What Your 90s Style Icon, Cher From Clueless, Would Be Wearing In 2021
When 'Clueless' premiered in 1995, it shook the fashion scene to the core.
In the mid-90s, slouchy grunge and skater outfits were everywhere, popularised by the likes of Kurt Cobain and Drew Barrymore - casual and comfortable ruled the fashion world. When the costume desginer for Clueless, Mona May, went to American high-schools to research what kids were wearing, she summed it up like this: "it was baggy t-shirts, baggy jeans, plaid shirts."
And while some of these trends made it into the film, Mona May ensured they were elevated and girly. For example, faded flannel plaid was swapped for saturated preppy argyle. Whilst the grunge aesthic of 1995 leaned in to a heavily androgynous appearance, the uber-stylish female characters of Clueless owned their femininity in way that was rarely depicted for young women at the time. Cher Horowitz didn't shy away from pretty prints, bold colours and co-ordinated 'fits (Cher even goes as far as ensuring that her chewing gum is colour-coordinated with her yellow knit cardigan and plaid skirt set!).
FIRST SCHOOL DAY OF THE YEAR
Cher's first day of 10th grade is when we get our initial glimpse of the iconic matching plaid suit, knee-high socks and kitten heels. It isn't the only co-ordinated plaid set in the film, but this particular bright yellow blazer and skirt combo has become Cher's signature look. It's even taken on a life of its own in the 25 years since 'Clueless' hit the silver screen, being re-imagined over and over again.
Today, Cher would bring this influential look into the 21st century by wearing a Lulu & Rose ballon-sleeve cardi with a girly-grunge plaid mini skirt by Beyond Her, and completeing the look with a pair of chunky mid-sole Therapy boots.
PHYS ED
With bike shorts continuing to be one of the hottest trends of the 2020s, Cher-of-today would possibly look very similar to Cher-from-1995.
Even though it seems like P.E. at Bronson Alcott High School has a strict monochromatic dresscode, the Class of '95 elevates the simple colour-scheme with layers and textures.
We imagine that today Cher would enhance the bike short aesthetic by opting for textured knit shorts from PE Nation, and layering a spray jacket over a tight-fitting branded sports tank. For a touch of femininity, Cher would accessorise with ruffle ankle socks from Once We Were Youngand high top sneakers.
HOUSE PARTY IN THE VALLEY
When it comes to a party, Cher loves a mini dress - especially if it’s Calvin Klein or Alaia. Fast-forward to 2021, and we know that Cher would still be setting trends at any party or event.
Sticking to Cher’s signature party look, we think she'd choose a silk mini-dress with a cowl neckline from First Muse, strappy kitten heels and a Peta + Jain shoulder bag today. Finishing-off the look, Cher would accessorise with a bold lip and diamonds.
MISS GEIST'S WEDDING
Throughout 'Clueless' we see Cher continually setting trends that have influenced what we love to wear today.
In the final scene, we see Cher and Dionne having the honour of being bridesmaids to their teacher Miss Geist’s wedding. Adding their own personal style to the bridesmaid dresses, we see Cher wearing a mini pink satin dress layered with a matching bolero.
We suspect Contompary Cher would stick to her famous tonal style, and opt for a matching dove blue two-piece knit set from Lulu & Rose. Accessorised with a simple kitten heel and mini shoulder bag, Cher’s modern take on her 90s look sees her feminine style enhanced with texture and a figure-hugging sihouette.
