If there is anything that Elle Woods taught me, it is the art of ‘proving people wrong’ and still kicking ass in the fashion stakes. Elle Woods represented a new breed of woman, a revolutionary movie archetype that played into the so called ‘dumb blonde’ character but proved to be far more intelligent than her peers gave her credit for. Isn’t that something we women face on a daily basis, a glass ceiling that is premeditated by so called ‘gender constructs’? We are constantly told that we ‘cannot’ achieve goals to the same standards as men and indeed even movie ceremonies segregate our actors into ‘gendered’ categories. Yet, despite the obstacles we face on a daily basis, despite what society tells us, isn’t it women who rule the world? After all women are the ones who give birth, cook, clean and still hold down jobs and have hobbies.
Yet Legally Blonde was directed by ‘Robert Luketic’, a male who ironically typecast Elle as a ‘dumb blonde’ to satirize Hollywood’s perception of femininity. It was a clever tactic and when Elle realizes she does not need a man to be ‘successful’ she studies diligently and still remains true to herself, despite the animosity of her peers. Elle transforms from a ‘dumb blonde’ to a ‘workaholic’ almost in a blink of an eye, creating the rhetoric of her never being ‘dumb’ in the first place. It just goes to show that you should never judge a book by its cover and Elle demonstrated that her ‘love of fashion’ did not make her a materialist but instead fashion became a weapon through which she could disguise her true intellect. Thus when she confronts opponents they have no choice but to be surprised that this so called ‘dumb blonde’is going places and they are not.
Woods is an aspirational figure because she enters a ‘feminist awakening’ and although she is not a typical ‘feminist character’, she stays true to herself, which ultimately is a trait we should all aspire to have. In a society which functions on archaic archetypes, we are often conditioned from a young age to believe that we should act, behave and think a certain way. Women should be feminine and men should be masculine but what society didn’t tell you is how these gender constructs are outdated and not guidelines that need to be followed. Thus despite Elle being a typical feminine archetype i.e. maternal, sweet and friendly, Elle uses these traits not to ‘serve’ or be in ‘submission to men’ but to always remain independent and true to who she is as a person.
Feminists might skewer Luketic’s representation of ‘Woods’, claiming that being a proud sorority sister, watching twee television programmes and her obsession with appearance do not make her a feminist yet I disagree. As a liberal feminist I support equality between men, women and trans yet still love to spend money on clothes and am concerned with appearance. But does that mean I am not a feminist? Well of course not because like Woods I might be a ‘complete, un-self conscious embodiment’ of ‘un-feminist’ qualities but that does not mean that being interested in fashion detracts from our sensibilities as a feminist! Even in today’s society ‘fashion’ is not seen as a ‘real subject’ yet it deserves just as much merit as other ‘serious subjects’. Fashion covers business, marketing, knowing your audience and isn’t that what any occupation is about? After all as a blogger we cover marketing, social media, writing, image control, proof-reading, SEO and that is just the tip of the iceberg.
In a way Woods motto of being ‘well-dressed’ to impress – whether that be academically or socially- echoes sentiments written by the great Oscar Wilde who stated that “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” I know what you are thinking, how on earth can a great literary scholar like Wilde have similarities with a Hollywood fictional character and the answer is simple. Dressing to impress is not just about the aesthetics of a look but about how it can make you ‘feel’. Fashion and styling is individualistic but it does have an impact on your emotional and physical wellbeing. After all what is going to make you feel better ‘ dressing up in your finest garbs’ or sitting in your pjs?
Elle Woods taught me that being a feminist is not about critiquing patriarchy and criticizing women who do not define themselves as feminists but about being true to yourself. Because at the end of the day A. Woods never defines herself as a feminist yet clearly exhibits features of feminism and B. us women have to stick together, its ok to have opposing views. Besides wouldn’t life be boring if we all held the same views?
What Are Your Thoughts On Elle Woods and Who Is Your Ultimate Role Model?
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Aww this outfit is so sweet it is very Elle Woods! I’m really not sure who my role model would be, but my WCW would be Jhené Aiko love her.
I love Elle Woods, I remember watching Legally Blonde years ago and aspiring to be like her, she’s a strong, independent woman. Jo x
I love Elle Woods – she’s the ultimate have it all women. She’s smart, funny, determined, ambitious and looks fab doing it all! x
I remember when that movie came out. I really enjoyed it and liked the character of Elle. I thought it was great when she really stood up to her teacher when he tried to come on to her
I love the outfit and I also love Elle Woods, such a great role and such a brilliant film x
Your outfit looks amazing and the colour really suits you. I love ELLE Woods.
I haven’t watched Legally Blonde for year but remember feeling impressed with Elle Woods even back then. I think it may be time to introduce my eldest to her!
I actually watched Legally Blonde again over the Christmas holidays. I’ve always loved the character of Elle Woods, especially watching her grow into the strong independent woman as she realized that she didn’t need a man for her life to be complete.
I love Legally Blonde and Elle Wood is definitely a character to look up to! I come from an area and went to a school where it was perceived that no one would really do much with their life. I’m currently studying a PhD and have 2 degrees so I certainly proved them wrong!
you look stunning in that dress! i love how elle woods just beats the stereotypes of a blonde. shows you if she can do it, you can even if she’s fictional
You really suit that powder pink, love Elle Woods!
ah Elle woods 🙂 there is a theatre production coming soon aswell 🙂
lovely post !
The movie was so cute and a great way for teenagers to look up to – you don’t need a man to support you and you can do anything you set your mind to.
Elle is the best, I love how everyone underestimates her but she is so strong and courageous, she doesn’t let anything really phase her. I’m not sure who my ultimate role model is as I have many xx
I believe it is really important to be true to yourself. If you’re not true to yourself, then you’re not true to anyone.
Beautiful outfit! Elle is such an amazing representation of how women can be feminine and smart. They don’t have to be exclusive.
I don’t think I’ve actually watched legally blonde. I love that dress the colour looks so beautiful on you x
She is a great role model in this movie as she does show that you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover x
Ell Wood was fabulous I remember watching that movie and thinking how great it was that she appeared like a bit of an air head but was pretty with it and smart and kick ass.
She is a great character and role model. Recently I have been impressed with Michelle Obama. A strong woman working hard for women’s rights.
I enjoyed Legally Blonde. It’s great to see someone smash through stereotypes.
Looking gorgeous as always!
I love how much thought you put behind your outfit posts. Personally I 100% think someone can be concerned with personal style whilst still acknowledging feminist issues – Just like Elle. When I see people questioning it, I kind of just think ‘your fight isn’t with me, there are bigger things’!
Confession time – I’ve never actually seen Legally Blonde! I love how you see her as a role model though!
Love that movie. This dress is super sweet and you look amazing.
I haven’t seen Legally Blonde I know shock horror but I do love and admire strong women. It’s something I have always strived to achieve myself and I do in certain aspects of my life. Love the dress as well very chic
I love that film, and I think she’s a great character. My current favourite women include Helen Mirren and of course Michelle Obama!
Yes, I totally agree! Great, role model both the character and the actor, and at the minute I’m taking inspiration from many WCW on Instagram who are fitness fanatics – bring on 2017, new fitness and health regime and those Instagram beauties are keeping me motivated!
You look absolutely stunning! I love the dress, and it goes perfect with those heels, I would struggle to say who my Ultimate Role model would be, however my idol is Doris Day.
I LOVE ELLE WOODS!! One of my favourite films ever. I loved this post for the positivity, the film reference and you look great in the dress!!
Love this film and the character Elle Woods. Never judge a book by it’s cover. Love the dress too 🙂
I feel there are feminist and non-feminist values for the character. I agree with most of what you say. However at the end, they wrap it off with her happy ending with a guy. What happened to she doesn’t need a man? That being said she is a good rolemodel. Even her own parents didn’t think she was clever enough. I love the movie and believe in the true girlpower x
I love that movie so much! It kind of showed me what I want in life. I want to have a degree in pharmacy, to dress damn well and be a mother one day. And if anyone tell me I can’t have everything, I am going to prove them wrong. My role model is Audrey Hepburn; I like her sense of style, her appearance was so elegant and the way she dressed.
I love the movie Legally Blonde and the character Elle Woods is my favourite. Love your outfit, you look fab x
I love how she’s made into a powerful, confident young woman during that time because we rarely see roles like that. It’s how she managed to pick herself up and show the world that she can do anything that she desires that influenced a lot of us during that time. She’s an admirable person and is definitely a great role model for young women.
I love that women around The World are so diverse. There shouldn’t be a fixed role for us. Which is why I can’t say I have one role model of my own. I like a lot of different factors from a lot of different women.
I can not remember the first time I saw legally blonde but I remember the feeling of empowerment for her pushing the sterotypes aside and focused on her goal though it started for a boy she still did it for her in the end. Loved it
I really enjoyed Legally Blonde and your outfit too! Very stylish! 🙂
I think she is a great character for young girls to look up to. I haven’t watched Legally Blonde for year, I will have to rewatch it with my teen x
Legally Blonde is fabulous, so inspirational when Elle proves that she can do it and is not going to let anyone manipulate or walk all over her . Just wonderful.
It really was a great movie for challenging stereotypes.
Love this blog post as per usual! You summed up Elle Woods in a nutshell, a strong and clever woman who proves the old saying of never judge a book by it’s cover!
Bend and snap x
Love all of the eye catching accessories, the cupcake bag is a really fun item.
I love Elle Woods! I love that you look up to her. And that outfit is so her and looks AMAZING on you!
~ Via Bella
Wow excellent read! I love to read about passionate individuals. Recall I read a few of Erica Jong’s books about 10 years ago, especially her insights into Henry Miller. Passion and being true to who you are, in my opinion, always makes for a stimulating read.
LOVE. THIS. POST. And I’m a tad in love with your cupcake handbag too. 🙂 “Legally Blonde” is one of my very favorite movies! In fact, Reese Witherspoon is from Nashville (where I live), has a boutique here, and her parents still live in the area. She visits often and I keep hoping to run into her around town, but alas…it hasn’t happened yet. lol I have to say, I really look up to Michelle Obama and Tina Fey. Both brilliant women, for very different reasons…but I’ve always admired them!
I love the dress and I also love Elle Woods, such a great role in a great film
I will never grow tired of watching Legally Blonde. I love the character of Elle Woods. She is an inspiration for girls to go for their dreams and that does not require having a boyfriend to do so. Reese Witherspoon is a very versatile actress to have portrayed the role so well. However, I also admire Jennifer Aniston for being the survivor that she is.
I love Legally Blonde. Haven’t watched it in a while though, I might have to tonight. Lovely outfit too! x
I haven’t watched Legally Blonde in forever but they are some of my favorite movies. I love how she is a strong young woman. Elle Woods inspire all the girls in the world!
I loved that film! And I agree you can be a feminist and still care how you look and what you wear. We are dressing up for ourselves as it makes us feel more confident, stronger and just feel better.
My role model is Michelle Obama, she is such a strong and intelligent woman, true inspiration.
I LOVE this movie and you are right, Elle is AWESOME. She stands for the same things I do. Go girl power.
I love this movie and a true inspiration that you can achieve anything when you put your mind to it.
Such a cute outfit, I adore Legally Blonde. I saw the theatre show recently too and it was great!
I love that film – Elle Woods deserved to be the ultimate role model, she broke the gender stereotype.
loving your style and makeup! i particularly love the headband! And I also need to revisit legally blonde now!
I love that film too and its inspiring for all women to see no matter how or what you may be everyone has the potential to chase their dreams and succeed
Beautiful outfit!! And yes, always yes, to Elle Woods!! I love her ability to prove people wrong, but with a kind smile! Kill em with kindness!!
Have you seen the stage show of Legally Blonde – it is amazing, such a fun thing to watch with catchy tunes, dancing and of course fashion
I have never watched Legally Blonde before to be honest but Elle Woods sounds like a wonderful role model
love Elle Woods and ‘proving people wrong’, yes to that! and yes to that little cupcake purse, so cute!
Lacee | http://www.laceeswan.com
Elle Woods is my super star 😀 I don’t really have any role models, at lest not a lifelong ones, changing all the time. A few years back I got Legal Blonde as my birthday present from a friend of mine. It was a great idea!
This is such a cute outfit, and I love that you themed it to Elle Woods. One of the best movies ever made 😉 and you look so cool and chic in this pink dress. A total babe! xx Adaleta Avdic
Elle Woods is definitely an inspiration, and I do believe women rule the world. Maybe that’s why men are so determined to be the rulers, because they know we are. And they know they don’t have a chance.
I love Legally Blonde. It’s one of my favourites and I love how different Elle is.
Elle Woods is the most amazing role model. She’s awesome! And I love your Legally Blonde inspired outfit <3
Louise x
I feel bad for not watching the movie or read the book or I just watched it but don’t remember it. Either ways, she is a true role model for girls and women in general and it is so important to have one as a young girl.
i actually don’t know elle woods but i just learned a whole lot of why you, or anyone else, admire her. such a beautiful style, with a bold statement necklace! i love it!
Elle Woods is such an inspiring character from the Legally Blonde! She never gives up for anything and loves her never-say-die attitude! Your outfit totally reminds me of Elle!
Great review and points. I’m not sure that I have any one role model who is famous. I would say my mom and many colleagues are people I admire.
It’s one of the reasons why I loved Legally Blond. Elle Woods pushed the stereotypes in such a subtly but poignant way that she surprised people who wrongfully underestimated her.
You look absolutely stunning in that dress! I haven’t watched legally blonde in years – I actually feel inspired to do that as my ‘I’m staying in Friday’ film!
I totally agree with you about Ellie Woods, she is a fantastic inspiration. Overcoming stereotypes can be so difficult but she shows that its not impossible
This post is so full of insights and subject to talk about that I’ll point out my impressions:
– I hate and I’ve always found patriarchal the Hollywood attitude to create and feed stereotypes, so I agree with you! Stupid blonde, the black that is always the first one to die, the fatal woman, OH-MY-GOD!
– I do agree with you also about the true concept of feminism and what really makes a woman an “active feminist”. We must fight against patriarchal society, whose iceberg’s top is woman standarded beauty and personalities enclosed in 3-4 categories. No more. We must deconstruct these stereotypes. Pink included (yes, I am a feminist and PINK is my fav color. so what???)
– You look beautiful in pink! That dress is spectacular and I mainly love those shoes!!!
I watched Legally Blonde for the first time the other day and I loved it (only 10 years too late!) Gorgeous outfit too <3
Amazing outfit, love the cupcake bag! I agree with you, women rule the world. Elle Woods is amazing and love her in the legally blondes movies x
I love Elle Woods, definitely a heroine for our times, why shouldn’t women be fashionable, pretty and clever?
Love your outfit!! I’m a feminist who loves women who shatter the glass ceiling and make it big. Completely agree with you that fashion and fine dressing have an impact on our overall wellbeing!
fun fact: legally blond is the reason I went to law school in the first place. I soon realized life is not a movie and just Elle Woods did it doesn’t mean I’m cut out for it.
I love the outfit its so pretty…definitely my favorite shade of pink.
I love Elle Woods! This dress is so nice too.
I saw Legally Blonde years ago. Can’t remember much of it but I remember liking it. Love your hair and makeup here.
good post as ever, I think my role models are probably my parents who give their time and energy selflessly to us all x
You’re right the movie has so much to say about society and stereotypes. Your outfit is great and as you said it’s how it makes you feel not only what others think 🙂
I love Elle Woods and Bruiser! Love how she starts law school to get a man and ends up being an amazing lawyer! x
That’s one of my favourite films and I just love her outlook on life.
I never watched the movie Legally Blonde but I sure understand why this was such a hit. Lots of women got inspired by the movie’s message!
It’s not only she’s beautiful, and stylish, but most important thing Elle Wood is a smart woman. She certainly is a great role model. I wish Hollywood produce more movie with amazing character like Elle Wood.
I’ve never seen Legally Blonde but she sounds pretty kickass! This colour looks lovely on you Ana 🙂
Legally Blonde is one of my favorite movies ever. Reese Witherspoon does such a good job with her role. She’s pretty inspiring as a person too, with her clothing line.
I love Elle Woods’ style. You pull off these looks so well. I love the pink dress!
I loved legally blonde! For me being a feminist is more about being able to make choices. For some that’s forging forward in traditionally male roles, for others that being a stay at home mom. It’s about the CHOICE to follow what’s in your heart as a woman
Elle Woods is definitely a favorite over here. I had a friend in college who reminded me so much of her. And she’s now working for a judge! So proud to be a woman! 😉
I love Elle Woods – your bag is super cute!
I adore this post! So true – the way you dress is almost like a statement to how much you value yourself and how serious you take yourself and that sends a message.
Also, I love your style; you are so classy and beautiful!
Elle woods is kick ass! Loved her. This outfit is gorgeous x
I very rarely watch TV and movies, but this one sounds like an interesting one. I might give it a chance 🙂
I love this film and was one of my absolute favourites as a teen. One of my favourite lines is “I’ll show you have valuable Elle Woods can be”, it was something I always thought whenever someone told me I couldn’t do something and I’ve spent my entire life proving those people wrong by succeeding!
I don’t think I have a role model per se, more qualities I admire in people and would like to emulate.
I agree that holding feminist principles does not mean that you don’t care about how you look or can’t be interested in fashion. Also, fashion IS such a massive industry and involves so much skill and talent – nothing better than looking and feeling good! Love the clutch btw!
SUCH an adorable movie, I’m definitely going to pull it out and watch it again tonight! Love her strength and ambition to prove the nay-sayers wrong!
That movie made me a Reese Witherspoon fan. I really loved that she came from basically nothing and made something out of herself in the movie. She would be a really good role model, I think.
Great post! I really love your explanation on why you admire what the character represents!
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve watched that movie. I used to own it on DVD, I think. I feel like I can identify with Elle. I very much consider myself a feminist and yet my blog is all about my love of dresses. But I wear dresses all the time because I love them. I choose to wear them and I most certainly can choose to wear pants if I want to as well. Elle chose to be in a sorority because it was what made her happy.
Love this movie and Elle Woods a lot, she is very smart, ambitious and independent woman! I think Legally Blonde is one of the best Reese Witherspoon’s roles! Great post!
Female role models – so many to choose from! Eleanor Roosevelt, for her forward thinking and kick-ass quotes, Michelle Obama for her amazing style, grace, intelligence and dignity. Karren Brady for making tidal waves in a male-dominated industry. Dr Elizabeth Blackwell – the first woman to get a medical degree in the US and get listed on the UK medical register, who went on to help set up the first medical school for women in London. I could go on for hours… but don’t worry, I won’t… 😉 x
I do see Elle’s style in your dress, but the accessories, the sassy shoes – that is all YOU my love 🙂
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Omg I love Elle!!! A real go getter!!! Proving people wrong which is something I do admire. Girl power!!!
I love Elle Woods! The musical Legally Blonde has the best soundtrack too. I’m going to do the law conversion course after I graduate so I identify even more with her now 🙂
I love Elle Woods! It was such a cute movie but at the same time had a good lesson. I love that dress on you too.
I love legally blonde. It was one of my favourite movies as a teenager. I think it’s important to prove people wrong especially those who stereotype and label. It annoys me.
I’ve always loved Elle Woods and my friends and I always cheer each other up by quoting the movie Legally Blonde. It is our favorite.
That outfit is amazing!! I could never pull it off but you rock it!
I loved Legally Blonde so much before I was even old enough to really understand it.
My WCW right now is Alicia Keys because of those freckles she is rocking and the lack of make-up and just yeah! Beautiful.
I have a huge fondness for Elle Woods. At first, she starts out as a stereotype but then becomes a real powerhouse, who also stays true to herself. I think as women we need to embrace our true selves, no matter where we love fashion or politics. We also need to support each other instead of constantly criticizing.
I loved that movie and I admire her as well. I think she’s an awesome role model and she shows people that she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to! I can totally understand why you admire her! I do too!
I do love that Elle Woods seemed to be the complete antithesis of Harvard Law. Yet she truly came into her own and realized there was more to the world than a boyfriend, a sorority and clothes. She didn’t lose herself but grew into who she truly was.
This dress is amazing, I adore the colour!
I haven’t watched Legally Blonde for years.
I have never seen Legally Blond but I really want to now! This is a great post, and you look amazing as always! Kaz 🙂
Love your angle on this. Totally agree. My mummy dresses well because it makes her feel powerful and strong not for male attention. She follows fashion, not because it’s frivolous but because it’s her passion and it helps to project her true self x bravo x
I think Elle Woods is amazing and a great role model, but I also think you are for young women.
Elle Woods’ character shows girls that looks, personality and education combine to great achievement. You have to portray the person you want to be and show you believe in yourself so others do too
I love it when people tell me I can’t do something. It’s just more motivation to prove them wrong.
Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods is still one of the greatest things that has ever happened to the film world.
Amanda Brown, author of Legally Blonde, the novel the film was based on, spent her time at Stanford Law School reading copies of Elle magazine.
This past July, Legally Blonde, perhaps the greatest movie about being yourself and being an independent woman, turned 15.
Because we are on a quarantine, we watch this movie at home. we enjoyed it. Thank you for the review.