How to Dress Like a Gilmore Girl
CREATED BY Julia Kulik
PHOTOGRAPHED BY Nyasia Gray (@saliyahs.photos)
MODELED BY Sydney Fuentez, Madison-Jade Bishop, Julia Kulik
It’s finally fall (A.K.A. Gilmore Girls) season! Anyone who knows and loves the ultimate comfort show Gilmore Girls also knows that it’s the perfect binge-watch after a chilly autumn day. And after several years of rewatching, I’m still just as inspired by the way that the characters dress as I was the first time I laid eyes on them. I admire the fashion in the show so much that I’ve mimicked it in my own closet.
Classic silhouettes and neutral fall hues are effortlessly chic and best served with chunky knit sweaters (and a giant cup of coffee!) These timeless looks will be staples for years to come. Welcome to your fall style guide, composed of plenty of thrift-able garments and outfits that you can pull from your own closet.
In case you’ve never seen Gilmore Girls, the show is about a mother (Lorelai Gilmore) and daughter (Rory Gilmore)’s close relationship. The show navigates their lives in the small, picturesque town of Stars Hollow where everyone knows everyone. It was very important to those involved with the production of Gilmore Girls that the style was accurate to both the time and the characters’ age, so Rory’s wardrobe was meant to feel comfortable and fit for her age while also being on trend for the time. As the show progresses, we watch Rory grow up in the early 2000s, a time when fashion was still heavily influenced by the ’90s while simultaneously shifting into a unique style of its own.
Anyone who has watched the show, whether they have seen one episode or all 153, can attest that Gilmore Girls has a cozy vibe that holds a special sense of nostalgia for those of us who grew up in the 2000s. Many of us grew up with Rory, but now it’s time for our style to grow up with us. So, take a trip with me to Stars Hollow and find out how to channel the Gilmore girls in 2023.
Rory Gilmore
1.) The “Rory” - Starting off with the classic, viral “Rory sweater”. An oversized chunky knit sweater is a fall wardrobe staple. To add a modern touch, make the sweater cropped.
2.) The “Ivy-Bound” - Want to channel some dark academia vibes? Try pairing a black turtleneck with a brown mini skirt and tights. Although simple, this ensemble will instantly make you look put-together.
3.) The “Collegiate” - When Rory got to college, she began to really play and experiment with her style. Everyone loves a fun sweater and some corduroy jeans.
Sydney in “Rory”
Lorelai Gilmore
1.) The “Independence Inn” - A sleeveless mock neck paired with a dark floral midi skirt and some knee-high boots make for the perfect business casual look. Whether you wear this ensemble to class, work, or out to dinner, you’re sure to turn some heads.
2.) The “Cherry Bomb” - Red is officially the “it color” of Autumn 2023. Red leather specifically has been especially on-trend. As seen on Lorelai throughout the show’s run in numerous fits and colors, leather jackets are timeless. My personal favorite is this slim red leather jacket. Pair with straight-leg jeans and a jewel or scoop-neck top for the ultimate fall look.
3.) The “Fashionably Late” - We all have those late-start mornings. The kind where our alarms don’t go off, we put our shirts on backward, and we miss our trains. Personally, I like to keep an emergency outfit in my closet in cases like these when I don’t have the time to sift through my wardrobe. As Gilmore Girls fans can attest, Lorelai unfortunately doesn’t keep an emergency outfit. This iconic, fashionably-late look consists of a graphic baby tee or tank, denim cutoff shorts, and a pair of cowboy boots
Madison in “Independence Inn”
Lane Kim
1.) The “Rockstar”- Lane began her time on Gilmore Girls as a girl confined by conservative and bland clothing chosen by her strict mother. As the show progressed, Lane allowed her personality to shine through more and more as she expressed her rockstar style through her wardrobe. To really emulate her cool-girl look, accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!
2.) The “Layering Pro” - Layering is a powerful skill in fashion. In Lane’s case, layering a pink graphic tee over a plain brown long-sleeved top changed her entire look. A pop of color is the easiest way to complement an otherwise plain outfit.
3.) The “Denim on Denim” - Although Lane likes to experiment and play with her wardrobe, she also knows how to style a classic look such as denim on denim. Pair it with a fun hairstyle and accessorize as needed.
Julia in versions of “Layering Pro”
Paris Geller
1.) The “Campus Coquette” - The great thing about Paris’ character is her versatility. This goes for her style as well. After enrolling at Yale University, Paris softens her tight-laced look with delicate florals, A-line skirts, and light pink tones.
2.) The “Date Night” - Paris usually keeps it relatively casual, however, a fan-favorite look of hers is this floral maxi dress and black cardigan.
3.) The “Editor-In-Chief” - As Editor-In-Chief of the Yale Daily News, Paris swapped delicate florals for corduroy and plaid, exemplifying a professional, yet youthful look. For a more casual look, swap the skirt for cargo pants.
Sydney in “Editor-In-Chief”
Emily Gilmore
1.) The “Collegiate 2.0” - Throughout the Gilmore Girls series, college was a hot topic. After Rory decides to attend Yale University, her alumni grandfather and her grandmother, Emily show their support at Yale football games. Emily may be wearing a plain grey sweatshirt, but what really stands out is the way she styled it. Adhering to her usual clean and polished aesthetic, Emily pairs a preppy collared shirt underneath her Yale pullover.
2.) The “Emily” - If there is one outfit that defines Emily Gilmore it is the tweed skirt suit. Her style includes and is heavily influenced by Chanel’s iconic matching set, consisting of classically feminine colors and structured silhouettes. Although this elegant and polished look is timeless, there are ways to put a modern twist on this classic look.
3.) The “Garden Party” - Another key component of Emily’s personal style is professionalism. Emily will never be seen wearing anything that you couldn’t wear to the office, despite not having a job!
Sydney in “Collegiate 2.0” and “Emily”, Madison in “Garden Party”
