Kelly Rutherford co-hosts a Noble Panacea holiday event in New York City on Nov. 14, 2024 (left); Rutherford's mother, Ann Edwards, models for Bill Blass in 1979 (right). Carl Timpone/BFA.com; Fairchild Archive/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images

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Call it a Kelly Rutherford renaissance. The “Gossip Girl” actress never stepped out of the spotlight, per se, but has found new attention — and a fresh audience — primarily through her personal style, documented casually via elevator selfies she shares with her two million Instagram followers. Now, Rutherford is Noble Panacea’s Tastemaker in Residence, fronting the campaign for the luxury beauty brand’s limited-edition Absolute Nourishing Lift Oil for the holiday season.

Rutherford, of course, is best known for playing the glamorous, articulate matriarch Lily van der Woodsen in The CW’s “Gossip Girl” from 2007 to 2012. On screen, Rutherford’s character was a masterclass in polished dressing: Think tailored coats by Burberry or Dries van Noten, gowns courtesy of Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta, and five-figure Van Cleef diamond earrings. Some of the items seen on her on-screen persona came from the actress’ personal collection, most notably Hermés bags ranging from the Trim handbag to Kellys and Birkins in myriad finishes. (Her penchant for accessorizing with these designer purses has prompted a new wave of fans to give the actress the moniker ‘Birkin Mom.’)

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Kelly Rutherford co-hosts a Noble Panacea holiday event in New York City on Nov. 14, 2024. Carl Timpone/BFA.com

A shared handbag collection is just one instance in which the line between Rutherford and her “Gossip Girl” character is blurred. Scroll through the actress’ Instagram page, and it’s clear that the unfussy sophistication of van der Woodsen is inherent to Rutherford’s real life personal style.

Kelly Rutherford and her mother, Ann Edwards, pictured together in March 1997 (left); Edwards models for Bill Blass in 1979 (right). Photo by Jan Jarecki/Penske Media via Getty Images; Fairchild Archive/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images

In an exclusive interview with WWD, the “Melrose Place” actress revealed that the secret to her effortless elegance — both as van der Woodsen and in her everyday tastes — was the result of studying the women who did it best. During a time when you couldn’t just Google search inspiration, Rutherford looked to aspirational women, including her mother Ann Edwards who modeled for Bill Blass in the 1970s, and modernized their refined sensibilities for a new decade.

Below, the Noble Panacea Tastemaker in Residence shares her style mantras, fashion and beauty gems she’s loving right now, and the lasting impact of her “Gossip Girl” character.

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Rutherford’s Beauty Essentials:

“Noble Panacea’s Absolute Nourishing Lift Oil really gives you a glow for events and the effect of healthy radiant skin even when you’re wearing foundation over it,” says Rutherford.

“Not all face oils feel hydrating, but Noble Panacea really made something special here that helps your skin to look and feel hydrated and nourished. The packaging is simply marvelous. You really can, in a sense, judge a book by its cover when it comes to Noble Panacea’s products. Whether I’m traveling or skiing this time of year, my dry skin needs that powerful dose of hydration that this oil delivers. Plus, the little pods are genius for travel.”

“I also use Korres’ shampoo and conditioner for colored hair,” Rutherford adds.

Noble Panacea Absolute Nourishing Lift Oil

$350

Buy Now at amazon

$350

Buy Now at noble panacea

Rutherford was Noble Panacea’s muse for this limited-edition iteration of the Absolute Nourishing Lift Oil. Expect glowing, hydrated skin courtesy of its hyaluronic acid, retinol, and squalane.

Price upon publish date of this article: $350

Korres Argan Oil Post-Color Shampoo

$20

Buy Now at korres

A slew of plant-based oils in this shampoo work to enhance shine and prevent fresh color from fading.

Price upon publish date of this article: $20

On Cultivating Personal Style:

“I think it’s about being your authentic self, but it’s also about putting yourself out there and stepping a little out of your boundaries; being open and inspired by younger people, like my daughter,” Rutherford shares. “You think, ‘Oh, she’s going to learn a lot from me,’ but I learn so much from my daughter, and from my kids. I love to learn new things and I love fashion, so for me, it’s fun.”

“Gossip Girl” and the Inspiration for Lily van der Woodsen’s Enduring Fashions:

“It was such a beautiful time in my life, so the fact that it continues to have a lasting impact is such a gift,” Rutherford says. “There are so many blessings that came out of this show, and that’s really to the credit of the talented writers and chemistry between the cast.”

“I have always loved fashion, so for me, it was a wonderful opportunity — and so fun — to explore this very interesting character and play a mom that was super cool and fashionable,” she explains. “My mother, Ann Edwards, was a model for Bill Blass, and both she and her friends were very glamorous, so I think there are elements of their influence in the way I approached the character.”

“I remember reading Lear’s Magazine, which was a magazine by Norman Lear’s wife for women of this certain age,” Rutherford explains. “I think part of bringing this character to life was partly from this idea of where are these smart, sophisticated women now; they’re mothers, they’re wives, they’re complex and they’re not perfect, but they live very interesting lives.”

What Rutherford’s Buying Now:

“I’m all about fabulous coats and boots for this season. And I love the functionality of a good crossbody bag for daily wear,” Rutherford says.

“I think the fun part of fashion is just to find something that’s unique and different — to discover something beautiful from emerging brands around the globe. I’m always looking for new, exciting designers to support,” she adds.

Nanushka Liesel Bonded Shearling Coat

$1,745

Buy Now at nanushka

This investment-worthy coat, which Rutherford has styled with statement La Pima glasses, arrives in a flattering A-line silhouette with shearling lining.

Price upon publish date of this article: $1,745

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kelly Rutherford (@kellyrutherford)

Sézane Viktor Coat in Bangor Check

$455

Buy Now at Sézane

While Rutherford’s go-to Sézane Clyde Coat is sold out, this silhouette offers a similar look with its black and white check print.

Price upon publish date of this article: $455

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kelly Rutherford (@kellyrutherford)

Stand Studio Nicole Faux Fur Coat

$745

Buy Now at nordstrom

Rutherford has been seen in Stand Studio coats a number of times; this faux fur number has the look of alpaca with a touch of wool for added warmth.

Price upon publish date of this article: $745

More Kelly Rutherford Picks to Shop

Wives Like Us: A Novel by Plum Sykes

$17.44 $28 38% off

Buy Now at amazon

“My friend Plum Sykes’ book “Wives Like Us” is a great holiday gift and read,” Rutherford says.

Price upon publish date of this article: $17.44

Sleeper Ukiyo Puffer Jacket in Blossom Print

$273 $390 30% off

Buy Now at sleeper

Rutherford recently styled this quilted jacket with a white maxi dress and tall black boots. Its indigo blossom motifs also pair well with dark wash denim.

Price upon publish date of this article: $273

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kelly Rutherford (@kellyrutherford)

Apiece Apart Meridian High-Rise Boyfriend Jeans

$375

Buy Now at neiman marcus

Apiece Apart is one of Rutherford’s go-to brands for jeans. This high-waisted pair tapers towards the ankle.

Price upon publish date of this article: $375

White + Warren Merino Cashmere Cable Crewneck

$535

Buy Now at white + warren

Rutherford recently styled this White + Warren sweater with cream-toned cropped pants and white sneakers from Superga.

Price upon publish date of this article: $535

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kelly Rutherford (@kellyrutherford)

Cashmere in Love Atlas Flared Jumper

$635

Buy Now at Cashmere in love

This London-based brand has been seen in Rutherford’s elevator outfit selfies. Here, flared sleeves and ribbed texture elevate an otherwise classic sweater silhouette.

Price upon publish date of this article: $635

Roxanne Assoulin All Lined Up Necklace

$185

Buy Now at neiman marcus

Roxanne Assoulin has made cameos in Rutherford’s OOTDs; this chevron chain necklace adds oomph to simple outfits.

Price upon publish date of this article: $185

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kelly Rutherford (@kellyrutherford)

Extreme Cashmere N°20 Oversize Xtra Turtleneck Sweater

$1,020

Buy Now at mytheresa

Another sweater brand that’s made appearances in Rutherford’s selfies is Extreme Cashmere, a brand that creates unisex jumpers, cardigans, scarves, and more. This oversized turtleneck sweater is available in 18 colorways.

Price upon publish date of this article: $1,020

Atp Atelier Petina Black Nappa Mary Jane Flats

$430

Buy Now at atp atelier

For her Noble Panacea holiday party look, Rutherford teamed these Mary Jane flats in white with a Johanna Ortiz floral maxi dress.

Price upon publish date of this article: $430

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Meet the Author

Claire Sullivan is the Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor for Footwear News and WWD, where she writes and edits beauty, fashion and lifestyle stories. She has over eight years of experience as a writer and editor for national media outlets including Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle, and Byrdie. She keeps her finger on the pulse of all things related to beauty and wellness, as well as the latest shopping trends and clothing brands. Sullivan interviewed Kelly Rutherford to write this article on the actress’ enduring style.

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How Kelly Rutherford Became an Old-Money Style Icon and What She’s Buying Now

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Rutherford’s Beauty Essentials:

Noble Panacea Absolute Nourishing Lift Oil

Korres Argan Oil Post-Color Shampoo

On Cultivating Personal Style:

“Gossip Girl” and the Inspiration for Lily van der Woodsen’s Enduring Fashions:

What Rutherford’s Buying Now:

Nanushka Liesel Bonded Shearling Coat

Sézane Viktor Coat in Bangor Check

Stand Studio Nicole Faux Fur Coat

More Kelly Rutherford Picks to Shop

Wives Like Us: A Novel by Plum Sykes

Sleeper Ukiyo Puffer Jacket in Blossom Print

Apiece Apart Meridian High-Rise Boyfriend Jeans

White + Warren Merino Cashmere Cable Crewneck

Cashmere in Love Atlas Flared Jumper

Roxanne Assoulin All Lined Up Necklace

Extreme Cashmere N°20 Oversize Xtra Turtleneck Sweater

Atp Atelier Petina Black Nappa Mary Jane Flats

Why Trust WWD

Meet the Author

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