5 Times Nina Dobrev's Outfits Look Ripped From Elena Gilbert's Boring Wardrobe

Nina Dobrev may have left "The Vampire Diaries" behind years ago, but some of her red carpet choices seem to be clinging to the ghost of Elena Gilbert's wardrobe for dear life. You know the look: endless burgundy, dusty florals, oddly placed lace, and silhouettes that whisper, "this could use a pendant necklace and some teenage angst."

While Dobrev's fashion evolution has soared in recent years with sleek suits, daring cutouts, and high-fashion glam, there were more than a few public appearances that make us want to count her among the celebrities we wish would take more fashion risks. Whether she is wearing muted florals, overly safe silhouettes, or outfits that scream "high school senior at a Founder's Day potluck," there is a distinct whiff of Elena Gilbert energy that just won't quit. It is polished, it is predictable, and it is often one statement necklace away from a full-blown supernatural subplot.

Here we have Nina Dobrev at WE Day California in 2019 looking like she just stepped out of an alternate-universe episode of "The Vampire Diaries" called "Casual Friday at Mystic Falls High." While we appreciate a good cause tee, this outfit is giving exactly zero sparkles, zero stakes, and all the sleepy suburb energy Elena made a personality trait. Something as simple as a belt with an embellished buckle could have easily upgraded this casual outfit, but unfortunately, Dobrev chose to play it safe. 

At first glance, this look Nina Dobrev wore to the premiere of "The Promise" in 2017  screams "Dobrev has entered her sleek, mature, post-Mystic Falls era." But take a longer look and suddenly, you can hear a dramatic CW music cue and see Damon Salvatore lurking in the shadows. The rhinestones on the spaghetti-strap bodice look like they were borrowed from a limited-edition Claire's vault, and the neckline feels like a callback to a Mystic Falls Founder's Ball gown that Elena would wear and somehow still manage to look underwhelmed in.

If this outfit doesn't whisper "I still write in my journal with a gel pen and talk to ghosts in the woods," I do not know what does. Nina Dobrev stepped out for a foundation brunch in 2016 wearing this floral-and-lace concoction, a white A-line silhouette with watercolor roses, some random black trim, and a sheer lace neckline. It feels like something Elena Gilbert would wear after Googling "edgy but still sweet" and settling on lace trim because leather felt too emotionally risky. The burgundy lace-up booties are cute and bold, but with this dainty floral tea-party dress? It's like Elena was possessed by Katherine Pierce mid-outfit change.

Let's get one thing straight: Nina Dobrev looks stunning in this navy gown she wore at amfAR's Gala Cannes event in 2019. The dress fits like a dream, the neckline is classic, and the hair and makeup are red carpet ready. But... there's a certain safe, almost too safe energy to this look that whispers, "Elena Gilbert was here." The off-the-shoulder navy gown is timeless—but also kind of lifeless. It is giving "elegant guest at a Founders' Ball," not "fashion risk-taker." And the slicked-back bun? Chic, yes. But paired with this gown, it tips into "Miss Mystic Falls pageant finalist," and not in a winking, fashion-forward way. This is the kind of look that makes you say, "she looks beautiful," but not, "she did that."

We've got questions, and none of them are about plot twists. Nina Dobrev hit the red carpet for the opening night of the opening night of "One Woman Show" in 2023 in what appears to be a full indigo denim set. The look is oversized and so void of flair it could've been pulled straight from Elena Gilbert's "off-duty vampire hunter" wardrobe. The dark-wash denim shirt buttoned all the way up lacks any edge, any shape, or even the casual slouch of intentional oversized fashion. Is this Elena trying to assume a new identity? 

The matching pants are not flattering and definitely are not helping her break free from the "Elena Gilbert Effect," and those white slide heels are out of place. We love when Nina experiments, but this look was not it.