13 style tips we learned from ‘Legally Blonde’
July 13 marks the 15th anniversary of a film that taught us all how to bend and snap expectations and look good doing it. Yep, we’re talking about “Legally Blonde.”
Believe it or not, but after all these years, the hit comedy (starring Reese Witherspoon as light-haired and lovelorn law student Elle Woods) still holds up – much like a perm that hasn’t come in contact with a shower (at the risk of deactivating the ammonium thioglycolate!). At the very least, it offers some eternal lessons in style.
1. Orange is never the new pink (except when it is)
Listen, orange lovers. Your signature colour isn’t for everyone, just as other colours (perhaps pink?) might not be for you.
Long story short: stay true to your best hues, whether in fashion or life. Elle did, and she came out shining brighter than that pink bikini she wore in her Harvard admissions video!
2. Bright colours are totally work appropriate
Remember that part in the middle of the movie when Elle tries to rock black and blue suits to be all (to quote her evil ex, Warner Huntington III) “serious”? Well, isn’t that exactly when she loses her way and nearly quits law - her new passion! - entirely? And when she finds herself again doesn’t she come out in that full-out hot pink number, storming the court with her fabulousness?
Obviously, if bright colours aren’t your thing, then you can ignore this. But if they are, rock them at work and at home and wherever you want! Elle would approve.
3. Don’t over-accessorize
While Elle Woods is never one to pull a full-on faux-pas, you gotta admit that the fake glasses she wears to her first day at Harvard are a pivotal misstep. It’s not that they don’t look cute (hey, glasses can totally be cute!). They just aren’t true to her and it definitely tips her professor off to her less-than-genuine act. (Okay, the heart-shaped mini spiral notebook helps too.)
Lesson learned: if you don’t need it, chuck it. You’ll look and feel better in the long run.
4. Give ‘em tech!
Elle makes a solid decision when she finally decides to invest in a laptop computer and not just from an educational standpoint. She picks an awesomely orange MacBook, which not only looks amazing, but also wholly represents her as a sartorial standout in a sea of bland blend-ins. You can do the same by adding a sweet decal or cover to your own laptop/iPad, or slipping a sweet case on your phone (why not rep your self while taking that selfie?).
5. Manicures = cure all
Having an off day in terms of your personal style? Feeling less than confident? Head to your local salon and get them tips re-done. Because, hey, if you’re like Elle Woods you’ll a) come up with “a completely brilliant” plan while you’re there (i.e. going to law school to get your terrible boyfriend back), or b) meet your new best friend (i.e. Paulette). At best, you’ll feel great about yourself and your refreshed nails.
6. Find your signature add-on
See: Bruiser Woods, Gemini-vegetarian and ultimate adorable add-on.
7. Don’t budge on your budget
Unlike Elle, you don’t need to learn the ins and outs of every designer’s collections and whether or not they should be on sale yet. But you do need to stay informed on what you should be paying for any new garments. If something is out of your budget, don’t get it and look for other, cheaper options. Sure, it means you might not get that dream item, but it also means you’ll have more moola for more stuff in the future.
8. Embrace your differences
As you may recall, Elle attends what she thinks is a costume party in a Playboy bunny outfit after Warner’s girlfriend, Vivian, plays a cruel trick on her. But Elle doesn’t run off, upset that she doesn’t look like the rest of her preppily dressed classmates in that moment. No, she does what you should do. She confidently embraces her difference and walks tall through the party like she owns the place and her identity.
9. Lock down those locks
Sure, the rules of haircare might not be as “simple and finite” as Elle thinks they are. But there’s nothing like a good blowout to complete (or save!) a look and Elle is a perfect example of that. Girl even looked good when she was in full break-up mode and eating chocolate in bed while watching soaps. The reason? Her damn luscious hair!
10. Take risks
Want to try wearing a crop top? Think you might look cool in a midi skirt? Give it a go! Be inspired by Elle Woods’ commitment to fearless in fashion and life.
11. Seek out inspiration
You don’t have to be a Cosmo girl to know that sometimes you might be need help from outside sources when it comes to finessing your style. That might mean checking out some new magazines. Or maybe it means hunting down similar looks on Pinterest. Whatever inspires you!
12. Posture is everything
The end result of the Bend and Snap, Elle’s well-known head-turning move? You rocking primo posture, a.k.a. looking as confident as ever in whatever you’re wearing.
13. When all else fails, just be yourself
Let’s face it: when it comes down to it, you don’t have to follow the same style rules as Elle Woods (or any style icon, fictional or otherwise!) if you don’t want to. You just have to be you! Because as the tagline for “Legally Blonde” reminds us, believing in yourself never goes out of style.
