As much as I write about celebrity style, personally, I don't often find myself looking to the celeb set for outfit inspiration. Sure, the occasional Zoë Kravitz or Jennifer Lawrence look will catch my eye, but it's rare that one single high-profile person's style choices get their hooks in me. And yet, there is someone right now who has done just that, and it's probably not who you'd expect.
In the last few weeks, no one's Instagram account has enthralled me quite as much as Kelly Rutherford's. Containing a mix of inspirational quotes and seemingly effortless yet mouthwateringly chic outfits, the former Gossip Girl star's feed has had me in what I can only describe as a chokehold for days now, so much so that practically my entire saved folder is made up of mirror selfies she's posted this winter.
On Kelly Rutherford: I Love Mr. Mittens sweater; By Malene Birger Romine Suede Slippers ($730)
On Kelly Rutherford: By Malene Birger Romine Suede Slippers ($730) and Dalimas Wool Coat ($1700); Mas Quinta Bag ($950)
Apparently, I'm not the only one who's recently become a super fan. "Out of all the original Gossip Girl cast members, I don’t know why I didn’t think to follow Kelly more closely," Brooklyn-based freelance fashion editor Cortne Bonilla explains over DM. "A few weeks ago, I came across her Instagram profile after one of my favorites brands, By Malene Birger, reposted an ensemble of hers," she continues. "In the age of mass girlhood, it’s so refreshing to see a woman of a certain age embracing personal style, experimentation, and emerging brands." For her, it's Rutherford's very personal sense of style that drew her in. "Kelly doesn’t dress for a trend or age, she dresses for herself—you can tell by her mixture of the old and the new, the classic and the experimental."
On her feed, one will find a mix of just-released outerwear from the aforementioned Danish brand that fashion girls regularly obsess over to casual yet luxe knitwear. Most of her looks are colored in a palette of quiet-luxury neutrals, from camel to ivory, with touches of navy, black, and brown for good measure. Every article of clothing is glamorous yet nonchalant, making each of the actress's outfits more than worth copying.
On Kelly Rutherford: By Malene Birger Romine Suede Slippers ($730); Yvonne Koné Annika Bag ($575)
On Kelly Rutherford: By Malene Birger Romine Suede Slippers ($730); Cashmere In Love V-Neck Cashmere Cardigan ($876); A Piece of Favorite Stefani Pants ($240); Yvonne Koné Annika Bag ($575)
Unfortunately, scoring anything on her feed—especially the footwear I'm currently eyeing, her By Malene Birger shearling slippers—is going to take some saving up on my part (not to mention restocking, since those exact shoes are almost sold out). Fortunately, I did find a slightly more affordable and readily available alternative that'll allow me to mimic Rutherford's best cold-weather outfits in the meantime.
Below, shop the $160 Ugg boots that I will no doubt be styling alongside winter whites sweaters, camel coats, and oversize sunglasses à la Rutherford from now until spring. Plus, find plenty of other Rutherford-inspired pieces to add into your wardrobe while you're at it.
Shop Kelly Rutherford's exact shearling slippers:
These gorgeous slip-on suede-and-shearling slippers have appeared on Rutherford's feed countless times, paired with jeans, trousers, and more. If your size is still in stock, I say go for it. If not, or if you, like me, can't swing this purchase ATM, keep scrolling.
Shop the $160 Ugg boots I'm buying to get the same look:
The Classic Mini II Boots by Ugg are timeless choice to say the least. But while there are trendier styles from the beloved shoe brand, this exact pair still sells out time and time again. In other words, though these might be in stock right now, they won't be for long.
More Kelly Rutherford–inspired buys for winter:
These look so cozy.
The perfect turtleneck for tucking your hair into.
Cashmere socks are the epitome of luxury.
This mocha color is practically gourmet.
The perfect pants to throw on with a big sweater.
This brushed-cashmere texture feels as rich as it looks.
No more tiny sunglasses.
Wow, I didn't think I could want this jacket any more. Then it came out in black.
This is one of Rutherford's favorite bags of late and I can't blame her. It's a work of art.
There's nothing easier to wear in the winter than a cozy sweater dress—period.
My dream coat. I repeat, I dream about this coat.
The tuxedo detail makes this shirt far more special than any standard button down.
Simply put, these are really good jeans.
A stellar hands-free bag.
This coat won't stay in stock for much longer.
I just tried these on at Nordstrom and it took every ounce of self control not to buy them right then and there.
Currently freaking out over this superbly slouchy cardigan.
I'll never not wear white after Labor Day. Never.
The longer toe makes these feel especially Rutherford-approved.
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