Lip Gloss & Logic: How Clueless Helped Me Redefine What It Means to Be a Girl
A Love Letter to Cher
I can’t tell you the exact moment I first watched Clueless, but I remember how it made me feel. Something about the pastel colors, the slow-motion walk through the high school courtyard, and Cher’s unapologetic tone instantly pulled me in. At first, I thought I loved it for the fashion and fun—but as I got older, I realized I loved her. Cher Horowitz was the first girl on screen who made me feel like I didn’t have to choose between being soft and smart, between caring about clothes and caring about the world.
Pretty Isn’t the Opposite of Powerful
There was always this unspoken rule growing up: if you were pretty and into fashion, people assumed you were dumb. And if you were smart or outspoken, you were told to tone it down. Clueless shattered that narrative for me. Cher was stylish, expressive, and obsessed with matching her plaid skirts—but she also debated in class, had a strong point of view, and wasn’t afraid to be vocal about what she believed in (even if it was delivered with a valley girl accent).
She taught me that femininity and intelligence are not contradictions—they’re compliments. You can rock a mini dress and still have the mic in the room.
The Power of Leading with Kindness
Cher’s journey wasn’t about being perfect. It was about learning, messing up, and trying again. She led with good intentions—even when her plans didn’t quite land. She tried to play matchmaker, give makeovers, and make people feel seen. Her kindness wasn’t performative, it was part of her identity. And that stuck with me.
I grew up thinking being “nice” meant being a pushover. But Cher’s version of kindness had backbone. She had standards. She didn’t let people walk over her. She gave when she could and still prioritized herself when needed. That balance is something I’m still learning to master.
Owning Your Power in Pastels
There’s this scene where Cher decides to “do something for others” and steps into a leadership role without even realizing it. She starts advocating, showing up differently, and thinking beyond her bubble. It reminded me that real power doesn’t always have to look loud or masculine—it can show up in a soft pink sweater and a calm voice.
Cher’s confidence didn’t come from fitting in. It came from owning who she was, flaws and all. She questioned herself, evolved, and let herself grow. And that’s what makes her unforgettable.
Redefining Girlhood Through My Own Lens
Watching Clueless as a young girl—and then rewatching it as a woman—has been a full-circle journey. I now see how media shaped our ideas of what it means to be “girly” or “serious,” and how Cher’s character was quietly breaking down those walls. She didn’t shrink herself to be taken seriously. She didn’t trade her joy or style for credibility. And neither should we.
I used to believe I had to choose between beauty or brains, kindness or assertiveness, softness or strength. Now, I realize those binaries were never real.
The Revolution Was Always in Heels
Clueless was never just a fashion movie—it was a subtle rebellion. It showed me that femininity isn’t weakness, it’s a language. It’s power. And it’s ours to define.
So yes, I’ll wear lip gloss, I’ll care about aesthetics, and I’ll continue to be a woman who leads with both heart and logic. Because, as Cher would say, “It does not say RSVP on the Statue of Liberty”—so I’ll show up exactly as I am.