So you’re telling me that when you watched Clueless you didn’t fantasize about taking a time machine back into the 90’s just to wear all the clothes from Cher and Dionne’s closet? Ugh, as if!
Last week the 1995 cult-classic turned 25 and to this day fans like myself can’t get enough of witty and charmful Cher Horowitz, who influenced an entire generation and continues to inspire runway designers today. Clueless is one of those movies that if you don’t like it there is seriously something wrong with you. From the catchy one-liners, 90’s slang (I’m Audi ! should for real make a come back), funny dance scenes, and the cliche of being an American high schooler; this is a classic that will never get old. Cher even had a computer help her pick her outfit in one of the opening scenes. I mean that is every person's dream!
Clueless director Amy Heckerling and costume designer Mona May visited Los Angles schools in the mid-’90s to get a sense of what “the kids were wearing these days.” Teenagers were dressed in flannels, baggy jeans, loose-fitting shirts --- neither of their ideal aesthetic for the movie. “It was just dreadful,” May said in an interview with Vanity Fair. “The plaid shirts and baggy pants, and girls looked so masculine. There was really none of the girliness.” We all know fashionista Cher wouldn’t be caught dead in baggy jeans so Heckerling and May took a unique creative direction to make clothes that were not only cute but whimsical, smart, and feminine. “I wanted that feel of a fantasy that you would like to live in,” said Heckerling.
I wish I lived in Beverly Hills like the Clueless squad and could bask in riches but unfortunately, I am stuck in cloudy New York. None the less that will not stop me from admiring the killer outfits Cher, Dionne, Tai, and Amber (even some of the guys !) wore because they had it poppin’ in the style department. Here are my 25 favorite outfits from Clueless that I would totally roll with the homies in ;)
#1 Cher and Dionne's First Day of School Glam
Cher: “Dionne and I were both named after great singers of the past who now do infomercials.”
These two took back to school looks to a different level. They certainly weren't shopping in the Old Navy BTS section. The plaid ensemble is everything, and yellow is Cher’s color. My friends called Dionne’s hat a “church hat” while we Netflix Partied the movie but I secretly loved it ;) Bestie goals for sure.
#2 'I don't do P.E. ' Outfit
Amber : “Ms. Stoeger, my plastic surgeon doesn't want me doing any activity where balls fly at my nose.”
Dionne : "Well there goes your social life.”
I wish my gym uniform looked as good as that. The simple black and white color-blocking make a cute and fashionable outfit to hit --- attempt to hit --- tennis balls in. Cher even has a cute black and gold purse to match. Love it.
#3 “I’m Gonna Find Her a Man” Fit
It was at this moment Cher and Dionne realized they were going to play Cupid for their lipstick smeared teacher Ms. Geist, and give her a makeover while they were at it. I’m loving Cher’s beret and again Dionne knocks it out the park with this hat! Dionne rocks a colorful red and yellow fuzzy top weirdly complementing Cher’s business-like look.
#4 Elton (!!)
Even though we can only see the top half of his body Elton is already making girls swoon. I like his beige striped shirt and the structured cargo vest that adds another element of zest to the look. Plus the shaggy brown hair is a win in my book.
#5 Tai’s Makeover Look
Cher took one look at Tai and said nuh-uh honey we need to fix this ASAP. According to Amber, "She could be a farmer in those clothes," and now look who's serving looks ?! From baggy jeans and flannels with Cher's help, Tai now rocks this green cardigan and plaid skirt. She looks classy yet down to earth and makes (usually ugly) brown stockings work. Tai is so cute you just want to squeeze her cheeks.
#6 Red and Blue Will Do
“She’s my friend because we both know what it’s like to have people be jealous of us.” – Cher
I’m obsessed with yet another color-coordinated moment. Dionne said no to the hat today and I love that we get to see her micro box braids which were very popular in the ’90s. Her beaded sweater vest over her indigo shirt and cute choker are all put together nicely. We are beginning to see that Cher adores a good headband to always match her looks and the sweater vest over the collared shirt is a yes all around.
#7 Shop Til' You Drop
Oh to carry bags full of Fendi. Cher’s black cardigan over a collared shirt seems to be her thing and plaid skirts as well. I love the white over-the-knee socks (Heckerling specifically states she hates knee-high socks, there is a difference !) and Cher could be stuck in a tornado and her hair would still look effortlessly gorgeous. Might have to dress up a bit when I go to the mall the next time.
#8 Dionne Rocks See-Through
Dionne’s mesh see-through top paired with a cheetah skirt is spicy and sexy. Her puffy red/brown toned that complements the look and adds even more “oomph.” Honestly, Dionne can pull off anything at this point. I would totally ask her where she bought her clothes from if I saw her in the mall.
#9 Murray's Flashy Fit
“Murray, I have asked you repeatedly not to call me ‘woman.’” – Dionne.
Despise Dionne's boyfriend, Murray, always calling her ‘woman’ and getting on her nerves with his snarky remarks; he has taken some fashion points from his fashionista girl. His oversized brown crewneck paired with that sparkling gold chain of his is dope and he somehow manages to make his green newsboy cap work. Murray never fails to keeps it adventurous in the style department.
#10 Say Cheese !
Tai gushing in this girly look with her red curls bouncing all around her is enough to make anyone smile. For Step 1 of giving Tai a makeover, Cher picked out this outfit that I could still see many girls wearing today. The space blue sweater and white trimming adorned with the huge heart in the middle would be a killer look for Valentine's day. I also love how the color of the skirt matches the same wine red of the heart which pulls everything together. A bubbly look just like Tai.
#11 Workout Besties
“Cher, I don’t want to do this anymore. My buns they don’t feel nothing like steel.” - Tai.
While watching gym work out videos on videotape didn’t make Tai buns feel any stronger they still look good in their workout look. Maybe wearing a cute sports bra would get me inspired to pick up a few weights from time to time. Ok, it probably wouldn’t but the opportunity for cute gym selfies would be priceless!
#12 Cheetah Print Never Fails
Dionne : "Dude, what's wrong. You suffering from buyer's remorse or something?" Cher : "God no, nothing like that."
The cheetah print jacket makes a bold statement for itself and the hot pink collared shirt could grab someone’s attention from a mile away. Dionne’s sparkling nose ring and glittering pink lips let you know she will never be walked over. Plus the half up and half down do’ with her braids is to die for.
#13 'It's Calvin Daddy !'
Mel: “What the hell is that?”
Cher: “A dress.”
Mel: “Says who?”
Cher: “Calvin Klein
If Calvin Klein says so, that’s all that matters! This minimalist, white mini dress is too cute and the perfect look for a first date. No need for frills and plaid today because Cher still adds an element of fun to this simple look.
#14 Shades All Day
This look is all about Christian, baby. Normally I would roll my eyes over people who wear sunglasses inside, I mean it's just ridiculous, but I'll let my boy Christian slide. He reminds me of a character straight out of grease with his muscle tight black shirt. But to keep it 90' he wears an oversized button-down shirt matched with some cool shades. Totally buggin' outfit.
#15 Who Says You Can't Wear Feathers in Homeroom?
That's right nobody! Amber is dressed for the runway in this black-feathered look that makes her cherry-red hair pop. It's a shame only the kids and crummy public school classrooms of her Beverly Hills school get to see it. I love the bedazzled chocker and the headband is giving me very much Upper East Side glam. Just the perfect outfit to debate world peace in ;)
#16 Red, Green and Tai
Tai's vest screams Christmas but in a good way. For her holiday party look the red striped shirt under the plaid jacket goes hand in hand. Plus her hair swooped to the side is something different!
#17 Alaïa or nothing sweets
Cher: You don’t understand. This is an Alaïa.
Mugger: ‘An a whatta?’
Cher: An Alaïa. It’s like a totally important designer.
Mugger: And I will totally shoot you in the head.
I didn't know what an Alaïa was until Clueless but designer or not Cher's holiday party look is gorgeous. I mean she refused to go down on the ground while a mugger had her at gunpoint because of her Alaïa! Her red mini dress is a risky but she pulls it off flawlessly and I am obsessed with her jacket. The flared sleeve, ruffled neckline, and black feathers make such a statement.
#18 Get In Loser We're Going Shopping (9 more years until Mean Girls but oh well )
Once Cher realizes that Christian isn't into her romantically because he's gay or as Murray says a "cake boy" and a "disco-dancin’, Oscar Wilde readin’, Streisand ticket holdin’ friend of Dorothy," that doesn't mean they can't shop together. Christian's pink and black bomber jacket and his slick rosebud pants are sick. Cher's simple green tea-colored dress is too cute and would so look good as a Sunday brunch look.
#19 Cher's Red and Black Look
"I feel like such a heifer. I had two bowls of Special K, 3 pieces of turkey bacon, a handful of popcorn, 5 peanut butter M&M's and like 3 pieces of licorice." - Cher
Is it me or does every mean/ popular girl in teen movies drink Diet Coke ?! While Cher drinks her "slimming" Coke let's admire her color-coordinated red and black look. This is one of Cher's more sophisticated outfits and I love her coat and skirt to match. Her black beret is a great accessory and the staple over the knee socks are back! The girl to the right of Cher in her blue and yellow plaid skirt knew the crown of plaid belonged to Cher that day.
#20 The Tremendous Trio
Tai's is sporting the post-makeover look I already mentioned but we can't leave Cher and Dionne in the sidelines! As they walk the campus of school these three are a force to be reckoned with. I love Dionne's velvety textured dress and her crisp white shirt underneath. The white headband holding Dionne's flowing braids ties the look all together. Cher has some blue and browns going on which is outside of her comfort zone and her headband looks good as always. Trio goals for sure <3
#21 Driving In Style
"Why should I listen to you, anyway? You're a virgin who can't drive." - Tai
Cher looked through her entire closet to find the "most responsible ensemble" she could take her driver's test in and settled on this layered look. There are so many different elements going on in this outfit but they mesh perfectly together. Her glittery cropped sweater vest and argyle skirt underneath are super chic. The sheer collared dress on top doesn't overpower the look and you can still see all the lovely textures going on underneath. Even though Cher failed her driving test, she was certainly the best-looking person in the DMV that day!
#22 Date Night
Christian: No, thanks, I'm cool.
Mel Horowitz: I'm not offering. I'm asking if you drink. You think I'd give alcohol to teenage drivers taking my daughter out?
Christian: Hey, man! The protective vibe. I dig.
Mel Horowitz: What's with you, kid? You think the death of Sammy Davis left an opening in the Rat Pack?
It's clear Mel isn't a huge fan of Christian but at least he and Cher look great together in this shot! Christian's brown and green lined jacket is slick and his creme pants add to the neutral vibe of this look. Cher's red slip dress is flowy, gorgeous and something cute to "slip" on. I adore her beaded hairpiece as well.
#23 "I Think I'm in Love with Josh" Look
"I am totally butt crazy in love with Josh." - Cher
It was at this moment Cher realized she was falling for her ex step-brother, Josh. I don't think that still counts as incest but it is a tad weird. Anyhow, I think Cher's outfit here is so simple yet girlie and could easily be worn today. The cotton candy pink cami over the plain white shirt makes this look pop. And the slick back pony works well with this bubbly ensemble.
#24 Wedding Travis
"I would like to say this. Tardiness is not something you can do on your own. Many, many people contributed to my tardiness. I would like to thank my parents for never giving me a ride to school, the LA city bus driver who took a chance on an unknown kid and last but not least, the wonderful crew from McDonald's who spend hours making those egg McMuffins without which I might never be tardy." - Travis
Mr. Hall once complained about all the tardies he had to give Travis for his class but now look who is right on time for his wedding? That's right Travis! Oh, how the tables have turned. I have nothing but respect for skater boy Travis with his shiny long hair and nonchalant approach to everything in life. His wedding look is typical for a teenage boy, I mean he's wearing a full-on graphic shirt underneath. But, I like his risk-taking and the bowtie around the neck is something different. Right on, Travis.
#25 The Bridesmaid Look
Ah, matchmaking Ms. Geist and Mr. Hall did succeed and it's all thanks to our cupids Cher and Dionne. I'm OBSESSED with the little roses in Dionne's hair and Cher's bumped up curls are adorable. It's a pink explosion but I love it. I want to go to a wedding now :(
Goofy polaroids of the cast
Honorable mention : The Pen
I'm loving Cher's soft glam in this shot and her perfectly manicured French nails but the real star of the show is that fuzzy pink pen. Taking notes with that thing would be 100 times more fun !
Now I'm off to Pinterest to find similar Clueless outfit inspiration. Online shopping here I come ;) I'm Audi !