6 Life Lessons We Learned From Lily van der Woodsen
By Alexus Mosley
Lily van der Woodsen wasn’t perfect, but that’s exactly what made her one of Gossip Girl’s most fascinating characters. She married more than we can keep up with and navigated enough family drama to rival a soap opera, but somehow managed to do it all while looking impeccably put together. Beneath the designer wardrobe, charity galas, and champagne-filled brunches were a few surprisingly memorable life lessons.
Whether you see Lily as the ultimate Upper East Side matriarch or simply aspire to master her effortless elegance, here are six lessons we couldn’t help but take away from Manhattan’s most glamorous mom.
Marry for Love First So You Can Marry for Money Later
If Gossip Girl taught us anything, it’s that Lily van der Woodsen never stopped believing in love. Even if it came wrapped in a trust fund. Whether she was following her heart or securing her future (or both), Lily proved that romance and financial security don’t always have to be sworn enemies. Consider this an Upper East Side lesson, not financial advice.
Image Matters, So Buy the Birkin.
Appearances may not be everything, but on the Upper East Side, they certainly count for something. She understood that how you present yourself can shape first impressions long before you say a word. If you’re going to navigate Manhattan society, you might as well do it carrying a fabulous handbag.
A Glass of Champagne Can Solve Almost Anything.
Will champagne actually solve your problems? Probably not. Will it make discussing those problems in a beautifully decorated penthouse feel significantly more glamorous? Absolutely. Lily approached life with elegance, and sometimes that elegance came in the form of a chilled coupe of champagne.
Your Children Will Humble You, Especially If They’re Serena van der Woodsen.
No matter how many galas Lily attended or how polished her life appeared from the outside, Serena always found a way to remind her that motherhood doesn’t come with a playbook. Parenting on the Upper East Side is difficult enough, but parenting Serena is basically an Olympic sport.
Grace and Composure Are Quiet Strengths.
Lily rarely needed to be the loudest person in the room. She carried herself with a calm confidence, even when her world was unraveling behind closed doors. Whether you agreed with her choices or not, her composure became one of her most recognizable trademarks, and perhaps her greatest accessory.
Reinvention Is Always in Style.
From rebellious youth to Upper East Side matriarch, Lily proved that people aren’t confined to one chapter of their lives. She reinvented herself more than once, reminding us that it’s never too late to begin again. After all, some of the best transformations happen long after the credits roll.