A Look Even Blair Waldorf Can Get Behind

Remember the good old days when, come Monday night, we’d all tune in to Gossip Girl to witness Serena’s latest man-stealing, drama-causing ways and watch Blair stroll around looking fabulous, posh, and pretty while trying to win back Chuck? (You can obviously tell which character I liked most, right?). Well, sadly, those days are over, and since the Upper East Side drama came to a close in 2012, we’ve seen less and less of leading ladies Leighton Meester and Blake Lively both out and about and on the red carpet.

But that doesn’t mean the stars have been sitting idly by. Lively, for one, is working on a yet-to-be-unveiled lifestyle project and filming a new period piece in Vancouver, while Meester has been quite busy getting secretly hitched to Seth Cohen (er, Adam Brody), recording Fleetwood Mac covers and — most impressively — starring on Broadway alongside James Franco and Chris O’Dowd in the latest rendition of Of Mice and Men.

And when she stepped out last night in a rare appearance at one of the show’s after-parties, I was naturally thrilled (seriously, there may have been a real squeal of excitement) to see Meester looking absolutely stunning in a navy blue Versace gown that even the oh-so-picky Blair Waldorf would give her stamp of approval.

With its draped silhouette, sexy-but-tasteful slit, plunging neckline, and waist-cinching bodice, the chiffon gown had all the elegance, femininity, and style we’ve come to expect from Meester’s on-screen character. Styling the look with a white clutch, loose waves, dangling earrings, and a subtle smoky eye, the actress was undeniably the star of the party.

But that doesn’t mean she was the only star at the celebration for Of Mice and Men’s official Broadway debut. Minka Kelly — Meester’s co-star in psycho stalker film The Roommate — was also in attendance, donning an all-black look from head to toe. Pairing loose-fitting, satin trousers with a simple tank, leather jacket, and ankle-strap sandals, the actress looked super-sleek at the show’s soiree.

Though they wore radically different styles, the two brunettes made a beautiful pair in their minimal ensembles. But as far as I’m concerned — and I think Blair Waldorf would agree — Meester is the real style star here.