Blake Lively’s Winter-Ready Outfit Included These Classic, $65 Sneakers

I have somewhat of an embarrassing confession to make. At the prime age of 25 years old, I just started watching the pop cultural relic that is the Gossip Girl series. Between falling for Penn Badgley’s performance in You and my winter ritual of a good ol’ fashioned Netflix binge, it was only a matter of time until I hit play and entered the world of the Upper East Siders. As a consequence of this six-season investment, every time photos of Blake Lively strolling the city sidewalks emerge, my first thought is always “Spotted! Serena Van Der Woodsen...” until I land back in reality.

Of course it’s Lively, the actress and new mother-of-three, not her on-screen late-aughts persona, who was seen out for a walk with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, earlier this week. The couple dressed the part of smartly bundled-up New Yorkers fully prepared to take on the cold, as Lively opted for a green parka, leggings, a cozy beanie, and striped scarf. It’s practical! It’s warm! It’s the type of outfit your mom would be proud of you for wearing so you don’t catch a cold out there. And since she’s always on the pulse of a comfy sneaker trend, I couldn’t help but notice Lively’s choice of footwear — a leather take on the classic Vans Sk8-Hi Top sneakers.

While the actress’ exact leather pair is nearly out of stock, the $65 original version is a favorite among Nordstrom shoppers, where you can shop it now. Having long been a footwear staple among some of Hollywood's most stylish streetwear muses, it’s clear Vans aren’t going anywhere. They’re a constant in Hailey Bieber’s sneaker rotation and Bella Hadid’s been known to wear the classic low tops, too. So if you’ve ever been wary of whether you can make the shoes once reserved for the skate park work for your own wardrobe, consider Blake’s most recent outing a sign that you most certainly can.

Not only does the high-top design make for a winter-ready alternative to boots, suited to shield your ankles from the cold, it’s one that works with just about anything thanks to its neutral and classic color palette. Take a note from Serena, er Blake, and keep scrolling to shop the essential Vans and similar styles below.