Premiering in 1995 and loosely based on Jane Austen's novel Emma, Amy Heckerling's Clueless quickly became a '90s phenomenon. The outfits, the quotes, the storyline — Clueless is '90s comedic gold starring Alicia Silverstone as Cher Horowitz, Stacey Dash as Cher's best friend Dionne, and Brittany Murphy as the newcomer, Tai.
With Cher as the main character, Clueless revolves around the drama of her high school life in Beverly Hills. Between family, friendships, and school, Cher has her hands full. But the one thing fans still talk about to this day is the iconic fashion.
Totally '90s: Plaid-On-Plaid & Knee-High Socks
One of the most iconic outfits of all time — not just in the '90s — is Cher's yellow Dolce & Gabbana plaid outfit with knee-high white socks. This was the first outfit shown on Cher and it told viewers everything they needed to know about her personality. Matching with her BFF Dionne, it was a Catholic school girl's uniform altered to perfection. There was no one cooler than Cher and Dionne in these get-ups. But as chic as these ladies look, these outfits are best kept in the '90s... or Halloween.
Works Today: Tai's Makeover Look
Tai Frasier was the new girl at school. She wore baggy clothes and was a little unkempt. One look at Tai gave Cher the inspiration to lend a helping hand. She took Tai under her wing and gave her a makeover so she could fit in better at school. Tai was nervous, of course, but loved having real friends for once.
During the makeover scene, Cher put Tai in a maroon mini skirt with a matching long-sleeved shirt. She looked adorable and much more put together than before. Wearing something like this would be totally normal in 2020 and would pair well with sneakers or thigh-high boots.
Totally '90s: Amber's Pippi Longstocking Look
Amber wasn't close friends with Cher and Dionne but she was in the same circle of "cool" girls. It was clear by her attitude and her ensembles that Amber was also wealthy and competed with Cher.
This look, however, was not one of her strongest and should never be repeated in 2020. It's hard to believe this was even in style in the '90s. From the Pippi Longstocking hair to the head-to-toe stripes, this outfit is all kinds of dated.
Works Today: See-Through Tops
Cher and Dionne both wore mesh tops with undershirts throughout Clueless and they looked perfect. Cher's black-and0white mesh tops were styled nicely with high-waisted pants and skirts, but the winning look is Dionne's. The black bandeau with the mesh top and leopard backpack was beyond fabulous.
Dionne looked far too cool and mature to be in high school. Funny enough, this look has made a comeback and can be styled similarly with little effort required.
Totally '90s: Contrasting Prints & Loose-Fitting Clothes
This entire scene screamed the '90s. Cher is talking about not being attracted to high school guys because she thinks they're sloppy and gross. All the boys wore baggy clothing, often consisting of a disastrous clash of prints. Backward hats (and hats in general) were all the rage in the '90s, which is fine for modern-day, but contemporary menswear is much more tailored and fitted.
Works Today: Gym Class Chic
With Cher and Dionne being fashionistas, it was humorous seeing the ladies in gym class. The remark Amber made about balls flying by her nose is one of the most quoted lines from the movie.
In this scene, most of the students were wearing spandex shorts with matching tops that showed off their unique style. Cher's black spandex shorts and black tank top was all the rage in the '90s but can still be pulled off today. Even Dionne and Amber could walk off the screen and into the streets of 2020 California and fit right in.
Totally '90s: Printed Overalls
Overalls are a thing of the past. Although they're fine for performing manual labor, overalls were marketed to teens and young children in the '80s and '90s. Tai wore printed overalls to a dance and realized she didn't fit in. It felt like a scene out of Mean Girls. She tried changing her style throughout the night in order to land a guy, but her attempts failed. Josh ended up dancing with Tai to be nice but it's because he already knew her — it wasn't because her outfit was great. This look would be cute on a five-year-old but that's the hard age limit.
Works Today: Mini Skirts, Crop Tops, And Bomber Jackets
This look was one of Dionne's best throughout the movie. Wearing a matching bomber jacket and mini skirt, she paired the black-on-black ensemble with a colorful crop top. Her gold necklace and earrings complemented the look nicely too. This outfit proves that Dionne is giving her best friend a run for her money in the style department.
Totally '90s: Fuzzy And Fluffy Accessories
It's not every day that people living in California wear earmuffs, but that's Amber for you. She's an independent woman who loves fluff, faux-fur, and all things fuzzy. This look barely worked then and it certainly doesn't now. Amber should take a page out of Cher's playbook and limit her fuzz to writing utensils.
Works Today: Feminine Tops & Colored Pants
This Cher look can join 2020 any time it wants. She wears this outfit during an integral moment in the movie when she kisses Josh for the first time.
Colored pants and feminine tops can be seen everywhere these days. Even the oh-so '90s neckline Cher is wearing can be seen on more tops these days. The lacey shirt and colored pants make Cher look vulnerable and sweet in the best way.