Clueless's Iconic Style Explained - Analyzing The True Meaning in Each Look

Cher Horowitz is a fashion icon. Her wardrobe is a prominent character in Clueless, with outfits ranging from wonderful to wild. Some of the films costumes are so iconic that today they’re universal reference points, instantly emblematic of 90’s fashion. But did you ever think about the meaning behind Cher’s most memorable looks? And are all those perfectly curated clothes an expression of power - or are they actually hiding a teenage girl who feels powerless?
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00:00 How did Clueless's fashion become so iconic?
00:51 Clueless's fashion is symbolically empowering
05:45 MUBI
06:28 The trapping of paying too much attention to presentation
13:42 What are Clueless's main fashion takeaways?

[@thetake]

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[@trinaq]

Apparently, Alicia tried on a red and a blue plaid suit, but it wasn't until she tried on the yellow suit that they knew that they'd found the one. Major Kudos to Mona May for selecting the perfect outfits! 💛

[@jayjaybee]

I'll say it: Clueless is the best adaptation of Emma we've got so far.

[@obsessivefangirl5055]

But you can't really say clueless is an Austen adaptation. Its loosely based off on some of the characters in Emma, but I wouldn't call it an Emma adaptation given that Austen's works are set in a regency society with a lot of norms, rules and etiquettes. Even their manner of speaking is different, and clueless doesn't follow any of those rules therefore it isn't a fair comparison. I love clueless as a 90s teen romcom more than an Austen adaptation. Also, if you haven't already, please watch the Emma 2009 mini series, that's as close to a perfect Emma adaptation I've watched, (tho I love the 2020 and 1996 movie too)

[@aurora6920]

@@obsessivefangirl5055 but this is a modern adaption, so instead of 'regency society' the film uses different classes/status/wealth/groups of people e.g. rich preps thinking they are above/better than skaters. Cher is much richer bigger house, a higher class, expensive clothes, representing modern regency at school. the manner of speaking is different as it's meant to be modern adaption.. there still similar social rules e.g. preps/rich kids being a higher class then the skater/alternative kids where their homes are clearly not as big and not wearing designer so they are judged 'you could be a farmer in those clothes'. I have watched all adaptions of Emma, i think this is a really clever modern version. e.g. Instead of Elton character keeping the photo, in the original Emma book it's a painting. in both films Emma realises in the end she had things wrong and shouldn't be match making/judgemental/taking control over others just like with Cher.

[@obsessivefangirl5055]

@@aurora6920 Oh I love clueless and absolutely agree with you. Its just that its not an 'Austen' adaptation if you get what I mean. They've taken the story and characters of Emma and applied it to a modern setting. My personal favorite Emma adaptation is the 2009 miniseries.

[@aviatress5643]

Lupita Nyong’o cosplaying as Dionne is something I never knew I needed. Thank you for blessing my eyes

[@suisui7481]

.... are you referencing 0:17? thats Tessa Thompson....

[@victoriamariadantasrodrigues]

@@suisui7481 No, at 2:47, Lupita's on the right!

[@suisui7481]

@@victoriamariadantasrodrigues oooooooh ok

[@KaylaNoelle1]

I forgot about that but even seeing it for the second time I still gasped. Lupita is so flawless it's actually shocking.

[@FabalociousDee]

All our eyes were blessed in that moment. 😍

[@PokhrajRoy.]

ModernGurlz did an analysis on the costumes and I’m happy to see it here as well!

[@tam9856]

I like that page.

[@Freddynotsoready]

Yeah I’m starting to see this page doing style analysis now

[@trinaq]

Ditto, I really love her channel, and how much work she puts into it.

[@malibukitt]

I love modergurlz.i watched the clueless analysis so many times.But this is great as well

[@realSimoneCherie]

Ya and based on the content of this video they should cite ModernGurlz

[@theloverlyladylo9158]

Clueless doesn’t look like the 90s; the 90s look like Clueless

[@Arekushisukun]

Clueless is such a CULT movie! I watched it when I was a teen and just after several years when I revisited it I was amazed with its wit and Deep messages. A total classic

[@zgb3l]

SAME HERE!

[@sadetwizelve]

Deep messages,such as?

[@nicolehall694]

Clueless is actually quality cinema. It's one of the better teen films we have.

[@FabalociousDee]

I always liked the relative simplicity of Cher's outfits, but I have to say, Dionne's outfits were GORGEOUS. Her looks are a more difficult balance to get right than people think. But then, it helps that Stacey Dash is stunning.

[@k1k0000]

yeah, and for that i’d say dionne is more the “fashion girl” of the two. it takes having innate style to pull off dionne’s more outlandish looks while still looking effortless

[@realSimoneCherie]

Not relevant to fashion but I met Alicia Silverstone when I was a server at a fine dining restaurant and she was maybe the nicest customer I ever had that summer. At one point she got up from the table and walked up to me asked me something but she was standing SUPER close to my face - like close enough no one nearby could probably hear her, I know she asked me something but my mind just went blank. I did say words and I remember her nodding and thanking me and she seemed to be satisfied so I hope I made sense but I was truly embarrassingly star struck for the first time.

[@Jonteponte71]

She was a major celebritycrush during the 90´s for me. Her and Julia Roberts. Cool that you have actually met her! It's a bit sad that she didn't seem to have much of an acting career after that decade though. It's only recently, maybe the last five years I have actually seen her in things... Still a very beautiful woman.

[@KaylaNoelle1]

Clueless was literally a cultural reset. I think Jane Austen would be thrilled about how true Cher's Character is to Emma. The fashion in this movie literally changed the direction of fashion halfway through a decade. I have a soft spot for Grunge and its icons like Kurt Cobain but 90's fashion after 1995 (When Clueless was released) has become timeless, I believe we will see echos of colourful 90's prep consistently forever. I was born in July 1995 not long after it came out, my mom rented it later that year and she said I was just transfixed by it, literally been my favorite movie since day one lmao!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Ok, as much as I love Cher’s outfit, I really like her stationery collection. She’d be a Stationery Influencer.

[@Themastermindscanvas]

The movie influenced me, I went out of my way to find and use feather tipped pens.

[@blingblingbling9054]

snaps to mona may for making an iconic costumes in history.

[@Dm34421]

Clueless was refreshing during the grunge movement in the 90s. The preppy fashion in clueless is timeless

[@mccod035]

I was down with grunge because for once I didn’t have to try so hard or spend so much money to be cool

[@littlemothbigwings6765]

grunge style is so amazing

[@EmmaSElisabet]

Hey, they weren't even supposed to be there that day.

[@aurora6920]

grunge was seen as alternative and not mainstream as it was less popular than the prep/designer look. i'm surprised if grunge was more popular. for me growing up during emo days there still far more chavs.

[@dearyvettetn4489]

Clueless made me re-read and appreciate Emma which one of my least liked Jane Austen stories. I also love sharing with with people who love the movie that its a modern remake of Austen’s work. I even suggested to someone who had to read Emma, to start with Clueless. The best ever Cliff Notes 😉

[@obsessivefangirl5055]

Emma is one of my favouirte Austen books!

[@angelaholmes8888]

I can't believe that alicia Silverstone gave away all the clothes she was wearing in the movie years ago

[@sarahroddey2937]

the fact that I would honestly wear most of the outfits from this movie today tells you how great the fashion is because true fashion is timeless and can be worn in any era.

[@InBeMugaaglesic]

Just like devil wears prada!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Paul Rudd is just so beautiful and adorable. His genetics need to be studied or something.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Yes he is I can't believe he looks exactly the same when he was in the movie

[@swatisaini6447]

He is ant man isn't he

[@sebeckley]

Josh's white t-shirt with a blue on blue target design is merch from the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer campaign run by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. He wears it near the end as their connection heats up. It's a clever nod to his ethics, but links him to Cher's fashion focus. It's probably the best Easter egg in the movie.

[@jljordan1]

He also wears a university of Kansas ball cap, because he (Paul Rudd) actually went there!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

The fashion in this movie has stood the test of time and is still relevant. It’s giving Gen Z Video Essayist 🔥

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I will never stop mentioning how there was a video of Alicia Silverstone mentioning how the film was made and it was shocking to see the lack of faith in te telling of this brilliant adaptation. Also, Amy Heckerling Supremacy 🔥

[@aspyn.j_]

YESS AMY HECKERLING SUPREMACY 🤣🤣🤣

[@katherinealvarez9216]

The outfits that I secretly wanted when I was a preteen.

[@gbear2253]

Imagine this group in 2022? They would be selfie queens, social media influencers, Kardashian fans! They probably would of started a following of their own. Being young and fashionable is so much fun

[@ouinoelle]

:) yay

[@Tangobutton]

I remember thinking that nobody dressed like that in the mid 90's, especially kids

[@DBat-sp1tp]

Plaid miniskirts, twin sets, knee high socks and stacked Mary Janes were on heavy rotation in my crew. Express, Limited, Esprit, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters and The Gap were the best places to shop.

[@blameitoncapitalism]

because the people you knew growing up were probably not super rich Californian kids????

[@91clarie]

Why does no one ever talk about the Clueless series? I watched it as a kid all the time and only realised much later it was originally a movie ^^

[@karawardlaw4090]

I loved the show!!! It was about as charming as the movie, but I think it gets forgotten because it didn't have Alicia Silverstone. The movie is iconic in all the best ways but the show was great too!!!!

[@aurora6920]

i need to watch this!!

[@adinace]

Lol I remember me having my mom trying to sew clothes for me based on Clueless as a teenager. This movie's impact on fashion is so iconic.

[@thehapagirl92]

I got this on vhs for my 5th birthday in 1997 and watched it to death. I’ve seen it hundreds of time on streaming services too haha

[@paulamartinez6061]

Time to rewatch Clueless for the 10th time

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I’ve been watching a lot of reactions and discourse on ‘Clueless’. A sign from the Universe, perhaps?

[@Arekushisukun]

There is a lack of GOOD movies about fashion. Maybe Cruella's movie was a Nice try but not so relevant

[@andrean733]

just the algorithm

[@k1k0000]

clueless is always being talked about lol. at any given day, at any given month, at any given year. well, after 1995

[@fortune_roses]

Recently dug my old preppy *pink polo dress* out of the closet... this video totally came in clutch :)

[@aSUGAaddiction]

Clueless is one of my favorite movies of all times and part of it is the fashion. I was 14 when it came out and I wanted to have that kind of clothes especially since I went to a private school. It stands as a modern classic and the clothes are a big reason why.

[@jeffreyyelverton5567]

Another great video. Thanks for all the work.

[@WABBNMedia]

This was my favorite movie back then! So iconic 💞

[@miriamportugal4703]

Great video!

[@miriamportugal4703]

I have a suggestion for you: good boys that are unappreciated. Movies: Sleepless in Seattle, Meg Ryan's fiance gets ditched, and Bedazzled, Brendan Fraser plays different characters to get the girl, and they all fail.

[@rosabarrios7048]

great video !!

[@rach2883]

Great video! It's hard to put into words how impactful this movie was when it came out. I was in 7th grade and immediately made my mom buy me a plaid skirt, knee high socks and Mary Janes. Cher was EVERYTHING.

[@robchuk4136]

Happy 40th Anniversary, Fast Times at Ridgemont High! (from Clueless director, Amy Heckerling). Would love a video on that

[@kerrajohnson3203]

"Compliment but not overpower." That's every black bestie in every movie ever.

[@dannerzme]

I've never considered comparing Cher and Travis. These videos are ridiculously examining, but truly well done!

[@storyphile4518]

I just watched this movie for the first time a couple weeks ago. Great take!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Wait, there’s a documentary on Jane Birkin? SHUT THE FRONT DOOR 🔥

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Ngl I’ve thought of recreating Cher’s Preppy Yellow Outfit.

[@DBat-sp1tp]

I would love to see this look come back for the younger set. So adorable 🥰

[@im_mac_ulate935]

ICONIC💛🖤

[@scoobydont]

That's such an interesting point about the movie ending on Cher in her bridesmaid dress....I never considered what it says about her character growth!

[@KjJ-rv9jf]

Can you guys do a video on the popularity of bluey or the newest parenting icons in the parents

[@angelagokool9514]

I didn't read Emma, but I did see a movie adaptation of it, that was made in 1996. I've also seen Clueless, both the movie and the ABC sitcom. Similarly, both Emma and Clueless seem to be centered around the concept of status, except that Emma, being written in the 1800s, centered more around the class system of England, and Clueless was more about surviving high school, in the 1990s. However, both characters learned how not to judge others, based on their status. The sitcom version of Clueless, which aired around the same time the movie was released, encompassed the lessons that Cher learned in the movie, such as altruism. However, since the series was meant to be more family friendly, there were less allusions to sex, than in the movie. Also, the gunpoint scene was removed. Plus, Josh was more of a male best friend character, to Cher, than an unattainable crush. Rachel Blanchard played the part exceedingly well. Clueless defined 90s teen culture, and has clearly influenced current teen culture, as well. Or, as Cher would've said, "Whatever!" 😂

[@PokhrajRoy.]

“And costume decisions.”, said I every time I have to step out of the house to meet friends. (Cher Horowitz is such a gay icon, I love her)

[@sydneylynskey7587]

I would really like to hear what you guys have to say about Derry Girls.

[@ouinoelle]

Ummm yes I love them :)

[@pamelapodell7075]

I believe that it is revealed in one part of the movie that Travis's last name is Birkenstock. So yeah, he was probably rich too.

[@Jayfive276]

I’d like to go a day…hell, I’d take going an hour without seeing something online describing something as “iconic”. Use a goddamn thesaurus folks.

[@gabrielleporter553]

as much as i agree that iconic is very overused, i don’t think you can agree that clueless isn’t the definition of iconic. The style is influential, the movie is constantly referenced, and super recognizable. This is a case where the word “ iconic “ is warranted

[@Jayfive276]

@@gabrielleporter553 it’s not for the simple fact it’s overused. Other words that mean the same thing are available.

[@gabrielleporter553]

@@Jayfive276 ok then…

[@FRANCISCARUSOworld]

My favorite movie!

[@andreasamardzija1496]

Every time I see Cher's hair I want that cut even though up until this point I'd have to ask stylists for a more modern version. Have trends converged enough for me to just to get the 90s one?

[@mayln163]

I want Cher’s haircut too

[@tylerhackner9731]

Yess

[@gcooper642]

Who were you guys hanging out with in the 90s. The Grunge look was totally passe by 1995 when this came out. It was a flash in the pan compared to the tighter tops with cap sleeves, short aline skirts and huge collared long shirts with a tank top (sweater vests in the US). I was so not with it because I was wearing baggy t-shirt still and my Mum's friends Laura Ashley hand me downs.

[@DBat-sp1tp]

Yeah grunge and rave looks went out by mid nineties. Had a lot of fun with fashion in the 90’s. Clueless fashion was most definitely influential.

[@navypinkdesign]

i would pay to attend a films studies class with clueless on the syllabus. sounds like a fun class

[@XanderShiller]

Wearing a desk lamp on your head.. does that mean she's always full of ideas 💡?

[@tfh5575]

“well my bday is in april so as someone older….” 😅

[@karupe9982]

I've never been this early lets gooo

[@aysn-214]

No wonder I like Cher so much, I relate to her with wanting to be seen as mature but is actually quite inexperienced

[@mccod035]

Wow actually doing something on Gen x I am shocked

[@k1k0000]

YESSSSSSSSS

[@kazza6078]

Modern Gurlz did a great video on this too, and the videos talk about different things cuz there's so much to say

[@allysiren]

wth i was shopping to recreate an outfit just before and i get this video

[@ouinoelle]

A rite of passage for young women 🫶🏽 best to you sister!

[@baddieMario77]

Ok unrelated but since they said their birth months i now have a theory that cher is an aries and tai is a taurus

[@k1k0000]

i loved 1:39 to 2:12

[@sofiaronsayro5159]

WE EATING GOOD TONIGHT

[@rachaelknudsen8801]

The disagreement between Cher and Tai over Martin has more to do with his excessive drug use than his wardrobe.

[@callmeswivelhips8229]

The deleted scenes of this movie are GOLD

[@k1k0000]

where can i watch them?

[@callmeswivelhips8229]

@@k1k0000 youtube???

[@k1k0000]

@@callmeswivelhips8229 they're not on youtube tho

[@callmeswivelhips8229]

@@k1k0000 Try google

[@alexandrac591]

Bless Mona May!

[@k1k0000]

mona may is a living legend ☺

[@oooh19]

Being a leader not follower very admirable but not always appreciated or respected

[@williammcmahon6284]

Here watching to argue with your film analysis while I wait for my food

[@jessicavictoriacarrillo7254]

How about fashion in Mrs America?

[@bonniestar7583]

The Take: she has the power to buy the dress but not the permiton to wear it Next scene: Chair dancing in that same dress

[@bowtiesandcigarettes]

the white slip dress is actually anna sui, not calvin klein!

[@k1k0000]

wait what? but they literally said in the film that it's calvin klein. what's your source?

[@bowtiesandcigarettes]

@@k1k0000 mona may said it in an interview. they only credited calvin klein cause it was easily recognizable

[@katarinakrnjevic8183]

There are very few movies who such a good costumes since clueless. Clueless is classic and it's better version of Emma than Gwyneth Paltrows 1996 version.

[@PrincessKLS]

I think Lowdie may have been slang for stoner.

[@annastevens1526]

Loadie/loady - as in getting loaded or getting a load on, slang fir getting stoned or drunk. I don't remember this being common slang here at the time - could've been one of the many idioms Clueless created, or maybe it was just a US thing...? We'd say "stoner" or "weed-head".

[@oooh19]

lol they wore “uniforms” but at least got to pick the colors and fits

[@jljordan1]

But let’s be honest. Rich people in LA send their kids to private schools. Not public schools.

[@k1k0000]

yeah but for fashion's sake, it makes sense to put cher in a public school lol. if she was a private school kid she wouldn't be able to walk around in off-the-runway fashions

[@kingerz]

Poor kids get Euphoria now with 29 year Olds playing 18

[@anikadiamond007]

Quintessential Gen x movie. You always cover Gen x culture and leave the actually gen out of the conversation.

[@Layra151301]

OMG STEAL THE SPOTLIGHT IS IN UOUR VIDEO !!!

[@blameitoncapitalism]

Wish you'd say more about her "dark" phase, she dresses a lot of black and brown outfit as well and it was completely ignored by this analysis. but cool video

[@scordeteyla]

I really miss Brittany Murphy

[@annastevens1526]

I didn't know she'd died until seeing a YT vid well after the fact, and was so gutted to hear of it! She was outstanding in Clueless, I thought - as Tai, she did a great job of echoing Harriet's journey from impressionability to over-confidence to more maturity in the original novel. So sad that she was gone so soon! 😢

[@williammcmahon6284]

Idiosyncratic or high standards it’s a differwnce

[@oooh19]

know what? also wealth doesnt guarantee fashion sense. you can still enjoy affordable fashion

[@k1k0000]

wait, what part of the video are you referencing? they never said only expensive clothes are fashionable. although almost always, expensive clothes and being fashionable go hand-in-hand

[@thewhitewolf58]

Dont really get the appeal of popularity or fashion your putting in so much work to be friends with people that would drop you on your first bad day.

[@jackevvvv]

it was such a disappointment to suscribe to mubi and not being able to watch clueless in that platform... why

[@k1k0000]

well mubi has the more niche and underground type films. clueless is the opposite of both those things lol

[@tatyanacastellanos6209]

You don’t get it. Women love to mentor. It’s ok to admit it. It’s not about being able to do it biologically or not. We have knowledge and we love to mentor. That’s it. And it’s ok.

[@AnnaHogendoorn]

basicly a ModernGurlz rip-off?

[@sparkle3024]

Yeah lol

[@k1k0000]

be serious anna. are you saying modern gurlz is the only one who has the right to cover the fashion of clueless? that's like saying there should only be one source for fashion-centric video essays. also, this video and modern gurlz's video made different points throughout the video. just say you didn't watch the video and get out.

Honestly? Dionne's and Cher's wardrobe looks like a Balenciaga runway, and that's not a compliment.

[@k1k0000]

what why is it not a compliment?

[@whyshoulditellyou4198]

How can you even compare the two. Balenciaga is yuck. While Cher and Dionne’s clothes are so chic.

[@queenbee3561]

You clearly have no taste

[@claudiadanielagarciabustam4635]

I love this movie, it never gets old🫶🏼