Great Outfits in Fashion History: Leighton Meester in Stefano Pilati-Era YSL

Two people who never got enough credit for their fashion efforts!

There are perfectly good celebrity style moments, and then there are the looks that really stick with you, the ones you try desperately to recreate at home. In 'Great Outfits in Fashion History,' Fashionista editors are revisiting their all-time favorite lewks.

One day, I will get to deliver my Ted Talk on why Leighton Meester went underappreciated by the fashion community during her "Gossip Girl" years. Until then, I will continue to utilize my platform to spread the word about why her red carpet style was actually the most interesting to come out of the CW cast. (No offense intended to Blake Lively, who also has excellent taste. This is just my personal opinion.)

In April 2008, mere months after "Gossip Girl" debuted, Meester and her castmates were already some of the hottest guests on the New York scene, appearing at just about every party and gala in town. The particular event in question was the Met Opera's opening night: Aaperformance of Donizetti's "La Fille Du Regiment." Now, I don't know much about the operatic arts, but I do fancy that I know a thing or two about fashion, and Meester delivered in a marigold yellow dress from Stefano Pilato's YSL — back when the "Yves" was still in "Saint Laurent." (Pilato himself is another underrated fashion icon, IMO.)

It's a gorgeous color, the simple shape made more opening-night-ready with a belt of feathers in the same shade. Playing up on the gold undertones, Meester finishes with an assortment of gilded accessories, including a pair of t-strap sandals.

And nothing goes better with this shade of yellow than a red lip — look how wonderfully it pops against the dress! All together, it makes for an outfit that's cool and youthful while still event-appropriate and fashion-forward. Brava!

Shop Meester-inspired gold heels in the gallery below:

View the 4 images of this gallery on the original article

Please note: Occasionally, we use affiliate links on our site. This in no way affects our editorial decision-making.

Want the latest fashion industry news first? Sign up for our daily newsletter.