Once upon a time, I was 11 years old and about to attend one of my first big sleepovers, and I was appropriately chosen to pick the movie we would watch.
As I meandered into Blockbuster (RIP), my eyes gazed upon an abnormally girly movie cover with a gorgeous blonde on the front.
From that moment on, the 90s cult classic Clueless became one of my favorite movies and has truly formed who I am today.
Clueless is a timeless movie that will impact all generations to come because it is so relatable, even if you aren’t a Beverly Hills princess who rocks plaid skirts on the daily. So, let’s celebrate this cinematic and witty feat.
Happy 20th Birthday, Clueless!
1. Clueless taught you to have high expectations, specifically for the male gender.
As (almost) real adults in society, we have keep our head clear and realize that not every guy is worth it. In an age where some people say chivalry is dead, it’s important to find the guy that is chivalrous enough for you, and Cher taught us that. Plus, who says we need to kiss a million frogs before we find Prince Charming?
2. Clueless also taught you that it’s okay to know what you want and go for it.
It’s okay to be strong and ambitious. Even if the object of Cher’s desire swung for the other team, she did give it her best shot and, in the end, got a really good shopping bud.
3. It gives you some handy tips on how to get boys, too.
I learned that it’s okay to show some skin because “it makes boys think of sex” and to buy yourself love letters so they know you are desired. Be coy, witty, smart, and unafraid to share a bottle of wine.
4. Fashion is important... Use it to express yourself!
The Brutal Truth: Your personal sense of style and fashion dictate first impressions. It doesn’t matter what type of style you prefer (comfy, boho, chic, grunge), but regardless of how idealized we want this world to be, people judge books by their cover. So, try to make your cover represent you!
5. … but also, get to know the real person.
The book is always better than the cover. Cher had a hard time learning this lesson, but when she finally got there, she found the love of her life (her kinda step-brother).
6. Live in the moment
Cheesy as it is, Clueless’s whole message is to slow down in life. We are supposed to be bubbly, carefree and cute as hell while we are young. You’ll end up looking silly if you’re trying to act older than you are, so just laugh at the stupid shambles you get yourself into and take one day at a time.
7. Be yourself!!
If you want to be “a full on Monet," go for it. If you want to be a slacker whose only motivation in life is for skateboarding, go for it. If you want to be unapologetically girly and unattainable, go for it. If you are a dope artist who can draw Marvin the Martian, embrace it.
8. It taught you how to speak “Valley Girl” (and very well)
I’m not embarrassed to share that I am fluent in Valley Girl and that my best friend and I have matching “As if!” stickers on our laptops. Phrases such as, “Hagsville," “Surfing the crimson wave," “I’m totally bugging," and so many more have easily left my mouth and left most people thoroughly confused.
9. Vocabulary matters
Words like rebuffed, sublimely, sporadically, and capricious are used alongside words such as bugging, digits, totally, and outty. Clueless perfectly combines these two different vernaculars in a sharp and melodramatic manner.
10. Clueless gave us some good life advice…
If you act confident in what you’re saying, even if it is complete nonsense, people are going to think you actually know what you’re talking about. Oh, and if your allergies act up, take out your nose ring!
11. And taught us some lessons…
Don’t bite off more than you can chew, and don’t fail your drivers test because it will allow for a serious and brutal burn.
12. You can accomplish anything you put your mind to.
If Cher can argue her grades from a C+ to an A-, you can certainly, too.
13. Don’t wear super nice clothes out to a party or a bar
Your shoes will have beer spilled on them, and satin or suede shoes are basically irreparable.
14. And finally, there is never not a good time to watch Clueless…
Said the girl who’s currently watching Clueless as she types a tribute for the movie’s 20th birthday.
