Her Red Carpet Return Is Nothing Short of Amazing

I fondly remember the days past when, come Monday night, I would tune into Gossip Girl each week simply to catch a glimpse at what ridiculous, up-to-there outfit Serena van der Woodsen would be wearing while stirring up drama and complaining that everyone was out to ruin her life. (That, and to worship Blair Waldorf, of course.) And for a time, my disdain for the show’s star even translated into real life, where I would scoff every time Blake Lively hit the red carpet, whether her outfit deserved my scorn or not.

But then something terrible happened: Gossip Girl ended, Lively got hitched to major hottie Ryan Reynolds, and then she went and practically disappeared from the red carpet altogether, making me realize that I did in fact miss and appreciate her fancy event ensembles more than I ever thought possible.

That’s why I was beyond relieved to see the beautiful blonde bombshell hit the 2014 Met Gala on Monday evening, then make yet another appearance on Tuesday at Gucci’s “Chime for Change” event at Macy’s Herald Square in New York City. And it has to be said that on both occasions, Lively — who is currently filming a period piece in Vancouver — definitely didn’t fail to deliver on the style front.

Layering a super-chic, blue suede trench coat over a crystal-encrusted, leather-collared ensemble — presumably both from Gucci — the face of the Gucci Première women’s fragrance was perfectly dressed for the transitional spring weather. Pairing her look with a loose side braid, a natural lip, and studded Louboutin pumps, Lively proved to everyone that the red carpet is always so much better when she’s on it.

But her casual spring ensemble wasn’t her most impressive of the week. In fact, it was Lively's appearance at the 2014 Met Gala alongside Reynolds that was the major red carpet comeback. Dressed flawlessly in a blush, silk chiffon Gucci dress drenched in sparkling beads, the mermaid-silhouette gown — which featured a glamorous, flowing chiffon cape and an ultra-flattering wrapped waist — couldn’t have been a more perfect pick to catch absolutely every eye in the room.

If these are the kind of stunning ensembles we can start expecting from Lively on the red carpet — and on a consistent, preferably more frequent basis — then I’ll be more than willing to look past my former issues with the Gossip Girl, both on screen and off.