bag. Knee-high socks are also prep-school-inspired must-haves that you can wear on repeat with tall boots, Mary Janes, and your favorite skirts and dresses. Brooches are a trendy accessory that adds subtle luxury. Grab Classic Textures You don't have to have a Waldorf budget to make your outfits feel expensive. An easy way to accomplish this is by focusing on texture and material. A little intention goes a long way. Choose natural fibers and materials whenever possible, with heavy emphasis on tweed, silk, leather, and suede. Opt for Classic Fall Patterns Spotted: Plaid and argyle everything. Whether it's a full-print dress, an eye-catching accessory, or a cozy sweater, reaching for classic autumnal prints can instantly add that seasonal posh to your OOTD. The Cutest Pieces for a Blair Waldorf Fall Blair's closet is vast. But there are a few key pieces we see her wearing time and time again: blazers, mini skirts, tights, headbands, structured bags, and collared tops and dresses. If you're looking to add Upper East Side panache to your wardrobe this fall, these Blair-approved selects are worth your attention. Aritzia Scone Silk Dress This silk dress is darling. Wear it on a warm fall day with flats or layer with a blazer when the temperatures start to dip. Buy now, $168 Edikted Two in One Collared Sweater Dress Put together without sacrificing comfort. This two-in-one sweater dress would be the perfect base for an easy wear-to-work 'fit. Buy now, $79 Abercrombie & Fitch Merino Wool Blend Layered Collared Sweater Mini Dress I love a piece that balances comfort and prep. Style this mini dress with your favorite boots or loafers. Buy now, $96 Tanya Taylor Barton Dress From the plaid print to the shiny embellishments, it's not hard to imagine Blair romping around New York in this little number. Throw on a pair of tights and flats and take the city by storm. Buy now, $695 Abercrombie & Fitch Scarlett Wool Blend Mini Skort The brown check version of this mini skort screams elevated equestrian. Style with kitten-heel boots and a crisp trench. Buy now, $45 Tuckernuck Black Taffeta Embellished Camila Mini Skirt If Blair were strutting the streets of NYC today, I have a feeling she'd be on board with the bubble-hem revival. This option is elevated by its romantic waistline embellishment. Buy now, $81 Abercrombie & Fitch Pleated Tailored Mini Skort The pink detail grants a girlish touch to this fall staple. Wear it with a pair of tights and a turtleneck top. Buy now, $56 Abercrombie & Fitch Nipped Waist Suiting Blazer Grab the matching blazer and you'll be ready to dominate your campus, city, or whatever your respective domain may be. Buy now, $104 Aritzia Dolly Skort This low-rise micro skort serves back-to-school energy. Layer over a pair of opaque tights for that true Gossip Girl aesthetic. Buy now, $98 Gap Factory Relaxed Rugby Polo Shirt You can't have a preppy, East Coast fashion season without rugby polos. Style under a suede jacket or favorite blazer. Buy now, $35 Quince Washable Stretch Silk Tie Neck Blouse Tie-neck blouses are classically feminine. This blouse would be the perfect professional base for layering beneath your favorite jackets and sweaters this fall. Buy now, $90 Splendid x @Chrisellelim: The Chriselle Tee & Scarf Set Wear the set as-is under a blazer, or let the scarf pull double duty tied to the handle of your tote. Buy now, $78 Quince Embroidered Cotton Ruffle Collar Long Sleeve Blouse Peter Pan collars are often associated with polished, "twee" style. This blouse is a versatile top that can be dressed up for the office or dressed down for a trip to the pumpkin patch. Buy now, $60 Reformation Cove Cashmere Oversized Crew Argyle experienced a resurgence last fall, and it's not going away anytime soon. Pair with skirts or tailored mini shorts. Buy now, $328 Abercrombie & Fitch Sunday Shrunken Patchwork Cardigan Want to be on the nose? This patchwork cardigan is a love letter to the Big Apple. Pair it with a sleek headband and a mini skirt to keep the look feminine. Buy now, $68 Quince Scuba Captain's Convertible Blazer Aspiring to dress like Blair Waldorf means having at least one Ivy school-esque blazer hanging in your closet. Style with dresses and mini skirts to bring the aesthetic home. Buy now, $100 Mint Velvet Burgundy Checked Single Breasted Blazer Throw it over a tie-neck blouse and a pleated skirt for a look that's Blair through and through. Buy now, $385 Tanya Taylor Carlisle Reversible Coat In the show, Blair rocks a coat very similar to this offering from Tanya Taylor. Just looking at it makes me want to grab a cup of hot cider and do a bookstore crawl. Buy now, $895 J. Crew Soho Car Coat Retro and relaxed, drape this cotton coat over all of your favorite fall outfits to protect them from the elements. Buy now, $378 Overland Yvette Sheepskin Coat This one's a splurge, but a good sheepskin coat is a decade-long investment, and you'll reach for it every cold morning until it's genuinely worn out. Buy now, $1,595 Splendid Lucia Fur Scarf Drape it over a camel coat or a black blazer and let it do all the talking. Buy now, $54 Nordstrom Rack Bujou Puffy Braid Headband As we've covered, the headband is Blair's favorite accessory. This affordable option looks more expensive than it is. Buy now, $32 J. Crew Factory Pearl Beaded Headband Classy girls wear pearls. Don't be afraid to wear them long after summer has passed. Buy now, $20 Quince Mongolian Cashmere Beret Tilt it back off your forehead and pair it with a collared coat for the kind of look Blair would wear to brunch. Buy now, $32 Leatherology Kress XL Tote Bag A Blair-coded bag is oversized and structured. This XL tote from Leatherology will quickly become your favorite work carry-all. Buy now, $375 Mulberry Bayswater Heavy Grain Bag If there's one wardrobe splurge that is easy to justify, it's an heirloom-quality bag. This classic shoulder bag comes in an array of beautiful colors. Buy now, $1,695 Calzedonia Floral Lace Tights The NYC school queen is constantly styled with tights. This feminine pair from Calzedonia would look chic styled under a neutral dress. Buy now, $37 Calzedonia Matt Soft Comfort Coverings Red Tights If you didn't hop on the red tights trend last year (or the year before), now's your chance. Personally? Blair's red-tight-micro-short outfit lives rent-free in my mind. Buy now, $17 Madewell The Jamie Boat Shoe Boat shoes are not only practical but have become synonymous with sporty chic. Grab a pair and wear them with straight-leg denim or your favorite mini skirt. Buy now, $100 Vivaia Margot Mary Jane Flats Cap-toe shoes are on deck to be a must-have this fall. This pair from comfort-acclaimed Vivaia delivers on prep and will match with almost every outfit you own. Buy now, $139 Burberry Check Canvas Highgate Ballerinas Bow-adorned flats are a feminine staple that will never go out of style. A plaid-bearing pair is especially aligned with Miss Waldorf's wardrobe. Buy now, $695 Splendid Bella Suede Ballet Flat in Wine Wear them with sheer black tights and a plaid mini for the most Blair-coded outfit in your closet. Buy now, $109 Reformation Calista Slingback Heel City fashion doesn't shy away from a bold shoe. A spotted slingback is eye-catching without being brash. Buy now, $298 Structure and Prep It can be easy to get lost in the details when you're channeling a style muse. But it's less about making a checklist of outfits to recreate and more about channeling a general pattern and mood. If your fall outfitting goal is to draw inspiration from Blair Waldorf, opt for structured pieces that deliver on prep and class. Collared tops, plaid dresses, leather handbags—you know you love it. XOXO