How to Look Like Serena Van Der Woodsen

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Serena Van Der Woodsen is a very well off and high profiled character in Gossip Girl. Serena comes across as being flawless and perfect. She appears to be full of confidence and very much her own character. This article explains how to be more like Serena without the flashy New York penthouse and dazzling New York city lifestyle!

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Looking Like Serena

PDF download Download Article
  1. Serena's skin is flawless. Of course, everyone's skin has bad days and nobody's skin can be blemish free, but there are ways of making sure you prevent the build up of acne.
    • Cleanse and tone your face daily both morning and night to prevent the build up of grease and oil in your pores.
    • If you have acne, don't wash your face more than twice a day, if you do, your skin is likely to be inflamed and make the problem worse. [ citation needed ]
    • To fix blemishes, use a colorless foundation and dab it on noticeable zits, don't cover up the face, let it breathe. The less coverage means the quicker your face will get rid of the acne.
  2. Serena's skin is described in the Gossip Girl books as perfect, smooth and fair. Her cheeks are often flushed and rosy. Her complexion is flawless, and often tanned after exotic holidays in the Caribbean or on a private island. For the less fortunate (which is most of us), here are some steps on how to obtain that look:
    • Moisturise your skin daily to keep it soft and hydrated.
    • Make sure your legs, underarms and bikini line are always well groomed (for example waxed or shaved).
    • Serena looks tanned and healthy all year long. To achieve this apply a gradual build-up tan. Do your research on the safety of tanning and tanning lotions before you use them. You may change your mind and you should make an informed decision, not simply follow the beauty herd. Serena would never do tanning beds. Don't overdo the spray tanning or self tanner. An orange bod is so not... hot.
    • Make sure you always smell fresh by wearing fragranced deodorants and applying light amounts of perfume or body spray.
    • Visit your dermatologist for a healthy set of products to get your skin in perfect condition. If you have minor acne, just get a gentle cleanser and maybe an over-the-counter cream.
    Advertisement
  3. Serena does not wear lots of makeup. Less is always more and it's best not to wear a lot of facial products on your face as it can result in the buildup of acne.
    • Eyes: Serena has huge, navy blue eyes, with thick lashes that never require any form of makeup. Some of us aren't that fortunate. If you have small eyes, don't make it worse by lining the eyes with eyeliner on the top and bottom, that just makes the closeness appear worse. To make the eyes look bigger, line the inside corner of the eye with white eyeliner, it widens up the look of the eye. If your eyes are large, don't do that, the majority of the time it just looks weird. For mascara, don't load it on, coarse lashes are clumpy and ugly. Try using a little brush on the bottom, an a large brush on the top. Two swipes on top, and one on the bottom. Don't overload on eyeliner, it looks trashy and Serena isn't. Just line the top of the eye with a thin line to define it. If you like eyeshadow, use a pretty coir that complements the skin tone.
    • Mouth: Serena has perfectly shaped lips. Her lips are not too thin, but not too plump. If you have thin lips, try using lipliner. Make the line discreet though, and make sure it matches the lip color. Or, get a lip plumping lipgloss. Try Sephora for one. Serena usually just dabs some cherry chapstick on her lips, so make your color natural and opt for chapstick or Vaseline, or a clear gloss. Also Serena has a perfect smile that models spend years trying to achieve. If your teeth are far from perfect visit your orthodontist if you can, or use a straightening system such as lumineers. A beautiful smile is worth the money. Serena's teeth are white. So brush, brush, brush! Or use whitening strips, but don't over-bleach the teeth so that the color looks unnatural. No one wants a horse mouth!
  4. Serena's body is free of flab as she is toned, taut, tall, and lean. Serena has the surreal gift of not exercising, eating what she wants, and never gaining an unwanted ounce. Hardly any of us have that, so exercise, and eat right. Yeah, you've heard that a million times, but it works. Not keen on running or lifting weights? Do pilates, it will kill the flab on your limbs and keep your body lean and your skin tight. Or try yoga, if you're feeling stressed, it practically will have the same effect. Don't go to unhealthy steps to be skinny though, that's wrong, you should love your body for what it is.
    5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Getting Hair Like Serena's

PDF download Download Article
  1. Serena has gorgeous, pale long, blonde hair, often said to be flaxen. To achieve this, use a shampoo that fits your hair type, and that smells good.
    • For example, if you have oily hair, don't use a moisturizing shampoo.
    • You don't have to dye your hair, but if you do, and if you have the time and money, go to a professional. If you can't do that though, just get a natural blonde color from a trusted dye company. Try going to a beauty outlet, one that has a billion colors to choose from. Don't bleach it though, Serena's isn't bleached.
    • Serena's hair is straight, but not stick straight. Just straighten the strands of the hair that are curly. Make it look natural like you just woke up with it like that. If your hair is sensitive to heat, don't fry it by using a straightener, try a straightening shampoo.
    • If you're a brunette and you don't want to dye, try getting honey highlights, but don't make it streaky.
  2. Whatever your hair add some mousse to it. Then tousle it dry or use a diffuser, straighten any flyaways and just use some hairspray. Serena has messy bedhead hair which is always looking healthy therefore if your hair is dry use a nightly leave in conditioner treatment on your hair to restore its natural state.
    3. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Dressing Like Serena

PDF download Download Article
  1. Serena is said to be able to pull off any piece of clothing at any given moment. Not everyone has the luxury of that. Serena wears crazy prints, her brother's Oxford shirts, grungy boarding school clothes, and pretty much anything. She always looks perfect in whatever she is dressed in. She even goes topless on the beach. Serena doesn't have a signature style though, which leaves this part up to you. Fashion is a form of self expression and shouldn't be copied, but created. Be unique and shine!
    • Wear what flatters your body and feels comfortable. After all, wearing a piece of clothing that doesn't feel right is the same as wearing a piece of clothing that doesn't look right.
    • Wear what suits you and express yourself.
    • And all of you gorgeous girls that wear glasses, try looking for contact lenses.
  2. For example, a pair or two of skinny jeans, a well fitted black blazer, a cricket style jumper, a well fitted coat or jacket, tank tops, polo tops, formal dresses, flat boots and flat ballet style shoes.
  3. Serena likes to wear a lot of chunky necklaces, delicate bracelets and classic earrings. For example, a pretty silver charm bracelet and pearl earrings, nothing too trashy. For a handbag, choose something like a town and country handbag which is fairly large, as Serena often likes large and colourful handbags. Perhaps attach a silk scarf around your neck or handbag to bring back that old school elegance look.
  4. Serena has a signature scent, try to find a perfume that matches your personality or do your own fragrance (it's very easy, just find right essential oils and mix it), and never forget to wear it. Make sure it's light and airy, and not thick and musky, headaches aren't fun.
    5. Advertisement
Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Acting Like Serena

PDF download Download Article
  1. Have good table manners and good communication skills.
  2. Serena is known to always cheer her friends up, after all every cloud has a silver lining.
  3. Serena as known to be a party girl, so go to parties, enjoy yourself. Dance until dawn and flirt up a storm with the hot host, to the nerdy bookworm in the corner.
  4. Serena keeps her cool in even the most gruesome situations.
  5. Serena is kind to everyone. Even if you totally hate someone, keep the claws in, and vent to your besties later.
  6. Serena is oblivious to her perfection, and never boasts about her looks, so you should do the same. Don't brag, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
  7. Serena is never alone, always travel in a pair, or group. Though, don't be afraid to be alone. Have confidence, always hold your head up high. Cats prey on insecurity.
  8. Have a cloud of mystery around you, leave people questioning about who you are. Keep some secrets to yourself.
    9. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I convince my parents I don't need to get braces?
    Community Answer
    If your orthodontist says you require braces, you probably need them. Braces improve your smile, the way you chew, and can even improve your breathing and make your face look better.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 25
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Serena bites her nails, but you shouldn't. If you have the habit already, try to break it.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Serena smokes and drinks, but that definitely doesn't mean you have to. In fact, it'd be best if you didn't, especially if you're underage or value your long-term health and well-being.
        Thanks
        Helpful 15 Not Helpful 0


      Advertisement

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 201,286 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement