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Playing Gossip Girl’s Brooklyn boho beauty, Vanessa Abrams, Jessica Szohr has learned a thing or two about accessorizing. “I actually don’t think [Vanessa] can breathe without 8 necklaces or earrings!” Jessica joked to PEOPLE when we caught up with her at a VOGUE Eyewear event in New York City. “My style is much more simple, Vanessa is very funk’defied,” she says about her character’s tendency to pile on the jewels. “Because my style is very simple, I like to wear accessories to add a little sparkle to the outfit.” And one accessory she can’t get enough of are sunglasses! The Gossip Girl star, who was on hand at Bloomingdale’s to help customers pick out the perfect shades, explains, “You can never really go wrong with sunglasses. I always get myself a couple of pairs every year. One pair that I have had and have managed not to lose is an old vintage pair I found in Venice Beach, California.” And when it comes to her perfect pair of shades, Jessica skips the trends and tries to stick to styles that suit her face and aren’t too big or too small. “They also have to be a little bit funky and fun at the same time,” she amends. Other than her growing collection of sunglasses, Jessica stocks up on beanies and statement rings — much like her Gossip Girl character, Vanessa. “I’m always wearing some kind of big ring,” she notes. And while Jessica has found ways to incorporate Vanessa’s love of accessories in her own wardrobe, there is one thing that they both agree on. “I don’t think people should wear sunglasses at night.” We agree!