Elena Gilbert style defines an entire era of television fashion. If you grew up watching The Vampire Diaries during its original run from 2009 to 2017, you remember her outfits. Her wardrobe spans multiple distinct phases, shifting from high school comfort to mature everyday wear. Let's look at how to recreate her iconic look without sounding like an advertisement or relying on outdated costume pieces.
You don't need a supernatural budget to capture this aesthetic. Elena's style relies on foundational layering, dark neutrals, fitted denim, and practical outerwear. Costume designer Laura Jean Shannon established a grounded aesthetic for the early seasons, leaning heavily into brands popular in the late 2000s like Abercrombie and Fitch, Guess, and Converse. Let's break down the core components of her wardrobe and how you can adapt them today.
Building the Foundation: Casual Layers and Everyday Basics
The core of early Elena Gilbert style is comfortable, fitted layering. She spent most of her time running through the woods or sitting in Mystic Falls High School, so mobility mattered. You'll see her constantly wearing ribbed tank tops layered under zip-up hoodies or utility jackets.
To recreate this base, you need well-fitted basics. Avoid oversized or slouchy cuts if you're aiming for her specific silhouette. Elena's clothes fit close to the body. Pair a dark ribbed tank with a fitted thermal long-sleeve shirt. Add a zip hoodie in grey, navy, or olive green.
- Tops: Ribbed cotton tanks, Henley shirts, and fitted V-neck sweaters.
- Outerwear: Cropped canvas utility jackets, leather jackets, and zip hoodies.
- Color Palette: Forest green, burgundy, charcoal grey, navy blue, and black.
Layering protects against the chill of fictional Virginia winters while keeping the silhouette clean. You can find inspiration for versatile layering pieces through style archives featured on platforms like Vogue.
Denim and Bottoms: Practical Jeans for Everyday Wear
Elena spent seasons running from vampires, hybrids, and her own doppelgängers. Skinny jeans and straight-leg denim formed the backbone of her lower-body wardrobe. Unlike the ultra-low-rise trends of the early 2000s, her jeans sat at a mid-rise position, offering security and comfort.
Dark wash denim is your best friend here. Avoid heavily distressed jeans with massive rips. Elena's style leans clean and understated. A dark indigo skinny jean or a sleek black denim pant works best. Pair these with simple leather belts featuring modest silver buckles.
- Select a mid-rise skinny or slim straight jean in a dark wash.
- Pair with a simple leather belt to anchor your top.
- Keep hardware minimal, sticking to antique silver or gunmetal tones.
Footwear: Practical Boots and Classic Sneakers
Footwear in Mystic Falls has to withstand sudden sprints. Elena rarely wore towering stilettos in her everyday life. Instead, she favored flat leather boots, combat boots, and classic canvas low-tops.
For daytime casual looks, she wore low-profile canvas sneakers. Converse All Stars or simple Keds fit the late 2000s aesthetic perfectly. When the weather turned cold or danger threatened, she switched to knee-high or ankle riding boots made of brown or black distressed leather.
- Boots: Flat leather riding boots with minimal hardware.
- Sneakers: Classic canvas low-top sneakers in neutral colors.
- Rule of Thumb: If you can't jog through a cemetery in them, they aren't right for this wardrobe.
Signature Accessories: The Vervain Necklace and Delicate Jewelry
No discussion of Elena's wardrobe is complete without mentioning her jewelry. Her style is minimal, but certain signature pieces define her character. The most famous is her antique silver vervain locket, a family heirloom that protected her from compulsion.
Beyond the locket, she wore delicate silver chains, small stud earrings, and simple rings. She didn't layer heavy statement necklaces or chunky bracelets. Keep your jewelry understated. A single pendant necklace paired with stud earrings captures her modest, approachable aesthetic.
For authentic vintage or antique jewelry inspiration, you can explore collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art costume archives to see how period and vintage pieces influence modern wardrobes.
Transitioning Styles Across Seasons
Elena's wardrobe evolved as she grew older and her circumstances changed. The high school student in season one dressed differently than the college student or vampire in later seasons.
In the early seasons, you'll see more athletic wear, hoodies, and pastel tones mixed with dark staples. By seasons three and four, her style matures. She incorporates more structured leather jackets, deeper jewel tones, and sophisticated evening wear for dances and formal events. If you want a mature look, lean into the later-season aesthetic with tailored coats and sleek blouses.
Common Mistakes When Recreating Elena Gilbert Style
Many fans try to recreate this look and end up looking like they're wearing a Halloween costume. Here's how to avoid common pitfalls.
Don't buy exact replicas of fast-fashion items from 2009. Trends have shifted slightly, and wearing literal 15-year-old mall brand clothes can look dated rather than chic. Instead, buy modern equivalents with similar cuts.
Another mistake is overdoing the vampire theme. Elena wasn't a gothic vampire in the traditional sense; she was a normal teenage girl pulled into supernatural chaos. Keep the look grounded in everyday casual wear rather than dramatic velvet capes or corsets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What brand of jacket did Elena Gilbert wear?
Her wardrobe featured pieces from various contemporary brands available in the late 2000s, including Abercrombie and Fitch, Guess, and BB Dakota. Costume designers often mixed high street brands with vintage finds.
How do I style the vervain locket today?
Look for an antique silver locket with an engraved floral or vintage pattern. Wear it on a thin silver chain over a simple black V-neck top or ribbed tank.
Can I wear skinny jeans for this look?
Yes. Skinny jeans and slim straight-leg denim are central to her aesthetic. Balance the fitted lower half with a slightly looser zip hoodie or utility jacket on top.
Is this style hard to maintain on a budget?
Not at all. Because her wardrobe relies on basic items like tanks, hoodies, and jeans, you can thrift most of these pieces or find them at basic retail stores.
