Gossip Girl Fashion Retrospective: Jenny Humphrey’s Style Evolution

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Jenny humphrey style retrospective: outfits from Season 1 to now

Little J’s style has definitely evolved over time. | Photos: Pacific Coast News

Welcome to round two of our look back at Gossip Girl’s most iconic fashion moments. Excited? You should be.

Today I’ll be walking you through the style evolution of Jenny Humphrey, played by the always-controversial Taylor Momsen. From sweet little freshman to edgy goth designer, to Constance Queen Bee, Jenny’s transformation was the most dramatic of any character.

And, okay, I’ll admit it: I was sort of glad to see her go after season 4. Those ripped fishnets, frayed extensions, and hissy fits got really old really fast… but of course, now that she’s gone, I actually miss her. Thank goodness she’ll be back for Monday’s series finale!

Below, we’ll take a look at Jenny’s style transformation over the course of the series, and show you how to get her most iconic looks.

Little J

Jenny humphrey look 1 with mint peacoat plaid skirt white tights polkadot socks red pumps bow headband bow blouse and red cardigan

Coat, Skirt, Blouse, Cardigan, Tights, Socks, Pumps, Headband | Photo: The CW

Our sweet little Jenny started off at Constance as Blair’s most willing minion. Desperate to be popular (and usurp the throne), she pretty much dressed exactly like Blair, but with a more girlish twist. (Not that that’s a bad thing! Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, after all.)

Pair a plaid skirt with a short-sleeve pussy bow blouse, and voila, you’ve got your very own Constance uniform. Add a Jenny spin with an adorable pair of polka dot socks layered over opaque white tights. Since we’re going for sweet and innocent, add a soft, candy-colored pea coat. Next, prove you’re a worthy minion by sporting a Blair-approved navy headband. Add a bright red cardigan and matching pumps and you’ll definitely be invited to sit on the Met steps. Just don’t sit too high.

Rebel Yell

Jenny humphrey look 2 with gold tshirt dress black leggings black booties leather bomber jacket gold clutch bangles and gold drop earrings

Dress, Leggings, Jacket, Booties, Clutch, Bangles, Earrings | Photo: The CW

Once Jenny realized she didn’t need to impress Blair to prove her worth, things started to get… interesting. Colors got darker and hemlines got higher – not that we’re complaining. This sassy new J was a welcome change from B’s loyal servant, and as Jenny got edgier, so did her style.

To steal Jenny’s new devil-may-care ‘tude, pair a sweet sequined dress with black leggings. Accessorize with a stack of gold and black chains and dangly earrings, but try a simple gold clutch to keep things from getting too crazy. Add a badass bomber jacket and black ankle booties to complete this edgy look.

Bye Bye Brooklyn

Jenny humphrey look 3: grey striped sweater, skinny grey jeans, combat boots, graphic tee, layered necklaces, slouchy beanie hat

Jeans, Tee, Sweater, Boots, Tote, Necklace, Hat | Photo: Pacific Coast News

Remember when Little J started working for Waldorf Designs and it seemed like she’d finally gotten her act together? Yeah, that’s when she met Agnes, the crazy model who burned all of her dresses (and bridges) and convinced Jenny to run away from home, prompting this strange little getup. In retrospect, that was probably not the best idea, Jenny. Come on, Rufus is an awesome dad. He just wanted to talk it out over waffles!

Get a more stylish version of Jenny’s ragamuffin clothes by layering a cozy striped cardigan over a fun graphic tee. Gray skinny jeans give the look an edgier vibe. Add a splash of rebellion with black combat boots and a cross charm necklace. A big black and white tote is a must-have for carrying all of the essentials, and I’m really not sure what the beanie is for. Warmth, I guess?

Queen J

Jenny humphrey outfit 3: Fishnet stockings, red handbag, ankle booties, short black shorts, corset tank, leather jacket, sunglasses

Top, Shorts, Blazer, Tights, Boots, Bag, Necklace, Sunglasses | Photo: The CW

After a lot of soul-searching and a permanent move to the Upper East Side, Jenny realized who she really wanted to be: Queen of Constance. With Blair’s blessing, Queen J began her reign of terror, and rarely wore pants in the process. It was, in a word, nightmarish. But, okay, she does look sort of awesome, in an evil-burlesque-vampire-Lady-Gaga kind of way.

To rule like Jenny, you’ve got to wear fishnets. Lots of fishnets. Pair them with menswear-inspired shorts and a corset top under a black blazer for a show-stopping look. A proper queen must have the right accessories, so grab a bright cherry bag, studded peep-toe boots, and an edgy layered charm necklace. Complete the look with a pair of dark sunglasses. No one gets to look the queen in the eye.

What do you think?

What’s your favorite Jenny look? Any guesses on what she might be up to in the finale? Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think – I’d love to hear your thoughts!

22 thoughts on “Gossip Girl Fashion Retrospective: Jenny Humphrey’s Style Evolution”

  1. I always loved Jenny as a style icon! A lot of the clothing she wore later on before she left was a more tamed version of Taylor Momsen’s actual style whenever I see her perform with her band. I was wondering where you can get the shoes used in the Queen J section in the US since those are from a site in the UK.

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  2. I have to say, I think she’s a gorgeous girl but all that gothic makeup and crazy outfits just doesn’t suit her! she looks soo much better and age appropriate in the first 2 pictures. Anyways, you did a goob job depicting her style!

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  3. This is a great post! So weird how Jenny changed sooo much and how her character’s changed and Taylor’s were so paralleled….you did a good job portraying this! Really nailed each style and the evolution…

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  4. I loved her edgy style transformations – it’s the type of stuff I typically wear!
    I really loved when she cut her hair and got full-on bangs; ’cause I had the same style at the time. XD

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  5. Glad you guys like!

    @Anneleen
    I would check H&M, their stock rotates a lot so even if you can’t find one now I’m sure one will pop up soon! And they seem to love sequins 🙂

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  6. I loved Jenny! And especially her edgy style!
    I really like the second picture 🙂
    But I can’t find the dress on the Belgian river Island site… Can I find one elsewhere? Like at H&M or New Look?
    And I also like the checkered dress in the picture above! Any idea where I can find one of those?

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  7. I loved jenny when she was Little J but as her style up until her last season when she was the Queen Bee I think it was just over kill with all the things she’s got going on it’s just too much

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  8. Although I’m n-o-t a fan of HIGH hems and SHORT shorts, I do like the Rebel Yell outfit. So cute – and one of the times where she looked her best.

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  9. I always liked Jenny and I totally love her style. Especially from the time when she was the Queen of Constance. I was sad when she left because her character is one of the most interesting ones and I was really looking forward to seeing her outfits when she was on the show. I’m glad we’ll see her again.

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  10. I totally loved Jenny’s style all throughout, including all the dramatic changes. It’s called being a normal teenager, I think her character was more well-developed then Serena and Blair ever were; this season, those two are acting just like they did in season one! Petty and melodramatic! Of course, that’s why we love them. I can’t wait to see what Jenny has been up to all this time in the finale!

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  11. hated jenny, but liked some of her edgy-type outfits. at least they never got as hookerish as taylor did, and they should have done better with those awful scraggly extensions.

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  12. I never liked Jenny, but I do like her style. I definitely wouldn’t wear these on a daily basis but on a day when I want to look edgy, these are great :)))

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  13. Jenny has always been my favorite Gossip Girl character. I loved seeing how her style transformed during the span of the show!

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  14. Oh, Jenny. I have had so many conflicting thoughts about her on Gossip Girl, but her style continues to mystify me! I agree; I was happy that Jenny left after season four, but I’m a little excited to see her again in the season finale!

    You did such a wonderful job breaking down Jenny’s style over the seasons! 🙂 My favorite outfit set would definitely have to be the second. It’s very glamorous yet a little edgy! I thought it was a bit strange at first to see Jenny become edgy/goth-like, because I was so accustomed to her innocent, girly style but it was definitely really interesting to contrast Jenny’s goth style against Blair’s preppiness and Serena’s glamourous, trendy pieces. I wonder what she’ll wear in the season finale! 🙂

    Reply

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