How to Be Like Rory Gilmore: The Ultimate Look & Lifestyle Guide

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Live life just like your fave book- and coffee-loving Gilmore girl
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She's got big blue eyes, perfect brown hair, and an angelic face, so we don’t blame you for wanting to look a little more like Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls —whether it’s for a pop culture costume or on a daily basis! She’s also studious, successful, funny, and kind, so there are a lot of reasons to incorporate Rory’s Type-A habits into your everyday life. But how do you go about becoming more like Stars Hollow’s favorite junk-food-loving perfectionist? If you follow where we lead , then we’ll lead you through every style tip, hair tutorial, makeup look, and study habit you need to be just like Rory Gilmore ☕️📚🍂🎓🎧

Looking & Acting Like Rory Gilmore

  1. Dress in cozy sweaters and light academia looks like pleated skirts and Oxford shirts.
  2. Wear barely-there makeup like sheer foundations, pinky blushes, and tinted lip balm.
  3. Style your hair in its natural shape or do a sleek blowout with a slight bounce.
  4. Read all the books you can get your hands on, and always carry one with you.
  5. Incorporate witty comebacks and pop culture references into your daily speech.
  6. Drink lots of coffee, coffee, coffee !
Section 1 of 7:

How to Dress Like Rory Gilmore

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  1. To channel Rory’s simple yet stylish look, opt for classic silhouettes and basics that you can easily layer together or mix and match with funkier pieces. For example, you might wear a crisp button-up shirt with dark low-rise jeans and a pair of basic sneakers . During the chillier seasons, choose a chunky and comfy cable-knit sweater and a classic trench coat . [1]
    • In most cases, Rory dresses fairly casually and doesn’t seem to care much about expensive or designer clothing. So, don’t feel like you need to break the bank to look just like Rory!
  2. Both of these trendy aesthetics fit Rory’s iconic style and clothing choices to a tee (i.e., Yale- and Chilton-era Rory). Type either of these aesthetics into TikTok or Pinterest for endless inspo on the Gilmore style, or start with these basic must-haves from each aesthetic (and focus on the ones that are most Rory-inspired): [2]
    • Light Academia: Focused on light, muted, and airy looks that are associated with higher education, classic literature, and art. Wear tweed blazers , pleated skirts , Oxford shoes , and cozy knitwear . [3]
    • Ivy League Preppy: Defined by clean, classic tailoring with casual elegance and refinement. Focus on having a few high-quality basics with clean silhouettes in neutral tones and natural fabrics. For example, try button-down Oxford shirts , chinos , loafers , and knit sweaters . [4]
    • The true key to Rory’s style is that she incorporates these preppy, old-money looks without being too formal or buttoned-up! Wear these aesthetics, but make sure to focus on the casual end of their style spectrum.
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  3. Rory pretty much exclusively wears neutral shades and autumn-inspired hues, sometimes with pops of blue to highlight her same-toned eyes. When shopping for clothes in your style (or in Rory’s), opt for neutral shades like beige, tan, cream, and white. When you want to wear something a little more colorful, choose autumn shades like maroon, eggplant, forest green, or burnt orange. Then, toss in some navy or cerulean blue from time to time to shake things up! [5]
  4. Rory dresses pretty minimally, and the same is true for her accessories. She rarely wears anything too bold or funky, but she is known to accessorize with simple items like headbands , barrettes , and delicate necklaces . For a cozier or more cold-friendly look, add leggings, tights, or knee-high socks for a Connecticut-winter-approved style. [6]
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Section 2 of 7:

How to Wear Your Hair Like Rory Gilmore

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  1. Rory sports a few different hairstyles throughout the seven seasons of Gilmore Girls , but her most iconic look is just a simple blowout ! The classic Rory hairstyle features her long, brunette locks worn loose (with perhaps a bit of a curl-under at the ends). This polished yet playful look gives off effortless elegance and it’s truly easy to achieve—you just need to follow these steps for the perfect Gilmore blowout: [7]
Section 3 of 7:

How to Do Your Makeup Like Rory Gilmore

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  1. Before TikTok even taught us the phrases “no-makeup makeup” and “ clean girl aesthetic ,” Rory had already mastered the minimalist makeup look! To copy Rory’s natural makeup , start with a glowing, healthy base by following this hydrating skincare routine (or something similar to it): use a gentle cleanser at night, then apply a calming anti-redness toner and/or a hydrating serum . Lock in moisture with a multi-ceramide cream , reviving eye cream , and rich lip mask . [9] Then, follow these Rory-approved makeup steps for her effortless fresh-faced glow: [10]
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Section 4 of 7:

How to Act Like Rory Gilmore

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  1. Rory has a great sense of humor and is constantly firing off witty quips, sarcastic remarks, and funny jokes. To become wittier , try to brush up on your knowledge—both academic and pop-culture-related—so that you can make a bunch of jokey references in the iconic Gilmore way. You can also watch stand-up routines or funny shows (like Gilmore Girls !) to get the hang of the cadence and pattern behind a quality sense of humor . [11]
    • Even if you’re not a natural jokester, simply appearing warmer and more friendly can make you seem funnier or more similar to Rory’s character. Smile often, laugh at other people’s jokes, and carry yourself with an open body language .
  2. Rory is an inherently curious person with a genuine love of learning—and she’s not shy to show it off! She’s always looking for ways to learn new bits of information and is quick to ask questions if she’s interested in a subject or wants to know more about something. Try to take a vested interest in the world around you—look beyond the seemingly mundane and think critically about the things you’re experiencing. [12]
    • When you don’t understand something or want to learn more, ask questions about it!
  3. Rory is the definition of a Type A perfectionist, so it’s no wonder that she prides herself on her responsible nature and commitment to punctuality . Set timers and plan ahead so that you always arrive at functions (slightly) early or right on time. [13] Of course, punctuality is also a huge part of being a responsible individual —which Rory definitely is.
    • To do the same, take on extra responsibilities when appropriate and make sure to honor your commitments. Help others out when you can, and follow through on your word when you give it. [14]
  4. Rory is nothing if not passionate and driven, so follow your own ambitions to emulate that energy! Of course, your passions don’t have to be the same as Rory’s—take the time to explore what your passions truly are , then enthusiastically pursue them and work to excel in your field . Rory, for instance, has a passion for journalism. Even in high school, she puts her all into the student paper and ends up becoming the editor of the Yale University newspaper later on. [15]
  5. While Rory has her fair share of romantic relationships throughout the show, she also maintains some strong friendships with important people from her childhood. If you don’t already have a Paris or Lane in your life, make it a goal to make some close friends (remember: quality over quantity!) and place a priority on maintaining those connections and spending quality time with those individuals. [16]
    • Similarly, Rory has close relationships with many older people who aren’t technically family but had a hand in raising her—like Patti, Babette, Luke, and Taylor. If you have family, friends, neighbors, or mentors who have always treated you like one of their own, make sure to prioritize these people as well.
  6. Rory is a hardworking and kind individual, and she also has an extremely strong sense of self. She knows who she is, what’s important to her, and what she likes, and she doesn’t allow for the judgment or expectations of others to change those things. Be true to yourself and honor the things that make you unique—regardless of what anyone else has to say about them. At the end of the day, that’s the best way to be just like Rory Gilmore!
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Section 5 of 7:

How to Live Like Rory Gilmore

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  1. If there’s one thing that the Gilmore girls are known for, it’s coffee. Rory clearly inherited her mom’s passion for caffeinated beverages, so she can frequently be seen sipping on a cup of joe at home, at Luke’s Diner, or at a Yale University coffee cart. So, to be more like Rory, start off each day with a cup of coffee at your local café or diner (and we won’t tell if your coffee mug is filled with matcha or hot cocoa instead). [17]
    • You can’t have coffee without breakfast, of course, and sweet treats are a staple in the Gilmore household. Rory often eats Pop-Tarts for breakfast, which makes sense as they pair perfectly with a cup of black coffee!
    • When stopping at Luke’s Diner for breakfast, however, Lorelai and Rory usually opt for sweet pastries like donuts and danishes (Danish Day!), so those food items are also great options.
    • Keep in mind that—while you should definitely indulge in a sweet treat when you want to— Gilmore Girls is a fictional TV show, and Pop-Tarts aren’t the most nutritious of breakfasts, so you may want to vary your breakfasts or pair your treat with something more substantial like yogurt, fruit, or some scrambled eggs.
  2. Rory Gilmore is seldom seen without a book, so reading is an essential part of becoming more like her. Start by carrying a book with you everywhere you go—on the bus, in class, at work, at home…wherever you are! Make sure to make a pit stop every time you pass by a cute, independent bookshop and pick out your next read. And, of course, actually read the books you carry around! [18]
    • To go above and beyond with your Gilmore-ification, challenge yourself to complete the Rory Gilmore Reading List —a complete list of all books that were referenced by Rory or another character in the show.
  3. Rory highly values her education—she both wants to succeed in school and has a true love of learning! If you’re a high school or college student, you can use Rory as a model to study diligently for all of your classes and subjects. Challenge yourself with classes that are more difficult for you, and work hard to keep up with the coursework and learn as much as you possibly can. Here are some other study tips straight from the Rory Gilmore handbook: [19]
    • Create a study schedule where your study time, reading time, and free time are well-planned out. Include breaks for coffee, movie marathons, and phone time with your BFF!
    • Take notes and create flashcards out of the material you’re learning in class. Review these notes daily and use your flashcards to regularly review and test yourself.
    • Make a cozy and organized study space just like Rory’s by keeping your materials tidy and desk clutter-free. Add in some Stars Hollow vibes with a cozy candle , warm cup of coffee, and a comfy sweater.
    • Seize opportunities for further learning outside of class by reading books about interesting topics, visiting museums and cultural landmarks, and applying to educational programs and internships.
  4. Quite a few episodes of Gilmore Girls feature movie nights and binge-watching sessions curated by Rory and Lorelai. To copy this into your own life, pick up some of your favorite snacks from your local market and order delicious takeout. Then, choose a selection of your favorite movies or your favorite season of television and spend the whole night streaming and snacking—by yourself, with friends, or with family! [20]
  5. Rory frequently talks about traveling to other parts of the world, from road-tripping to Harvard University and hitchhiking through Europe to dreaming of becoming a foreign correspondent. If you have the opportunity to, travel around your local areas or abroad to other countries. If traveling isn’t in the cards for you just yet, immerse yourself in other cultures through books, movies, and new types of cuisine. [21]
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Section 6 of 7:

Rory Gilmore Costume Ideas

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  1. If you want to pretend that you’re walking the hallowed halls of Chilton alongside Rory, Paris, and Tristan (eep!), put together a DIY Chilton uniform for the most instantly recognizable Rory costume. Here’s what you’ll need to get the classic prep school look: [22]
  2. If you want to look like the OG Rory Gilmore, style your costume off of her very first look in the series pilot episode! The iconic sweater she wears as part of this look has even become known as the “Rory sweater,” so you know that it has the Gilmore stamp of approval. Here’s what you’ll need to get the casual, cozy look:
  3. One of Rory’s most memorable looks is certainly the stunning blue dress that Lorelai makes for her to wear to her first school dance at Chilton. With Dean on her arm, Rory’s formal look represents her style effortlessly with its classic shape and blue fabric that perfectly matches her eyes. Here’s what you’ll need to get the elegant look: [24]
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Section 7 of 7:

Bonus! Top Rory Gilmore Quotes

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  1. You wouldn’t be able to call yourself a true Rory Gilmore stan without being able to rattle off some of her most iconic lines. While the fast-paced and quick-witted dialogue of Gilmore Girls offers a lot of tear-jerking lines and chuckle-inducing quips, here are just a few of Rory’s best and most memorable quotes: [25]
    • “I got kissed. And I shoplifted!” – “Kiss and Tell” (Season 1, Episode 7)
    • “You jump, I jump, Jack.” – “You Jump, I Jump, Jack” (Season 5, Episode 7)
    • “I love you, you idiot!” – “Love, Daisies, and Troubadours” (Season 1, Episode 21)
    • “And for the last time, the name’s Rory!” – “The Deer Hunters” (Season 1, Episode 4)
    • “Who cares if I'm pretty if I fail my finals?” – “Here Comes The Son” (Season 3, Episode 21)
    • “Grandma wants a picture.” “Of this?” – “Wedding Bell Blues” (Season 5, Episode 13)
    • “I live in two worlds. One is a world of books.” – “Those Are Strings, Pinocchio” (Season 3, Episode 22)
    • “A little nervous breakdown can really work wonders for a girl.” – “Scene In a Mall” (Season 4, Episode 15)
    • “As she guided me through these incredible eighteen years, I don't know if she ever realized that the person I most wanted to be was her.” – “Those Are Strings, Pinocchio” (Season 3, Episode 22)
    • “I’m having one of those moments where everything is so perfect that you almost feel sad that nothing can ever be this good again.” – “Star-Crossed Lovers and Other Strangers” (Season 1, Episode 16)

Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I look like Rory Gilmore if I am 10 years old?
    Community Answer
    You can look like a younger version of her. Try to dress using her style in seasons one and two, as she was younger then, but remember she was 15-17 years old, so don't wear everything she wears (such as makeup and high heels).
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 47
  • Question
    How would I make the school uniform that she wears in Gilmore Girls?
    Community Answer
    You could look at stores like Ralph Lauren or Polo. They have uniform-type clothing. Try to find vests, sweaters and plaid skirts in blue.
    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
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    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 26
  • Question
    I'm a lot like Rory, but every guy likes her! How can I get all the guys to like me?
    Community Answer
    Not every guy likes Rory, it just seems that way. Be yourself, but try to emulate Rory's best qualities - work on being smart, funny, and kind. Keep your wardrobe, hair, and makeup simple and neat. Plenty of guys will notice things like this.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Tips

      • If you want to truly copy Rory’s look, consider wearing blue eye contacts and dyeing your hair brown (if you don’t already have these features). But if you don't want to wear contacts or dye your hair, that’s completely fine! You can still emulate Rory’s look without copying it exactly.
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      • Keep in mind that while it’s totally fine to treat Rory as a role model and take some of her habits and look as inspiration, you’re at the very best when you’re just being you ! Don’t feel like you have to change who you fundamentally are (or what you naturally look like) to give off Rory’s cozy, innocent, and brainiac vibes—just make them your own!
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      • Want to know definitively whether you’re a Rory or a Lorelai? Take our Gilmore Girls Character Quiz to find out who you’re most like!
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      Tips from our Readers

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      • You can also just have her attitude, so be generally kind, read a lot, study a lot, try your best in school, and be a bit of an introvert (Rory is an INFP). But don't lose yourself too much. Just pick up her good qualities but try to stay yourself! <3
      • Be very neat! Care less about appearance and more about school. Have a dream college that you'd like to go to. Learn to be sarcastic!
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.hercampus.com/school/holy-cross/your-guide-to-the-ultimate-rory-gilmore-wardrobe/
      2. ↑ https://www.purewow.com/fashion/rory-gilmore-fall-fashion-aesthetic
      3. ↑ https://mashable.com/article/dark-academia-aesthetic-tumblr-tiktok
      4. ↑ https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ivy-league-aesthetic
      5. ↑ https://www.purewow.com/fashion/rory-gilmore-fall-fashion-aesthetic
      6. ↑ https://www.hercampus.com/school/holy-cross/your-guide-to-the-ultimate-rory-gilmore-wardrobe/
      7. ↑ https://www.lorealparisusa.com/beauty-magazine/hair-care/all-hair-types/how-to-do-blowout-hair
      8. ↑ https://screenrant.com/gilmore-girls-rory-hairstyles-ranked/
      9. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/best-skincare-routines
      1. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2016/12/133208/gilmore-girls-makeup-artist-interview
      2. ↑ https://socialconfidencemastery.com/how-to-be-witty/
      3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/finding-the-next-einstein/201407/seven-ways-be-more-curious
      4. ↑ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/be-on-time-every-time-6-simple-tricks/
      5. ↑ https://www.lifehack.org/378031/5-tips-how-more-responsible-person
      6. ↑ https://www.mimpmag.com/single-post/rory-gilmore-relatable-to-aspiring-journalists
      7. ↑ https://citygirlnetwork.com/magazine/yb375zkf3w8s89pn6d6zd9letmp27w
      8. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2016/11/130329/gilmore-girls-food-diary
      9. ↑ https://candidcover.net/rory-gilmore-book-list/
      10. ↑ https://www.girlslife.com/life/school/42714/organization-tips-to-help-you-have-a-rory-gilmore-semester
      11. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2016/11/130329/gilmore-girls-food-diary
      12. ↑ https://www.going.com/guides/how-to-travel-more-even-on-a-small-budget
      13. ↑ https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/2021/09/10658212/rory-gilmore-girls-tv-school-uniform
      14. ↑ https://www.ellecanada.com/fashion/shopping/where-to-find-rory-gilmores-cream-cable-knit-sweater
      15. ↑ https://absoludicrousblog.wordpress.com/2023/10/08/frocktober-reviewing-gilmore-girls-outfits/
      16. ↑ https://collider.com/gilmore-girls-rory-quotes-best-ranked/

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