Tavi’s Top 5 Teen Movies, Style-Wise

Clueless

Though Cher Horowitz’s plaid Alaïa and sheer Calvin Klein ensembles are impeccably cute, and while she totally had a carousel closet before Hannah Montana, what’s prolific about her style is that it truly is a style; a way of life. Cher drops a few tips throughout her narration of the film: “have something baking when a boy comes over”, “show a little skin because then boys think about you naked and then they think of sex”, “what it means to be a Monet”, etc. A guide to being alive is what it is, and one that is reflective of her youthfully prim wardrobe as well. I have even adapted this style myself. Plaid skirts are my first search item at any thrift store, and I use “sporadic” in a sentence whenever appropriate.

Pretty in Pink

Andie Walsh’s style is mish-mash granny 80s florals thrift store clip-on-earring perfection; at times “volcanic,” as so aptly put by her best friend Duckie. It matches the thoroughly decorated record store at which she works and finds refuge, and does not at all match her shy exterior, making her all the more endearing. And, even though it’s practically a universal truth that her prom dress is one of the worst in existence, she gets props for making it herself and having the dignity to show up despite her asshole date ditching her. Duckie also gets a mention for his snazzy vests and Otis Redding impression. We don’t like to talk about his future as a main character on Two and a Half Men.

The Craft

Ah, the movie that convinced my best friend and I that we possessed supernatural powers for a few months in the beginning of 9th grade! Ah, youth! Ah, um, three months ago! Since we actually lacked in paranormal abilities, I thought I could compensate by trying to emulate the style of the “bitches of Eastwick,” which meant lots of black, baby barrettes, schoolgirl skirts, lace, knee highs, thigh highs, chunky platforms, velvet, and chokers. This style is essential to my favourite parts of The Craft, when the girls get drunk with power and friendship and look just so damn cool all the time. Then Fairuza Balk flips out on Robin Tunney and makes snakes come out of her toilet and they all go back to dressing in blue and grey and – ew – white.

Ghost World

Enid Coleslaw shows apathy for most people and situations, but what’s great about her style is that you get the feeling she really does care about it as a way to find her identity and to keep herself entertained when surrounded by morons. “It’s not like I’m some modern punk dickhead. It’s obviously a 1977 original punk rock look,” she retorts when harassed about the green hair she tries on for a day, and her friend Rebecca once recalls a “little old lady phase” Enid had in high school. The roles she creates for herself throughout the film include sailor, French maid, girl scout, and mod, all accessorised with either 50s glasses or nerd ones. Enid could also be credited for any increase in sales of leather Catwoman masks that the sex shop industry saw in 2001.

Heathers

For the bold shoulders, use of a monocle, thoughtful colour coordination, and changing my confidence level every time I wear red. Heathers’ style isn’t notable for any kind of timelessness or class, but for just being so 80s teen movie. The Heathers and Veronica all dress in their own assigned colour, reinforcing high school hierarchy, and the fact that Heather McNamara calls into a radio station with the alias “Madonna” should say enough. And, the Heathers/Veronica even manage to stay faithful to their respective colours when dressing for funerals and in selecting the liquid drainer to murder one another with, showing terrific discipline.

Movies I’ve Yet to See (I KNOW) But That Have Cool Clothes (a.k.a. the Rose McGowan Appreciation Corner)

The Doom Generation (top)
Nowhere (bottom left)
Jawbreaker (bottom right)