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    1. Culture

    Blake Lively Used to Wear Forever 21 on Red Carpets and Lie and Say It Was Vintage

    Blake Lively gave a delightful interview on styling herself and her red carpet fashion to The Handmaid’s Tale's Sydney Sweeney for InStyle. But the best tidbit she revealed was her party trick for when she wore Forever 21 on red carpets.

    Alyssa Bailey#039;s avatar
    By Alyssa Bailey
    Published 25 April 2019 In News

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    Blake Lively gave a delightful interview on styling herself and her red carpet fashion to The Handmaid’s Tale's Sydney Sweeney for InStyle. But the best tidbit she revealed was her party trick for when she wore Forever 21 on red carpets. When asked what designer she was wearing, she stopped saying it was Forever 21 and called it vintage instead.

    Sweeney mentioned that she remember Lively wore a Forever 21 dress to one of her first red carpets. Lively replied, "I wore Forever 21 much longer than I admitted. I just started saying it was vintage because I was so shamed for it." Then she laughed. "For me, fashion is a form of self-expression. It also really takes me out of my comfort zone. One of the reasons I'm an actor is that I’m naturally very shy, so it's liberating to dress up and pretend to be someone else."

    2005 Teen Choice Awards - Arrivals

    Blake in a $13 dress from Forever 21 at the 2005 Teen Choice Awards.

    (Image credit: Frazer Harrison)

    (Lively, by the way, admitted to Glamour UK she said Forever 21 was vintage years ago, when talking about old red carpet looks, the 2005 Teen Choice Award outfit came up. She said of the look, “This was my second ever premiere. I’m wearing a $13 dress from Forever 21. On the red carpet people were like ‘who are you wearing?’ But when I told them, they said I shouldn’t admit to it, like it was more impressive to have a designer gown that’s thousands of dollars. After that I just told people it was vintage.”)

    In her InStyle chat, Lively explained to Sweeney that she honestly plays a role during red carpet interviews, too. "When you have to be you, it's the most intimidating part," she began. "The only way that I feel comfortable doing red carpets and interviews is when I adopt the same thing that I do when I’m acting, which is to play a character. So when I’m going to a premiere, I think, who is that character? And I step into that. I still get knots in my stomach before red carpets. You just want to represent yourself properly, so that's why I chose to style myself. I also had the very fortunate and unique opportunity of being on Gossip Girl, where fashion was a main character. So I started developing relationship with designers, and then I’d get their email addresses. It all happened organically."

    Lively also mentioned that while she styles herself, she does look to three people now to get honest opinions about her outfits: "It used to be just my husband [Ryan Reynolds], but now it’s my kids [daughters James and Inez Reynolds] too. And kids do not filter," she said with a laugh.

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    Blake Lively's Most Iconic Fashion Moments

    Image 1 of 29
    new york, ny february 18 actress blake lively is seen walking soho on february 18, 2016 in new york city photo by raymond hallgc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    February 18, 2016

    Out and about in Soho, New York City, Lively looked phenomenal in Louboutin boots and leather trousers. She carried a Chanel pearl-shape handbag.

    new york, ny october 16 blake lively arrives to abcs good morning america in times square on october 16, 2017 in new york city photo by james devaneygc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    October 16, 2017

    Rise and shine! Lively stunned in a bright Brandon Maxwell set upon arrival to Good Morning America. She accessorized with Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira jewelry.

    new york, ny january 27 blake lively seen out and about in brooklyn on january 27, 2020 in new york city photo by robert kamaugc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    January 27, 2020

    The actress stepped out in a gorgeous Ulyana Sergeenko floral dress, which she perfectly accessorized with black leather gloves and chic Christian Louboutin over-the-knee boots.

    new york, ny january 27 blake lively seen out and about in manhattan on january 27, 2020 in new york city photo by robert kamaugc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    January 27, 2020

    Lively looked effortless in this beautiful Valentino trench coat dress, which she accessorized with layered gold chain necklaces, combat boots, and vintage style gloves.

    new york, ny october 16 actress blake lively is seen walking in midtown on october 16, 2017 in new york city photo by raymond hallgc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    October 16, 2017

    Blake Lively looked incredibly sleek and sporty in her Monse jersey, trousers, and Chanel bag while she attended the premiere of her film All I See Is You. Suddenly, I'm into sports.

    new york, ny august 19 blake lively poses outside the crosby hotel on august 19, 2018 in new york city photo by james devaneygc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    August 19, 2018

    The queen of sartorial style, Lively wore this breathtaking striped Zimmermann look and Christian Louboutin heels for the promotional tour of A Simple Favor.

    new york, new york january 28 blake lively on january 28, 2020 in new york city photo by jackson leegc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    January 28, 2020

    Lively channeled Mary Poppins vibes in an Alaïa blouse and skirt with an ornate pair of boots and a fedora.

    new york, ny may 02 ryan reynolds and blake lively attend the premiere of pokemon detective pikachu at military island in times square on may 2, 2019 in new york city photo by steven ferdmangetty images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    May 2, 2019

    The actress shined in a yellow Retrofête dress (a nod to Pikachu?) and carried a Judith Leiber Couture clutch (in the shape of a ball!) to the premiere of Pokémon Detective Pikachu.

    new york, new york january 27 blake lively attends the rhythm section new york screening at brooklyn academy of music on january 27, 2020 in new york city photo by dominik bindlwireimage
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    January 27, 2020

    Playing with texture is Lively's forte. At The Rhythm Section screening in NYC, the actress pulled out all the stops in an off-the-shoulder velvet gown, leather gloves, and over-the-knee boots.

    new york, new york december 02 blake lively l and gigi hadid attend a versace pre fall 2019 runway show at the american stock exchange in the financial district on december 02, 2018 in new york city photo by gothamgc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    December 2, 2018

    Lively attended fashion week with Gigi Hadid while dressed to the nines in a vintage Versace chainmail dress and Christian Louboutin heels.

    us actress blake lively poses during the photocall prior to the spring summer 2019 ready to wear collection fashion show by christian dior in paris, on september 24, 2018 photo by anne christine poujoulat afp photo credit should read anne christine poujoulatafp via getty images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    September 24, 2018

    Dressed in Christian Dior during fashion week, Lively looked ethereal in earth tones. She wore a sparkly pair of Christian Louboutin pumps.

    new york, ny august 18 blake lively poses outside the crosby hotel on august 18, 2018 in new york city photo by james devaneygc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    August 18, 2018

    A look Serena van der Woodsen would approve of and wear. Lively wore a Roland Mouret plaid pantsuit set, which was tailored to perfection.

    paris, france september 19 blake lively is seen on september 19, 2018 in paris, france photo by marc piaseckigc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    September 19, 2018

    Out and about in Paris, Lively was incredibly classy in a Chanel pinstriped suit set and Chanel jewelry.

    blake lively arrives to michael kors fashion show at the nyse on february 12, 2020 in new york city photo by james devaneygc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    February 12, 2020

    To close out fashion week, Lively dressed from head to toe in one of her favorite designers: Michael Kors.

    london, england september 17 blake lively attends the uk premiere of a simple favour at bfi southbank on september 17, 2018 in london, england photo by mike marslandmike marslandwireimage
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    September 17, 2018

    Lively loves a good pantsuit. Here, she is wearing a pink set from Ralph Lauren (shop similar pants here).

    new york, ny january 28 blake lively is seen outside to abcs good morning america on january 28, 2020 in new york city photo by raymond hallgc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    January 28, 2020

    The actress isn't afraid to wear color. She wore this Fendi sweater and quilted shorts ensemble with Valentino boots while out and about.

    new york, ny september 13 blake lively heads out of her hotel to see a concert in central park on september 13, 2018 in new york city photo by gothamgc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    September 13, 2018

    Lively wore a cool velvet Dolce Gabbana ensemble.

    new york, ny september 10 blake lively is seen on september 10, 2018 in new york city photo by tal rubingc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    September 10, 2018

    Lively continues to inspire us with her menswear-inspired fashion. She wore this Givenchy blazer and trouser ensemble while out and out.

    new york, ny september 11 blake lively seen out and about in manhattan on september 11, 2018 in new york city photo by robert kamaugc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    September 11, 2018

    Lively was spotted in NYC while wearing a pair of Brunello Cucinelli pants and a sleek leather trench. She carried a cool croc-like handbag.

    new york, ny september 10 blake lively is seen on september 10, 2018 in new york city photo by mediapunchbauer griffingc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    September 10, 2018

    Lively sure loves her Valentino boots, she's worn them multiple times already! Here, she styled the shoes with a Wolk Morais denim look.

    new york, ny september 10 blake lively is seen on september 10, 2018 in new york city photo by mediapunchbauer griffingc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    September 10, 2018

    The actress brightened up a gloomy, rainy day in NYC with her orange ensemble. She wore a Bottega Veneta trouser set and Christian Louboutin penny loafers.

    new york, ny september 10 blake lively is seen on september 10, 2018 in new york city photo by mediapunchbauer griffingc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    September 10, 2018

    The star waved to her fans while wearing a colorful floral Gucci pantsuit set and periwinkle blue boots.

    new york, ny september 07 blake lively during the ralph lauren 50th anniversary september 2018 new york fashion week at bethesda terrace on september 7, 2018 in new york city photo by gonzalo marroquinpatrick mcmullan via getty images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    September 7, 2018

    Lively traded the handbag for a cane as her main accessory while attending Ralph Lauren's 50th anniversary fashion week show in NYC. She, of course, wore an entire RL look.

    new york, ny august 20 blake lively is seen on august 20, 2018 in new york city photo by thestewartofnygc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    August 20, 2018

    The star was all smiles in a pretty purple blazer and matching bottom set from Vivienne Westwood.

    new york, ny august 17 blake lively seen out and about in manhattan on august 17, 2018 in new york city photo by robert kamaugc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    August 17, 2018

    This chic Brunello Cucinelli look is one for the books. The crushed velvet set combined with a pair of Christian Louboutin heels are dashing in all the right ways.

    new york, ny august 17 blake lively seen on the streets of tribeca on august 17, 2018 in new york city photo by james devaneygc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    August 17, 2018

    There's no color Lively can't wear, including bright green neon. She wore this blazer and pants set from Versace.

    new york, ny march 22 blake lively and ryan reynolds depart the guggenheim on march 22, 2018 in new york city photo by gothamgc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    March 22, 2018

    In a Monse ensemble, the actress looked sophisticated and cool while departing from an event at the Guggenheim in NYC.

    new york, ny october 16 blake lively seen on the streets of manhattan on october 16, 2017 in new york city photo by james devaneygc images
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    October 16, 2017

    In an outfit reminiscent of fashion movie icon Annie Hall, Lively wore a Ralph Lauren three-piece suit, carried a Michael Kors satchel, and re-wore her favorite pair Valentino boots.

    celebrity sightings in new york january 28, 2020
    (Image credit: Getty Images)

    January 28, 2020

    This is how you wear blue on blue. Lively was perfection in this floral Ulyana Sergeenko printed dress and a cozy Max Mara fuzzy coat.

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    new york, ny february 18 actress blake lively is seen walking soho on february 18, 2016 in new york city photo by raymond hallgc images
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    new york, ny october 16 blake lively arrives to abcs good morning america in times square on october 16, 2017 in new york city photo by james devaneygc images
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    new york, ny january 27 blake lively seen out and about in brooklyn on january 27, 2020 in new york city photo by robert kamaugc images
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    new york, ny october 16 actress blake lively is seen walking in midtown on october 16, 2017 in new york city photo by raymond hallgc images
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    new york, ny august 19 blake lively poses outside the crosby hotel on august 19, 2018 in new york city photo by james devaneygc images
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    new york, new york january 28 blake lively on january 28, 2020 in new york city photo by jackson leegc images
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    new york, ny may 02 ryan reynolds and blake lively attend the premiere of pokemon detective pikachu at military island in times square on may 2, 2019 in new york city photo by steven ferdmangetty images
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    new york, new york january 27 blake lively attends the rhythm section new york screening at brooklyn academy of music on january 27, 2020 in new york city photo by dominik bindlwireimage
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    new york, new york december 02 blake lively l and gigi hadid attend a versace pre fall 2019 runway show at the american stock exchange in the financial district on december 02, 2018 in new york city photo by gothamgc images
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    us actress blake lively poses during the photocall prior to the spring summer 2019 ready to wear collection fashion show by christian dior in paris, on september 24, 2018 photo by anne christine poujoulat afp photo credit should read anne christine poujoulatafp via getty images
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    new york, ny august 18 blake lively poses outside the crosby hotel on august 18, 2018 in new york city photo by james devaneygc images
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    paris, france september 19 blake lively is seen on september 19, 2018 in paris, france photo by marc piaseckigc images
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    blake lively arrives to michael kors fashion show at the nyse on february 12, 2020 in new york city photo by james devaneygc images
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    london, england september 17 blake lively attends the uk premiere of a simple favour at bfi southbank on september 17, 2018 in london, england photo by mike marslandmike marslandwireimage
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    new york, ny january 28 blake lively is seen outside to abcs good morning america on january 28, 2020 in new york city photo by raymond hallgc images
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    new york, ny september 13 blake lively heads out of her hotel to see a concert in central park on september 13, 2018 in new york city photo by gothamgc images
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    new york, ny september 10 blake lively is seen on september 10, 2018 in new york city photo by tal rubingc images
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    new york, ny september 07 blake lively during the ralph lauren 50th anniversary september 2018 new york fashion week at bethesda terrace on september 7, 2018 in new york city photo by gonzalo marroquinpatrick mcmullan via getty images
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    new york, ny august 20 blake lively is seen on august 20, 2018 in new york city photo by thestewartofnygc images
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    new york, ny august 17 blake lively seen out and about in manhattan on august 17, 2018 in new york city photo by robert kamaugc images
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    new york, ny march 22 blake lively and ryan reynolds depart the guggenheim on march 22, 2018 in new york city photo by gothamgc images
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    new york, ny october 16 blake lively seen on the streets of manhattan on october 16, 2017 in new york city photo by james devaneygc images
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    celebrity sightings in new york january 28, 2020
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