A Fendi bag was a mainstay on the crook of Serena van der Woodsen’s arm across the Gossip Girl series. And while Serena (played by Blake Lively) and Blair (Leighton Meester) toted many a classic Chanel and Moschino heart-shaped purse, more often than not, someone was lounging on the steps of the Met or stomping around Manhattan with that F-emblazoned Peekaboo or Baguette in tow.

In the post-Serena years, Blake Lively has established a singular sense of personal style—famously while styling herself—defined by sherbet tones and novelty accessories, textural contrasts and big shapes. That’s not a slice of pizza, that’s a handbag! Latex or tulle? Why not both! The actor and haircare brand founder is, if anything, a fashion maximalist.

But stepping out in New York last night (May 19), Lively experimented in neutrals, letting her choice of bag—a Fendi purse, obviously—take center stage. Lively attended an event celebrating a reedition of the Baguette bag at the house’s New York flagship, where she wore a cuffed and classic beige trench coat, a scoopneck black tank top, black straight-leg jeans, and pointed black mules. For accessories, a marquise diamond necklace and a black, silver-studded Fendi Baguette. Her long blonde hair was worn in undulating waves, swept over one shoulder.

Later, Lively was spotted exiting the event with a shopping bag, having picked up a new purse to add to her Fendi collection. Olivia Wilde, Ivy Getty, and Ella Hunt were also among the Baguette-fanatic guestlist.

Lively’s look was noticeably more pared back than what we’re used to seeing her in. It does mark one of her first public appearances in some time—save for her turn at the 2026 Met Gala in sugary sweet-toned archival Versace—following the news of the recent court settlement over It Ends With Us.

With summer around the corner, a spring in her step, and a shiny new shopping buy, don’t expect Blake Lively to stick to the CBK-coded neutrals for too long.