Kelly Rutherford is the Classy Style Icon We Adore

Kelly Rutherford is the queen of that trendy rich mom style—like a real-life Lily Van Der Woodsen.

Rutherford has a strong signature style, which is chic and classy, with a cool, trendy twist.

It’s quite funny, though, because her style perfectly captures the essence of the role of Lily Van Der Woodsen in Gossip Girl, which she played.

Many call her the real-life Van Der Woodsen, embodying the "rich Birkin mom" vibe.

One might even wonder if she was cast in the role because she already had that look down!

Gossip Girl & Fashion Icon Status

Kelly Rutherford's role in the famous Gossip Girl series was a major factor in her rise to popularity and recognition as a fashion icon.

Her character, Lily Van Der Woodsen, embodies the ideal of a wealthy socialite with an impeccable, elegant, and sophisticated style.

Kelly shares this same high-society glamour in her personal style, blurring the lines between the character and herself.

Both in Gossip Girl and in real life, Kelly Rutherford is associated with an image of sophistication and quiet luxury.

Brand Collaborations with Kelly Rutherford

Rutherford has collaborated extensively with various fashion brands.

In 2024, she partnered with The Curated, a Norwegian brand, becoming the face of their fall winter campaign.

Kelly is a natural choice as the face of the brand, given her signature aesthetic and timeless style.

She also teamed up with the eco-conscious brand Alcaiz Paris, highlighting key items like boots and coats that align well with her sophisticated style.

Kelly often collaborates with eco-conscious brands, aligning with her values and commitment to environmental responsibility.

Her dedication to sustainability reflects a genuine desire to support and promote these brands’ growth and development stories.

Kelly Rutherford Street Style & Everyday Fashion

Kelly is a great source of outfit inspiration because she focuses on staples and timeless pieces, making them truly worth the investment.

Rutherford’s go-to fashion advice, which she stands by, is to “go less,” a practical approach to creating elegant and refined outfits.

In this photo, her outfit consists of simple yet elegant pieces: a white dress paired with a chunky cardigan, elevated by white heels for added sophistication.

She keeps the jewelry minimal with classic gold hoops, maintaining a refined look. The overall ensemble feels effortlessly polished and sophisticated.

A faux fur piece brings a fashionable flair to any look, as you can see here.

Faux fur like this always pairs well with a minimalist outfit, as shown with Kelly’s simple white shirt and jeans.

The color rule is an important factor to keep in mind, and here you can see it at play with the brown-toned pieces matching perfectly, allowing the clothes and accessories to flow effortlessly together.

Rutherford is also a fan of chic trouser and blazer combos, and she’s absolutely right—it looks effortlessly classy.

This is what Kelly Rutherford wore to London Fashion Week 2024: a classy shirt with a belt, paired with jeans.

She styled it with a brown shoulder bag and her favorite accessory—chunky gold hoops.

Kelly Rutherford Occasion Looks

Rutherford continues to rock her elegant “Birkin mom” look with each of her occasion outfits.

Refined and minimalistic style is definitely the secret to her looks.

One recent standout from Paris Fashion Week was an elegant white dress with ruching.

She paired the tube dress with a chunky necklace that added a beautiful touch. Rutherford completed the look with black heels and a bag, both featuring gold details.