Legally Blonde is 25 years previous this yr, however the outfits worn within the movie are burned into the retinas of anybody who got here of age within the noughties. With Y2K wanting modern once more, the movie is being found by one other technology keen on pink, and, forward of the prequel, TV sequence Elle, coming to Prime this month, there’s by no means been a greater time for a rewatch of the enduring film.
Sure, there are moments that may very well be deemed homophobic, and the movie makes use of some outdated language, however Legally Blonde’s story of a (pink) fish out of water is stuffed with attraction—and vogue. So a lot vogue. Following her ex-boyfriend Warner from L.A. to Harvard, Elle wears numerous outfits that stick out like a sore thumb—like her Harvard submission video, which options her in a sequinned bikini, adopted by a pink iridescent skirt swimsuit for arrival on campus, so noticeable it causes one of many bookish college students to yell, “Hey, try Malibu Barbie!”
Elle, in the meantime, is one so as to add to the watch listing. Set in 1995, the Prime sequence tells the story of Miss Woods at highschool, shifting from her completely happy place, L.A., to Seattle. The same culture-shock storyline is ready to return out within the clothes—which implies, fortunately for us, a full immersion in ’90s developments, from the trademark pink prep of Clueless (additionally from 1995, and one other traditional for vogue lovers) to the plaid shirts and band tees of grunge. Mainly, anticipate to be mentally procuring while you watch.
To rejoice the landmark anniversary of Legally Blonde and the return of Elle to our screens, listed here are seven seems to be straight from the Y2K playbook to review the subsequent time you hit play on this girly film masterpiece. Together with our beloved Bel-Air princess (performed by Reece Witherspoon), there are additionally unforgettable outfits from Jennifer Coolidge’s nail technician Paulette and Selma Blair’s waspy Vivian Kensington.
1. Pink Prints Charming
(Picture credit score: Alamy)
Fashion Notes: Elle’s dedication to her favorite color is one thing to behold. (“Whoever stated orange was the brand new pink was significantly disturbed.”) This look, which she’s carrying after we first meet her within the film, completed with a pair of Barbie-style mules that includes a rhinestone coronary heart, is the right introduction. The cloud print lifts the fuchsia hue and provides character, while the traditional noughties wrap-dress silhouette solely makes it extra enviable.
Store the Pattern:
River Island
Camouflage Linen Mix T-Shirt
Desigual
Printed Denim Trousers
2. “Denims and a Good High”
(Picture credit score: Alamy)
Fashion Notes: The traditional after-dark dressing system had its heyday within the early noughties (see additionally Paris Hilton and Jennifer Lopez for particulars). The take right here leans extra in the direction of boho styling (additionally huge within the period) due to the highest’s floaty chiffon layers—one to think about if you’re subsequent prowling pre-loved websites. We love this look much more as a result of it is what Elle wears to display the enduring “bend and snap” transfer.
Store the Pattern:
Anthropologie
Embroidered V-Neck Peplum Shirt
Levi Strauss & Co.
Ribcage Full Size Denims
ASOS DESIGN
Printed Mesh Ruffle Halter Cami High
3. Seeing Spots
(Picture credit score: Alamy)
Fashion Notes: When Elle decides she desires to go to regulation college, her steerage counsellor winces at her main in Style Merchandising and feedback, “Harvard received’t be impressed that you just aced Historical past of Polka Dots.” Nonetheless, when she will get critical, out come the dots. 2026’s infatuation with the traditional print is simply the newest—this noughties model reminds us of its office-appropriateness, particularly when mixed with a skirt swimsuit and a bouncy blow-dry. The pink lipstick is a masterstroke. We don’t object.
Store the Pattern:
Reformation
Bellarose Costume
& Different Tales
Printed Tie-Neck Silk Shirt
Saint + Sofia
Sutton Skirt
4. Double Denim the Dolly Parton Approach
(Picture credit score: Alamy)
Fashion Notes: Jennifer Coolidge’s White Lotus character, Tanya (in any other case generally known as Peppa Pig), has served the web some pleasant vogue moments lately, however the actor has truly been on the case for many years. For her flip as unlucky-in-love nail technician Paulette, her tackle double denim modifications the sport. Worn after we first see her speaking Elle via her love troubles, the waistcoat and skirt mixed along with her half-up, half-down hair and pastel-coloured eye shadow has a country-queen really feel worthy of ’80s Dolly Parton.
Store the Pattern:
Reformation
Veronica Denim High
Anthropologie
Seamed Denim Midi Skirt
7 for All Mankind
Retro Flare
5. Mermaidcore May By no means
(Picture credit score: Alamy)
Fashion Notes: Iridescent shades and glossy textures are a siren music for a few of us. Elle tries on this wealthy blue bedazzled gown as a possible outfit for her dinner with Warner, the place she expects a proposal. It is also a scene the place we realise our protagonist is a great cookie, not the “dumb blonde” that the gross sales assistant assumes. While Elle doesn’t put on it to dinner ultimately, the sequins and spaghetti straps very a lot make the reduce 25 years later, with mermaidcore an aesthetic to notice proper now. Accessorise with seashells for the total look.
Store the Pattern:
Free Individuals
Donna Mini Costume
Anthropologie
Fringed Bandeau Midi Costume
6. Work It Out
(Picture credit score: Alamy)
Fashion Notes: What we put on to the fitness center has by no means been extra scrutinised. Elle’s exercise ‘match is ideal for the present cool-girl tackle train gear: monitor shorts and a Nike sports activities bra in simple brights, worn for the traditional film montage when she begins to get into her finding out stride. Add a prison science textbook and critical information on the TV to convey smarts to the treadmill.
Store the Pattern:
Storage
Energetic Layered Tank High
adidas Originals
Three Stripe Sprinter Shorts
Designbysi
Tazzina Capris
7. Imply-Lady Prep
(Picture credit score: Alamy)
Fashion Notes: Selma Blair completely performs straight-laced sorority lady Vivian Kensington (aka Elle’s arch-nemesis and Warner’s fiancé—for many of the movie). Preppy is her completely happy place. That is clear from our first encounter, when Elle describes her as a “horrible preppy lady”. With the look now firmly again in vogue’s favour, her velvet headband, sweater vest and pearls—sitting rigorously below her starched collar—are styling particulars to admire.
Store the Pattern:
With Nothing Beneath
The Basic: Positive Poplin
Dior
30 Montaigne Quick Necklace
Saint + Sofia
V Neck Sleeveless Knit
jiujuxiaban