As one of the most memorable 2000’s ‘chick flicks’, Legally Blonde is a classic. The iconic quotes, – ‘What, like it’s hard?’ – the noughties fashion, the opening scene, it’s a time capsule from the 2000’s. In this article, I’ll be talking about how femininity is represented in Legally Blonde.

Date Night

Within the first ten minutes of Legally Blonde, Elle is seen in this hot pink halter-neck dress – worn for a restaurant date with her boyfriend, Warner Huntington III. Regarding her hair, she has opted for her classic bouncy blowout, symbolising her bubbly and outgoing nature. The simple ‘Elle-ness’ of this outfit perfectly encapsulates Elle’s individuality, and how she is comfortable being portrayed as a ‘stereotypical blonde’. Ditzy, frivolous and bubble-headed. However, appearances can be deceiving and the audience is shown this within the first five minutes of the film – see 4:17 in Legally Blonde – allowing viewers to get a clear understanding that Elle is anything but a ‘dumb blonde’.

Arrival at Harvard

Arriving in a Porsche convertible, Elle is seen in a hot pink leather ensemble alongside Bruiser – her adorable pet chihuahua. Not only is her outfit pink, so are her glasses and Bruisers own outfit. The significance of pink in Elle’s wardrobe, and life, is symbolic of her passionate and playful temperament. Whilst typically being a feminine colour, pink is not to be dismissed as ‘girly’. It indicates friendliness, romance and a nurturing nature. In spite of that, Elle’s arrival isn’t received as expected. Surrounding students mock her, ‘check out Malibu Barbie!’, give her hateful looks, assuming she is just another ‘dumb blonde with Daddy’s money.’ Elle doesn’t expect to be treated this way, she’s never experienced this kind of hostility before. Understandably, as she already got in to Harvard. Why should she have to change the way she looks to be taken seriously? Perhaps this could be perceived as naivety, or vanity.

First Week

During Elle’s first week at Harvard, she still maintains her personal style. As shown in the image above, pink is always included in an outfit. Whether its through a simple pink shirt, or a full-on sequin-pink bikini top. Likewise, Elle’s bunny costume is among the most iconic in the film, and cinema as a whole. Yet whilst others – Regina George, Bridget Jones, etc. – omit a sexy, seductive vibe; Elle’s costume doesn’t appear this way. Whether it’s the pink feathered border, hot pink tights , an actual bunny tail on her bum, or simply Elle’s persona that defines the bubbly tone of her look is up for interpretation. The fact is, Elle still feels comfortable in her own skin, regardless of the judgement from those around her. She is certain she will be able to win the respect of her peers just by being herself.

A serious law student

In the middle of the film, Elle reaches her breaking point and decides if she’s going to attend Harvard Law School, she’s going to become a top student. During this iconic montage, she is seen in darker colours; violet, magenta, black. In regards to colour, she blends in with her peers, but her personality still shines through. Reflected in the striking purple-knitted beanie she wears, not once, but twice. Whilst Elle is on campus she maintains her aim; to win her contemporaries respect. However, when she visits her now close friend – Paulette – Elle feels more comfortable in herself. Seen in the far right photo, she wears brighter, more vibrant colours, and experiments with accessories; such as thin-framed glasses. Elle seemingly still wants to hold on to her typical attire, but still feels as if she needs to change herself because of what she thinks people want from her.

The Internship

Amid Elle’s time at Callahan’s internship, she is pictured wearing mostly black, and white. The stark contrast between the two colours may symbolise the difference between Elle and Law school. Black representing the mundane, ‘dull’, ‘serious’ stereotype of law students and the so-called death of Elle’s personal style. However, white is symbolic of peace and clarity; reflecting Elle’s true passion for studying law, just not in the stereotypical way. Another interesting element to note is Elle’s hair. Throughout her internship, there is a lack of the signature bouncy blowout we have come to associate with Elle Woods. Instead, she wears slick ponytails and pin-straight hair – a severe lack of personality. However, Elle still feels comfortable around Paulette and is seen in a more typical outfit; high heels, pink hair clips and a layered mesh blouse. The nail salon is repeatedly depicted as a safe-place for Elle to express herself, all through-out the film.

Elle Woods: Lawyer

Once Callahan is fired, Brooke Windham appoints Elle as her new lawyer. In perhaps the most iconic scene of the whole film, Elle Woods struts down to the defence table in open-toed, pink, high heels, a hot pink (and glittery) dress suit, and pink handbag – with her chihuahua inside. Whilst one may not think much of this scene, its a reflection of the ideal that women cannot be feminine and smart. Stereotypically, a woman is either pretty, feminine and fashion-conscious or smart. You can’t be both…according to the patriarchy. This ‘theory’ is proven correct, as Callahan is proved wrong. Believing Elle can’t win the case, she is simply not smart enough – despite getting into Harvard Law – he laughs at Mrs. Windham. However, the audience know that Elle does win her case, and Callahan is left with his jaw open.

Legally Blonde: Femininity ≠ weakness

In conclusion, Legally Blonde is a film about the patriarchal views of women, and how Elle Woods defy’s all expectations. Not only does Elle prove her peers wrong, she exceeds expectations and graduates top of her class, becomes Valedictorian and gets engaged to the love of her life.