It’s hard to believe that 20 years ago, I discovered Clueless. From the moment Cher Horowitz graced the big screen in her plaid outfit, I was mesmerized. This fashionista, and her BFF Dionne, had it all. As a girl from a tiny town East Texas, I soaked up every ounce of this movie like it was my own personal glimpse inside a cool person’s world.

Fast forward to my senior year at Baylor University. I remember the day my “Film/Media” professor discussed an assignment that would be a big part of our semester grade. All we had to do was pick out a classic movie and explain how it had woven itself into the tapestry of our culture.

My fellow students began buzzing with calls of “dibs” on famous titles such as The Godfather and The Graduate. I remember two girls fighting over Casablanca. For a hot second I considered Star Wars, Dazed and Confused or Grease.

In the end, I chose Clueless.

It never occurred to me that Clueless couldn’t possibly be considered a masterpiece since it had only been out for three years. All I had to do was look no farther that sorority row to see the film’s effects on my generation’s vernacular and wardrobe choices. I effortlessly wrote my paper explaining how “the kids in America” these days are more independent, tech savvy, and health conscious. Most long for comfortable knee socks and a good pair of purple clogs. I had clear points with numerous examples.

And somehow, I received an “A” on the paper. The professor read it out loud to the class, praising me for my remarkable work!

Okay, so he didn’t really praise me. He sort of chastised me for not following the assignment, but felt important to grade me on my unique perspective. He admitted that Clueless had left its mark on the student body, but he highly doubted it would stand the test of time.

AS IF!

I wish I had a floppy disk drive to recover that paper so I could share it with you right now. I knew it was a classic then. And I still believe it’s a classic now.

Lessons Learned from Clueless


1.  Helping people is fulfilling work.
2. Be aware of stumbling into bad lighting while on a date.
3. Paul Rudd is as timeless as the movie.
4. Blaming an “evil male” is a great excuse for almost anything.
5. It does not say RSVP on the Statue of Liberty.
6. Mexico and El Salvador are two different places.
7. Hamlet did not say, “To thine own self be true.”
8. Billie Holiday is a woman.

Clueless Quotes I Still Recite

1. As if.
2. Whatever.
3. I’m keepin’ it real.
4. I do not wear polyester hair!
5. I totally paused.
6. That came out of nowhere.
7. Project!
8. He’s kind of a Baldwin.
9. Do you prefer fashion victim or ensemblely challenged?
10. They’re way existential.

Were you a huge fan of Clueless? Did you ever play Suck & Blow? Do you catch yourself singing, “rollin’ with the homies?” Do you have a desire to email my old professor with no message other than, “I TOLD YOU SO!” Is that just me?