From the second that the Gossip Girlreboot became a reality, our obsession has been twofold: finding out who the Constance Billard class of 2021 will be, and, almost more urgently, what they’ll be wearing — because as much as S and B were the characters, the fashion played a star role, too. Naturally, many predicted the same for Gossip Girl 2.0. Now that episode one is out, and behind-the-scenes photos have sprung up across social media, we can say with certainty that the second coming of the beloved aughts show holds up, fashion-wise. Hell, it might even be better than the first.
Given that we’re talking about Gossip Girl, a show that dramatizes the self-interested social politics among the upper crust of Manhattan high-schoolers, not all of the clothes worn in the reboot are accessible. Wearing a $2,000 Balmain blazer to class like Monet de Haan (Savannah Lee Smith) just isn’t realistic in the real world, no matter how well pinstripes pair with a Jacquemus Le Chiquito bag. For regular people, a Christopher John Rogers gown like Julien Calloway’s (Jordan Alexander) may be out of the price budget, but, thanks to costume designer Eric Daman, who also was responsible for the original costumes, your favorite Upper East Side wardrobes don’t all come with a hefty price tag and a long waitlist. Some are both available now and reasonably affordable.
Given the buzz surrounding the show — Gossip Girl’s Instagram has over 400,000 followers and we've only seen one episode — any fashion item that’s been spotted during filming, especially the lower-priced ones, won’t stay in stock for long. That’s to say, when you find one that is up for grabs, we suggest you act on it — fast.
To make sure you don’t miss a steal before it’s too late, we rounded up all the Gossip Girl-approved pieces that are still available.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.One thing the new Gossip Girl flaunts that the original didn't? Chic-casual wear.
Whitney Peak wearing Nike x Colin Kaepernick Air Force 1 sneakers.Photo: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images.
Jordan Alexander wearing a Monse sweater dress.Photo: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images.
Monse Inside Out Crest Sweater Dress, $, available at MonseThis look is layering at its absolute finest.
Emily Alyn Lind wearing a Storets sweater, a Stella McCartney top, and Tamara Mellon loafers.Photo: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images.
Storets Claire Chunky Twist Knit Vest, $, available at Storets
Stella McCartney Blue Elaina Paneled Striped Cotton-Poplin Shirt, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Tamara Mellon Vita Croco Stampato Pumps, $, available at Tamara MellonMan, do we wish school uniforms actually looked this cool.
Jordan Alexander wearing Cartier earrings; a Fendi Zucca B Bis Flap Bag; and Nike Air Force 1 Low 'USA' Sneakers.Photo: courtest of HBO Max.
Fendi Bis B Zucca Handbag, $, available at TheRealReal
Nike Air Force 1 Low 'USA' Sneakers, $, available at Kicks Crew*Adds leather micro-mini to the list of post-vaccine party outfits.*
Jordan Alexander wearing a Zeynep Arçay dress, a Tyler Ellis clutch, Cult Gaia Abella heels, and a Maison Irem earring.Photo: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images.
Maison Irem Snake Earring, $, available at Shopbop
Cult Gaia Abella Heel, $, available at Cult GaiaAccording to Gossip Girl, next time you wear your favorite LBD, pair it with lug boots — not heels.
Eli Brown and Whitney Peak wearing a Reformation dress, Voile Blanche boots, and a Ratio et Motus bag.Photo: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images.
Voile Blanche Tweed 09 Chelsea Boots, $, available at Shopbop
Jordan Alexander wearing a Stella McCartney coat, a Louis Vuitton belt bag, and Fendi rainboots.Photo: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images.
Fendi Ribbed Detail FF-Logo Boots, $, available at FarfetchOne pair of UGGs, two very different outfits.
Savannah Smith wearing a David Koma bodysuit, an Alice + Olivia skirt, and a Roger Vivier bag. Zion Moreno wearing a Rococo Sand dress and a Judith Leiber clutch.Photo: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images.
ROCOCO SAND Star Light One Shoulder Dress, $, available at Shopbop
Alice + Olivia Renna Button-Wrap Miniskirt, $, available at Neiman MarcusThis is a stop-and-look outfit if we've ever seen one. Now, if only we had a place to wear it.
Jordan Alexander wearing an A.L.C. top, Commando leggings, Louboutin boots, a Gucci Creolehandbag, and Celine sunglasses.Photo: James Devaney/GC Images.
A.L.C. Winnie Bra Top, $, available at Neiman Marcus
Commando Faux Patent-Leather Leggings, $, available at Net-A-PorterThis outfit is all we want to wear on a Saturday afternoon for the remainder of spring.
Jordan Alexander in a Dolce & Gabbana trench coat, a Cinq à Sept Eddie sweater, Tommy Hilfiger pants, Fila Trigate sneakers, and a Dior Saddle bag.Photo: Gotham/GC Images.
Cinq à Sept Eddie Sweater, $, available at Shopbop
Fila Trigate Sneakers, $, available at FilaNow, this is the kind of designer-studded Upper East Side look we were expecting from the reboot. Don't worry, though, we pulled out the least expensive pieces.
Zión Moreno wearing a Burberry cape, a Sea by Chloe sweater, a Louis Vuitton tote bag, and Aquazzura boots. Savannah Smith wearing a Balmain blazer, a Jacquemus Le Chiquito handbag, and Valentino sandals.Photo: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images.
Jacquemus Le Chiquito Mini Bag, $, available at FarfetchWe'd be smiling this big too if we had a red, corduroy Fendi Baguette bag.
Jordan Alexander wearing Schutz Maryana boots and a Fendi Baguette bag.Photo: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images.
Schutz Maryana Knee-High Croc-Embossed Leather Boots, $, available at Saks Fifth AvenueThis look is a perfect example of why we're predicting that Zoya Lott (Whitney Peak) is the next Little J.
Whitney Peak wearing an Alex Mill cardigan, Dr. Martens boots, and a Melanin Apparel tote bag.Photo: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images.
Melanin Apparel Recycling Black Dollars Totes Bag, $, available at Melanin Apparel
Alex Mill Fair Isle Cardigan, $, available at Shopbop
Dr. Martens 1460 8 Eye Boots, $, available at ShopbopNothing says "Eric Daman costume directed this" than Luna La (Zión Moreno) wearing a $1,250 fringe sweater from AREA with $63 Steve Madden booties.
Zión Moreno wearing Lapima Lisa sunglasses, an Area sweater, and Steve Madden Jemma boots. Savannah Smith wearing a Le Beret Francais beret and a Chanel belt.Photo: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images.
Le Beret Francais Classic Light Blue Beret Woman, $, available at Le Beret Francais
Steve Madden Jemmah Ankle Boot, $, available at AmazonIf this photo isn't the 2021 version of Posh Spice (Emily Alyn Lind) and Sporty Spice (Jordan Alexander), then we don't know what is.
Emily Alyn Lind wearing a Givenchy top, a Veronica Beard Miller blazer, a JW Pei Rantan bag, and Salvatore Ferragamo Viva heels. Jordan Alexander wearing a YSL custom jacket, a Louis Vuitton handbag, and Balenciaga Triple S Sneakers.Photo: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images.
Veronica Beard Miller Dickey Jacket, $, available at Neiman Marcus
Balenciaga White Triple S Sneakers, $, available at SSENSE
JW PEI Rantan Bag, $, available at JW PEIOkay, why weren't uniforms this chic when we were in school?
Whitney Peak wearing Dr. Marten Jadon 2 boots.Photo: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images.
Dr. Martens Burgundy Vegan Jadon 2 Platform Boots, $, available at SSENSE
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Throughout modern history, so-called “comfort” shoes have gotten a bad rap. Begrudgingly purchased out of necessity by nurses, servers, and people with foot conditions; strapped on by sensible, errand-running moms; and stacked high in the closets of our grandmothers, this supportive footwear category prizes functionality over trend-following, and often gets overlooked by we fashion-seeking shoe magpies.
However, the winds of change are blowing. Our feet are growing tired of flesh-biting straps, hard-as-rock footbeds, and weight distribution made uneven by unsupportive heels. Sure, there’s an endless stream of trendy sneakers out there, but sometimes we want more — the elevated visual statement of our favorite of-the-moment shoes paired with the easy wear of, say, a Dansko.
Luckily, several things are at play. Dorkus malorkus footwear is meeting fashion half-way, with brands like Birkenstocks and Clarks revamping tried-and-true lasts in need-it-now colorways. In addition to this, a new crop of comfort luxury brands have popped up, offering sleek, high-end styling with the same kind of engineering that used to be the sole (ha!) specialty of the comfort brands. There's also the endless wave of divisive granny and dad styles that continue to parade down designer runways, embraced by fashion people who love a good ugly shoe. We’ve included a mix of all here, because our greatest priority is helping you maintain a balance of comfort and style at all times, no matter where it’s coming from.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
We adore the striped summery brilliance of these Comfortview slides, which come in extended sizes and widths to accommodate feet of all shapes and sizes. They’re also equipped with a padded footbed and skid-resistant soles, so that your walkabout is a safe and comfortable one.
Comfortview® The Reese Footbed Sandal, $, available at AmazonThe clog auteurs at Dankso offer so much more than the gardener mainstay that they’re known for. These retro-inspired wedges come with a moisture-wicking lining and a foam-cushioned midsole, and The Walking Company recommends them for plantar fasciitis support.
Dansko Sophie, $, available at The Walking CompanyWe recently reported on the resurgence of the Teva-style sandal and its irresistibly Dad-like charm, and this technical shoe from Danish brand Ecco is giving us street style vibes in a major way. Its unique, cushioning support technology will make it easy to pound the pavement all day.
Ecco EXOWRAP 3S VELCRO Sandals, $, available at EccoAerosoles’ long-engineered comfort technology — impact-absorbing diamond pattern soles, memory foam footbed, and a heel cradle for extra support — makes these wild mules a summertime no-brainer.
Aerosoles Platinum East Coast Mule, $, available at WalmartSofft’s Breeze sandal feels as good as it sounds, boasting a cushioned footbed and a leather lining to prevent blisters. And these classic black leather slip-ons are a wardrobe staple we love.
Sofft Somers Slip-On, $, available at ZapposWith a stabilizing heel seat and ball-of-foot cushioning, many of Vionic’s styles have the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of approval. With so many spring-friendly, on-trend styles, they’ve got our seal of approval, too.
Vionic Jolene Bootie, $, available at AmazonFor some, the word “Croc” conjures a fleet of tank-like foam clogs in a Skittles-hued array of colors — not exactly the kind of footwear you’d choose for a fashionable outing. However, this functional brand has evolved, and they now offer a range of styles appropriate for wear outside of the home — all with the lightweight, flexible comfort that they’re known for.
Crocs Tulum Sandal, $, available at CrocsKork-Ease got its start in the 1950s by pioneering the cork wedge sandal. Its platform reached the apex of popularity in the '70s, but the company is still making spot-on retro sandals outfitted with foam-cushioned soles.
Kork Ease San Carlos, $, available at Kork EaseThe buzzed-about former podiatrist Marion Parke outfits her high-end, Italian-made shoes with medical-grade foam insoles, for the ultimate combination of comfort and luxury.
Marion Parke Cyrus Slides, $, available at ShopbopThese casual canvas sneakers by VenusCelia have an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars and 692 ratings on Amazon. Extra points for the fact that they'll cost ya less than $20.
VenusCelia Canvas Lace Up Sneaker, $, available at AmazonIt’s official: Clarks’ easy-wearing Wallabees have reached icon status. While we’re probably all more familiar with the timeless browns and tans that our dads wore, we are definitely snagging this sleek black version to pair with pretty much everything.
Clarks Wallabee Black Suede, $, available at ClarksThere’s nothing like a classic pair of clogs to take you through the rest of the summer — especially when the soles are rubberized for traction. These wear-anywhere shoe also come equipped with a soft, microfiber-lined footbed that’s cushioned for a seriously comfy walking experience.
Propet Washable Walker Slide, $, available at ZapposBlend in at the Echo Park Craft Fair with these sunny Born slides — a reviewer called them “the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned.” A multi-layer foam cushion will have you trend-setting sans achy feet.
Born Trang Slip-On, $, available at BornChannel the '70s in these elevated Naturalizer platforms, equipped with the brand’s signature top-notch, arch-supportive cushioning and unique heel cup.
Naturalizer Patience Espadrille Sandal, $, available at NaturalizerTaryn Rose was an orthopedic surgeon prior to founding her shoe brand. Molded insoles, patented shock absorption, and the croc-embossed leather of this black, chunky sandal makes it the perfect spring-to-summer transitional shoe.
Taryn Rose Lydia Metallic Nappa Flat Sandal, $, available at AmazonThe Mallorca, Spain-based footwear brand Camper is known for its comfortable walking shoes and stylish design. Dancing the night away will not be an issue at future weddings, thanks to these cream-colored (and totally chic) block heels.
Camper Upright 60mm Leather Sandals, $, available at FarfetchWe don’t need to tell you that Birkenstock is on fire right now — the comfort-shoe manufacturer shows no signs of stopping after 245 years (!) of making footwear. Thanks to collaborations with high-falutin’ brands like Opening Ceremony and Rick Owens, you have more options than ever, but our summer pick are these under-$100 off-white thongs with — get ready for it — 2,611 reviews.
Birkenstock Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor™, $, available at ZapposA cushioned footbed and glove-like leather construction make these under-$30 slip-ons perfect for running errands or lounging around the house.
SUNROLAN Leather Comfort Fit Ballet Flats, $, available at AmazonThe avant-garde je ne sais quoi of these Spring Step slippers make them a perfect complement to any Comme- or Margiela-heavy lewk. The “tender” designation is accurate — a cushioned sole and flexible fabric upper will make any tired or swollen feet happy.
Spring Step Tender Loafer, $, available at AmazonWalking Cradles name says it all — they call their signature cushioned footbed “tiny pillows”. The sleek back fabric and easy-to-wear styling of this low heel will take you from work to the weekend without missing a beat.
