Clueless
What comes to mind when you think of the most iconic ‘90s movie ever created? The cult classic that you and your friends can quote daily? If you didn’t think “Clueless, duh,” then OMG, you are totally buggin’.
If you didn’t already know, Clueless is not an original movie plot. In the initial story, written by Jane Austen, we follow Emma Woodhouse, who has an unhealthy addiction to matchmaking. Cher Horowitz, the 1995 movie character version of Emma Woodhouse, bears tremendous similarities to the beloved Austen character and thankfully carries her same flare for meddling in the lives of others. We all love Cher Horowitz for her ditzy one-liners, impeccable taste in friends and power to get what she wants, when she wants it. Cher not only expresses her passion through the influence she has on the lives around her, but through her fashion sense as well.
That said, the outfits in Clueless have tremendously impacted the cultural landscape of fashion. We’re not referring to the mass production of plaid skirts and jackets come Halloween, but rather the style in the real world. And believe it or not, that legacy developed on a relatively tight production budget.
So, where did costume designer Mona May find these sweet-lookin’ handbags and jackets on a budget of approximately $200,000? The answer is through a combination of searching for rare finds, connections, and pleading for help from others.
May didn’t stray from taking risks and reaching out to designers. In the film’s Valley-Christmas house party, Cher prances around in a red Alaia mini-dress which was gifted to the costume department after a detailed letter from May, explaining how important good quality clothing was. Lo and behold, the designer fully agreed, especially considering the shoutout given to the designer in the film:
Cher: It's an Alaia.
Mugger: An a whatta?
Cher: An Alaia. It's like a totally important designer.
May wanted to go against the status quo, if you will. The defining style of the ‘90s was grunge, a messy combination of punk and heavy metal. May craved creating a world where that style didn't dominate everyone — she wanted to position the characters in their own aesthetic world. May was able to steer a specific style of the ‘90s into something more diverse, not just full of grunge and grimace. May's goal was to forge unreleased trends to impact fashion's future, and that she did.
When watching the cult classic, you can easily spot outfits still famous today. I mean, Taylor Swift hit the nail on the head when she said that ‘90s trends come back, and they come back with a vengeance. These styles have not only returned, but also planted their roots and stood their ground for decades.
So, how much do you know? Are you just totally clueless about the origins of these closet staples? As if! Do you really think we wouldn't know?
Basic White Tees are All That, and a Bag of Chips
With the help of a few basic white tees, you will be a total Betty instead of a full-on Monet. Usually, this white tee would be layered with the help of a dainty tank top. The look will never go out of style, whether you are wearing a basic white tee alone or with another item.
Layers – Tank Tops, T-shirts, Long Sleeves, Oh My!
Many characters in the film used white tees for layering. Cher layers a colored tank over a white tee, while Dionne pairs sweater vests with plain white t-shirts or sweaters over collared shirts. Layering is the perfect opportunity to show off more items in your closet.
What's the 411 on Plaid?
Well, plaid is the classic pattern that makes the fashion depicted in the film iconic. The matching skirt and blazer paved the way for schoolgirl chic. Cher and Dionne walked so Serena and Blair could run. With plaid being such an eye-catching design, the matching sets radiate power, class and beauty all in one.
Mini Anything – No Duh!
May did something right when she put powerful women in mini skirts. The red Alaia and white Calvin Klein dresses are simple yet beautiful. Cher does not use these dresses to attain her sexual desires, but as a young woman who is in control of her circumstances. And what if she does eventually use the power of a mini skirt to get a certain someone's attention? It's Cher's choice, and May uses the mini clothing to represent the more significant idea of self-empowerment.
Build Buns of Steel in a Unitard
Whether you're playing tennis in gym class or sitting at home surfing the crimson wave, a unitard is what you need. In the film, unitards are seen more as athleisure, with Cher and Tai's Buns of Steel workout and the tennis lesson at school. The good thing about a unitard is its ability to be dressed up or dressed down. Throw on a hoodie or a blazer, or wear a long sleeve under it! Versatile pieces are what make the world go round.
Look Your Best in a Sweater Vest!
If you didn't notice, hidden under the classic plaid matching sets of the film are sweater vests! Adding a sweater vest to a plain canvas of an outfit will have you rollin' with the homies.
Step Up Your Shoe Game with Loafers
What's the main thing we love here at The Edge? Versatility! Loafers are chic, comfortable and casual all in one. The right pair of shoes can make or break your outfit.
The fashion of Clueless is a character in itself. May provided a foundation where the pieces take on their own lives and create a legacy that is difficult to beat. So please, for your sanity, pull up Clueless on your browser while shopping for these items. We promise you, this attire is as timeless as the movie itself.