To some people, film can be an unlikely source of fashion inspiration, but we are here to tell you that some of the greatest ensembles ever pieced together, have come from the big screen. You just have to know where to look. There are not many films that have continuously stood the test of time when it comes costuming and wardrobe, but Amy Heckerling’s totally classic 1995 film Clueless is one that will go down in history for not only showcasing so many iconic outfits, but also for becoming the voice of a generation that future generations are still listening out for. Here are some amazing looks from the film that we are still totally buggin over, 24 years later!
Earth to Cher
Forget exercise! Tennis class at Bronson Alcott High School is clearly all about the fashion. You can never go wrong with black and white. Cher’s outfit of a black tank layered over a white tee is so simple yet so 90s. All of the girls’ outfits perfectly come together to display a wide array of styles from the same decade. The matching color palettes in this scene make Britney Murphy’s character Tai stand out that much more from the rest of the crowd when she comes in and makes her first appearance.
As If: Matching Plaids
Could anything be more noteworthy than these plaid matching sets? When you think of Clueless, Cher’s yellow plaid outfit immediately comes to mind. The outfit itself could not have been more perfectly constructed, as it not only highlights her body in a conservative way, but also represents the effort Cher has made in order to “dress for success” for her oral presentation. Dionne’s outfit, on the other hand compliments Cher’s, but it remains a little less loud. She always knows when to have a pop of color and I absolutely love the red that her cardigan adds to the look. It accurately displays Dionne’s sense of put-togetherness while also showing off her fiery nature.
Cupid Reds
Cher lives to match-make and both of these red plaid outfits are worn in scenes in which she gets two of her teachers to fall in love, for her own benefit of course. The red in the first outfit is a passionate tone that goes along with her efforts to spark love and play cupid. The second outfit is a deeper, more mature red that represents her success in the matter. As we already know, she is the queen of layering and both of these fits are perfect examples of that.
School Girl Chic
As Tai makes her post-makeover debut alongside Cher and Dionne, she is seen dressed in a signature plaid skirt, indicating her acceptance into their clique. All of their outfits seem to follow a color palette of deep autumnal colors that truly highlight the cohesiveness of their new group. With the exaggerated pointed collar and sleeves, Dionne’s outfit is one that really sticks out. The velvet texture of the dress paired with the white details almost makes for a vampire pirate type of look, which we are certainly here for!
Calvin Klein?
Would you believe us if we told you that Cher’s iconic Calvin Klein dress really wasn’t Calvin Klein at all? The white slip dress was actually created by up-and-coming designer Anna Sui, but was credited to Klein in the film due to the recognition of the brand. Any who, this simple yet seductive party outfit really emphasizes Cher’s sex appeal, while also keeping her angelic aura at play. It really is the best of both worlds!
Just Totally Clueless
Cher may have failed her driving test in this outfit, but at least she looked good doing it! The individual pieces themselves seem strange paired together, but all the layers and different textures work so well. The playful ruffles give off a child-like innocence and since they are almost completely covering the argyle skirt, it is almost as if her cluelessness has taken over, as she realizes that nothing is going right despite all her efforts. It is in this scene that she uncovers her love for Josh and all her outfits after, reflect a more mature side of herself.
Vegging Out
It is clear that Cher’s outfits are more toned down when she is around the house with Josh because she does not have to put on a show around him. Her simple pastel color blocking is sweet and simple. I think these outfits tend to be outshined by more flashy ones in the film, but I really appreciate the texture of her white eyelet top against the light purple pants as well as the perfectly matching cardigan and shirt underneath. Josh tends to keep it very casual with his nods to the “crispy Seattle weather.” He is almost always seen in plaid and flannels because he is a pretty simple guy who balances out Cher’s big personality.
Totally Reformed
This underrated gem of an outfit is seen towards the end of the film when Cher decides to take an interest in the lives of others and attends Travis’s skate competition. She manages to keep her polished style (as you can see with the collared shirt underneath) while also donning a pair of comfy, more casual pants in her signature plaid. I think this outfit really highlights her change of heart and acceptance of others.
The costumes in Clueless really serve to accentuate the feelings and emotions of the characters on screen, as well as the story being told. While the film serves as a time capsule for 1995, so many of the fashion still carries over to today’s trends. So, next time you’re in a fashion rut, maybe look to the students of Bronson Alcott High for inspiration!