Leighton Meester’s 2025 Red Carpet Glow-Up & the Perfect Lily Bloom

Leighton Meester has always had a knack for turning heads on the red carpet, and 2025 proved to be no exception. Known for her role as Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl, she’s carried that same sense of style and sophistication into her real-life appearances over the years. This year, with a series of high-profile events tied to awards season and her husband Adam Brody’s success with the Netflix series Nobody Wants This, Meester stepped out in some of her most breathtaking looks yet. From the Golden Globes to the SAG Awards, her 2025 red carpet moments were a masterclass in elegance, versatility, and modern glamour. Let’s take a closer look at why these appearances were so stunning and what made them stand out in a year full of memorable fashion.

A Return to the Spotlight

2025 marked a significant moment for Leighton Meester. While she’s kept a relatively low profile in recent years, focusing on her personal life and selective acting projects, this year brought her back into the public eye in a big way. Adam Brody’s acclaimed performance as Rabbi Noah in Nobody Wants This earned him nominations at major awards shows, and Meester was by his side for many of these occasions. Their joint appearances gave fans a rare glimpse of the couple, who are famously private, and her fashion choices quickly became a topic of conversation. Each event showcased a different side of her style, proving that she’s just as much a fashion icon now as she was during her Gossip Girl days.

The year kicked off with the Golden Globes on January 5, , and Meester set the tone for what would be an incredible run of red carpet looks. She arrived at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in a lime green Versace gown that hugged her figure and featured a plunging cowl neckline. The dress sparkled subtly under the lights, catching everyone’s attention without overpowering her natural beauty. Paired with silver Christian Louboutin heels and diamond jewelry from Anita Ko, the look was fresh and bold, a perfect way to start the awards season. What made it even more special was how it complemented Brody’s forest green Prada tuxedo. The couple didn’t plan to match, with Brody later calling it a “happy accident” in an interview with E!, but the coordinating shades of green made them one of the night’s most photographed pairs.

A Red Carpet Parallel for Lily Bloom

One of the most striking aspects of Leighton Meester’s  red carpet run was how much her looks reminded fans of Blake Lively’s character, Lily Bloom, from the film 'It Ends With Us'. Based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, the movie saw Lively step into the role of a florist with a complex past, bringing her signature charm and effortless glamour to the part. But as Meester debuted her auburn hair and a series of floral-inspired gowns, fans couldn’t help but draw comparisons—and many started saying she would’ve been the ideal Lily Bloom, especially with her stunning new look and commanding presence. While Lively’s portrayal had its own appeal, Meester’s red carpet moments this year made a compelling case for her as an alternate casting choice, and the timing couldn’t have been more ironic given the contrasting public narratives surrounding the two actresses.

Why She’d Have Been Perfect

Casting speculation is a favorite pastime for movie fans, and Meester’s looks fueled a wave of “what if” chatter. Lily Bloom is a character who’s both vulnerable and fierce, someone who navigates love and trauma with a mix of grace and grit. Meester’s history playing Blair Waldorf already proved she could handle layered roles—she brought depth to a character who was polished on the outside but messy underneath, much like Lily. Add in her  red carpet confidence, and it’s easy to see why people thought she’d have nailed it. Her auburn hair was the cherry on top, a bold choice that aligned with the book’s vision of Lily as a redhead (something Lively’s blonde locks didn’t quite match, despite her wig in the film).

Meester’s ability to wear intricate, feminine designs without losing her edge would’ve translated beautifully to Lily’s wardrobe. Imagine her in the film’s softer moments, arranging flowers in a pastel dress, or standing up to Justin Baldoni’s Ryle in a structured gown that echoed her SAG Awards look—floral yet fierce. Her chemistry with Adam Brody, so evident on the red carpets, also suggests she could’ve brought a believable spark to Lily’s romance with Atlas, played by Brandon Sklenar. Lively did a solid job, but Meester’s poise and that red hair had fans convinced she’d have been a more book-accurate Lily, both in appearance and spirit.

Basking in the Spotlight

While Meester’s red carpet looks sparked these casting daydreams, they also highlighted how much she enjoyed the attention this year. With Brody’s success in *Nobody Wants This* earning him nominations at every major awards show, Meester was right there beside him, glowing under the flashbulbs. At the Golden Globes, she laughed and posed with him, her lime green Versace gown catching every eye. At the SAG Awards, they walked arm in arm, her olive green dress trailing behind her as he beamed with pride. There was a lightness to her demeanor, a sense that she was relishing the chance to step back into the spotlight—not just as Brody’s plus-one, but as a star in her own right.

Brody clearly adored her, and it showed. In interviews, he couldn’t stop praising her style, telling E! at the Critics Choice Awards, “She makes everything look good—I’m just lucky to stand next to her.” Their red carpet moments were full of small, sweet gestures—his hand on her back, her smile as she glanced at him—that made them the couple everyone rooted. Meester seemed to thrive on that admiration, carrying herself with a confidence that only amplified her stunning looks. It was a stark contrast to her usual low-key life, and fans loved seeing her embrace the moment.

Blake and Ryan’s PR Nightmare

Meanwhile, as Meester shone brighter with every event, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds were navigating what many called their worst PR crisis yet. The trouble started in 2024 with *It Ends With Us*. Rumors of on-set tension between Lively and director Justin Baldoni swirled during the film’s press tour, with reports of creative clashes and a fractured cast dynamic. Lively’s promotional efforts leaned hard into her usual bubbly persona, but some fans felt it clashed with the movie’s heavy themes of domestic abuse, leading to accusations of tone-deafness. Baldoni, meanwhile, took a more somber approach, and the disconnect fueled speculation of a feud.

Things snowballed in when old interviews resurfaced, including one where Lively seemed dismissive of a reporter’s question, and clips of Reynolds being snarky went viral again. The couple, usually Hollywood’s golden pair, faced backlash over their handling of the film’s rollout, with outlets like TMZ and posts on X calling it a “PR disaster.” Reynolds’ Deadpool press tour overlapped with the controversy, and his trademark sarcasm didn’t land as well this time, adding fuel to the fire. By early , their once-untouchable image was taking a hit, with headlines questioning everything from their marriage to their business ventures like Aviation Gin and Betty Buzz.

A Tale of Two Trajectories

The timing of Meester’s red carpet triumph and Lively’s PR struggles couldn’t have been more dramatic. While Lively was dodging tabloid scrutiny and trying to salvage her reputation, Meester was basking in universal praise. Her floral gowns and red hair didn’t just echo Lily Bloom—they felt like a quiet rebuke to the chaos surrounding Lively’s version of the character. Meester didn’t need to say a word; her poised, stunning appearances spoke volumes. She and Brody were the picture of stability and charm, a couple enjoying their moment without a hint of controversy.

Fans ate it up. On X, posts like “Leighton Meester out here looking like Lily Bloom while Blake’s dealing with that mess—iconic” and “Leighton and Adam are winning , sorry Blake and Ryan” racked up thousands of likes. It wasn’t that Meester was actively competing with Lively—there’s no evidence of any rivalry—but the contrast was impossible to ignore. Meester’s red carpet run became a feel-good story, a reminder of her enduring appeal, while Lively and Reynolds were stuck in damage-control mode. For Meester, the spotlight wasn’t just a place to shine; it was a chance to show the world what she could do, and she did it flawlessly.

In the end, Leighton Meester’s red carpet looks weren’t just gorgeous—they were a revelation. Her floral dresses and auburn hair painted her as the Lily Bloom fans had dreamed of, a vision of beauty and strength that felt straight out of the book. She enjoyed every second of the attention, supported by Brody’s unwavering adoration, while Lively and Reynolds weathered their storm. It was a twist no one saw coming, and it made Meester’s year all the more unforgettable. Whether she ever plays a role like Lily or not, proved she’s got the look, the talent, and the timing to steal the show.

The Critics Choice Awards: A Golden Moment

Just a month later, on February 7, Meester attended the Critics Choice Awards, and this appearance was particularly meaningful. The couple had recently faced a devastating loss when their Pacific Palisades home burned down in the Los Angeles wildfires. Despite the hardship, they stepped onto the red carpet at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica looking resilient and radiant. Meester wore a glimmering gold Dior Haute Couture gown that combined a structured corset top with a flowing tulle skirt. The dress was ethereal, with delicate gold flecks that shimmered as she moved, and it struck a balance between classic Hollywood glamour and contemporary design.

Her hair was styled in a simple updo with blunt bangs, a nod to her signature look that fans have come to love. The understated hairstyle let the dress take center stage, and her choice of minimal accessories kept the focus on the gown’s intricate details. Critics and fashion enthusiasts alike praised the look, with many noting how it reflected her ability to adapt high fashion to her own personal style. The Critics Choice Awards were delayed twice due to the wildfires, making her appearance all the more poignant. She and Brody, who was up for Best Actor in a Comedy Series, showed up as a united front, and her golden gown became a symbol of grace under pressure.

The SAG Awards: A Study in Sophistication

By February 23, 2025, Meester was back on the red carpet for the Screen Actors Guild Awards, and this time she debuted a new hair color that added an extra layer of intrigue to her look. She arrived in a strapless olive green Elie Saab gown that featured intricate cutouts with floral motifs and sequined accents. The dress was a work of art, with a long sash that wrapped around her neck and trailed behind her like a train. She paired it with pearl earrings from Mikimoto, keeping the accessories simple to let the gown shine. Her newly auburn hair, styled in sleek Hollywood waves with a deep side part, was a striking change from her usual brunette locks, and it coordinated beautifully with her coral makeup.

The SAG Awards look was widely regarded as one of her best of the year. Fashion commentators on social media platforms like X called it a return to her Blair Waldorf roots, with the lace and sheer elements reminiscent of the preppy chic aesthetic she perfected on Gossip Girl. Others highlighted the gown’s modern edge, noting how the cutouts and embroidery made it feel fresh rather than nostalgic. Brody, nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series, wore a chocolate brown Prada suit that complemented her earthy tones, and their arm-in-arm walk down the red carpet was a highlight of the night. The look was sophisticated yet daring, showing off Meester’s confidence and her willingness to take risks.

 Why These Looks Worked So Well

What made Leighton Meester’s red carpet appearances so stunning wasn’t just the dresses themselves, though they were undeniably gorgeous. It was the way she wore them. Each outfit was carefully chosen to reflect the mood of the event while staying true to her personal style. At the Golden Globes, the lime green Versace gown was vibrant and celebratory, matching the excitement of Brody’s first-ever nomination. The gold Dior dress at the Critics Choice Awards felt regal and uplifting, a fitting choice after a challenging time. And the olive green Elie Saab gown at the SAG Awards was elegant yet bold, a statement of resilience and individuality.

Her styling played a huge role too. Meester has a knack for balancing statement pieces with simplicity. She doesn’t overload on jewelry or overcomplicate her hair and makeup, which lets the clothes speak for themselves. This approach has been a hallmark of her red carpet presence since her early days in the spotlight, and it’s only gotten more refined with time. She worked with top designers like Versace, Dior, and Elie Saab, but she made each look her own. The result was a series of outfits that felt cohesive yet varied, showcasing her range as a style icon.

Public reaction was overwhelmingly positive. On platforms like X, fans posted photos and gushed over her choices, with comments like “Leighton Meester in Elie Saab at the SAG Awards, she’s so beautiful” and “That gold Dior dress is everything.” Fashion blogs and magazines, from Vogue to Harper’s Bazaar, ran detailed breakdowns of her looks, praising her for bringing glamour back to the red carpet. Even casual observers who might not follow her career closely took notice, thanks to the viral nature of her appearances alongside Brody. The couple’s chemistry only amplified the impact, turning each event into a moment people couldn’t stop talking about.

A Look Back at Her Style Evolution

To fully appreciate Meester’s red carpet looks, it’s worth considering how far her style has come. Back in the Gossip Girl era, which ran from 2007 to 2012, she was known for feminine, often preppy outfits that mirrored her character’s Upper East Side vibe. Think floral tea-length dresses, structured blazers, and bold accessories like headbands. Off-screen, she embraced that aesthetic but added her own twist, experimenting with designers like Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs at events like the Met Gala. Her early red carpet moments were playful and youthful, full of color and texture.

As she moved into her 30s and stepped away from the constant spotlight, her style matured. She started favoring simpler silhouettes and neutral tones, though she never shied away from a standout piece when the occasion called for it. The 2014 Met Gala, where she wore a gilded Emilio Pucci gown, was a prime example of her ability to blend classic elegance with a touch of drama. At 38 years old, she’d honed that balance to perfection. Her looks this year were sophisticated without being stuffy, modern without feeling trendy. They showed a woman who knows exactly who she is and how to express it through fashion.

The Golden Globes in Detail

Let’s dive deeper into that Golden Globes look, since it was the first big moment. The Versace gown was a custom piece, designed to accentuate her frame with its fitted bodice and slightly flared skirt. The lime green color was a risk, but it paid off, standing out against the sea of black and metallics that often dominate awards season. The cowl neckline added a touch of softness, while the subtle sequins gave it just enough sparkle to catch the cameras. She kept her hair in an elegant updo with curtain bangs, a style she’s favored for years, and her makeup was peachy and understated, letting the dress do the heavy lifting.

Brody’s nomination for Nobody Wants This made the night extra special, and Meester’s choice of a bold, celebratory color seemed to reflect that. The couple posed together on the red carpet, and their coordinating greens became an instant talking point. Fashion outlets like Elle and Vanity Fair noted how the look captured their low-key charm while still making a statement. It was a reminder that Meester doesn’t need to try too hard to stand out, she just has an innate sense of what works.

The Critics Choice Awards

The Critics Choice Awards gown was a different vibe entirely. Dior Haute Couture isn’t something you see every day, and Meester wore it like she was born to. The gold color was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the somber circumstances the couple had faced with the wildfires. The corset top hugged her torso, giving it structure, while the tulle skirt flowed out in a way that felt almost magical. It was a dress that demanded attention but didn’t overwhelm, a tricky balance that Dior executed flawlessly.

Her decision to go with a simple updo and minimal jewelry was smart. The dress had so much going on with its texture and shine that anything more would have been too much. Fashion writers at Who What Wear compared her red hair and bangs to a character from Severance, but the overall effect was pure Leighton Meester, timeless yet current. The look resonated with fans who saw it as a triumphant return after a tough period, and it cemented her status as a red carpet standout for the year.

The SAG Awards Breakdown

The SAG Awards gown might just be the crown jewel of her looks. Elie Saab is known for intricate designs, and this olive green number was no exception. The cutouts were strategically placed to show off just enough skin, while the floral embroidery and sequins added a delicate touch. The long sash that doubled as a train was a dramatic flourish, trailing behind her as she walked. Her auburn hair, a fresh change, brought warmth to the cool green tones, and her coral makeup tied it all together.

This look was a hit for its blend of old Hollywood glamour and modern flair. Sites like Glamour called it “the perfect date-night dress,” while Hindustan Times included her in their best-dressed list alongside stars like Selena Gomez and Mikey Madison. The gown’s lace and sheer details echoed her Gossip Girl past, but the cutouts and bold color choice kept it firmly in the present. It was a look that felt personal to Meester, a reflection of her growth as both an actress and a style icon.

 What’s Next for Leighton Meester?

With Nobody Wants This renewed for a second season, and news that Meester will join the cast alongside Brody and Kristen Bell, is just the beginning of her return to the spotlight. Her red carpet looks this year have set a high bar, and fans are already speculating about what she’ll wear next. Will she stick with the elegant, statement-making gowns she’s favored lately, or will she surprise everyone with something completely different? One thing’s for sure, her fashion choices will continue to be a highlight, whether she’s supporting Brody or promoting her own projects.

Her 2025 appearances have also sparked renewed interest in her past work. Clips of Blair Waldorf’s best outfits are circulating again, and her music from earlier in her career has even climbed the iTunes charts. It’s a full-circle moment for Meester, who’s proving that she can still captivate an audience, both on screen and on the red carpet. As awards season winds down and she gears up for more Nobody Wants This, all eyes will be on her next move.

Leighton Meester’s red carpet looks were nothing short of stunning. From the vibrant lime green Versace gown at the Golden Globes to the intricate olive green Elie Saab dress at the SAG Awards, she delivered one unforgettable moment after another. Each outfit was a testament to her style evolution, blending her Gossip Girl roots with a mature, confident edge. She didn’t just show up to these events, she owned them, turning heads and setting trends with every step.

What makes her so compelling isn’t just the clothes, though. It’s the way she carries herself, the quiet assurance that shines through in every photo. A year of challenges and triumphs for Meester, and her red carpet appearances reflected that journey. They were gorgeous, yes, but they were also meaningful, a reminder of why she’s been a fashion favorite for nearly two decades. Here’s to more of her impeccable style in the years to come, because if this year is any indication, Leighton Meester is only getting started.