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

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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.’)

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.

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.

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.