Every Outfit In "Legally Blonde", Ranked From Good To Goddamn Iconic

    If you don't think Legally Blonde has some of the best costumes of all time, sorry, but you're wrong.

    Jenna Guillaume
    by Jenna Guillaume

    BuzzFeed Contributor

    Legally Blonde officially turns 20 this year, and to celebrate, let's take a look at one of the best parts of the movie: the costumes.

    They told a story in themselves and always revealed insights into Elle's character and where she was at. With that in mind, here are the most iconic outfits Reese Witherspoon wears as Elle Woods, ranked from least good (but still good) to the absolute best...

    31. The business pony and shirt:

    Type A Films

    Elle wears a lot of dull — by her standards — clothes when she's trying to fit in and be more "professional." While she still always looks cute, she doesn't quite look herself — especially with her hair slicked back so harshly here.

    30. The green jacket:

    Elle wears a green jacket buttoned up and looks excited
    Type A Films

    This is just not Elle's color, and the combination with the pink shirt underneath doesn't help.

    29. The shirt, vest, and blazer combo:

    Elle wears a pink shirt, a purple vest, and a black blazer and smiles
    Type A Films

    This look is, like, fine.

    28. The patterned-shirt and vest combo:

    Elle sits in front of her laptop wearing a patterned shirt and red vest
    Type A Films

    More of "just fine." Not bad, not particularly good.

    27. The throwback fit:

    Elle wears a gold sparkly dress and has her hair styled in an old-fashioned way
    Type A Films

    It's hard to get a decent shot of this outfit, but it genuinely seems like Elle is in costume, and it also makes her seem slightly frumpy. Which she obviously is NOT.

    26. The sparkly skirt with matching top:

    Elle sits at a table writing wearing a sparkly striped skirt and maroon tank top
    Type A Films

    This is a little TOO matchy-matchy, and not the greatest shade on Elle.

    25. The sleeveless sweater:

    Elle sits in class wearing a dark-blue sleeveless sweater
    Type A Films

    A sleeveless sweater makes absolutely no sense, but it's a lovely shade, and the shimmer is nice.

    24. The library fit:

    Type A Films

    Elle's study outfit is exactly like what every other girl was wearing in winter in 2001. She's can do better (and does).

    23. The comfy clothes:

    Elle wears purple pants rolled up at the bottom and a gray sweatshirt
    Type A Films

    Okay, maybe this fit is super basic, but who can resist cozy, comfy clothes? The purple pants add an Elle flair.

    22. The tank and capris:

    Elle wears capri jeans and a pink tank top while being lifted up by girls in her sorority house
    Type A Films

    This is another outfit almost every girl wore a variation of in 2001, but the color really suits Elle (pink is her signature color, after all).

    21. The blue-and-red combo:

    Type A Films

    Another kind of plain outfit by Elle's standards, and it's missing her signature pink, but she still pulls it off.

    20. The study look:

    Elle sits at a desk with study materials in front of her, wearing a tee with her hair in a high pony
    Type A Films

    Honestly, Elle's hair is doing most of the work here. The high, curly pony really works on her.

    19. The pajamas:

    Elle lies on her bed wearing plaid pajama bottoms and a fluffy dressing gown with a cloud pattern
    Type A Films

    Cute pajamas AND a cute dressing gown? With a fluffy pink phone to go with it? A look.

    18. The "last season" shoes:

    Type A Films

    This outfit is notable for literally providing a break in Elle's case, and she looks great in it, if a little on the blander side (for her).

    17. The sparkly hair clip:

    Elle wears a white shirt, gray sweater, and a sparkly hair clip in her hair
    Type A Films

    It's a plain outfit, but cute in a preppy way, and the simple flash of sparkles in Elle's hair really elevates it and makes it more *her*. 

    16. The post-breakup outfit:

    Elle frowns and sits on a pink couch; she wears a tank top with a rainbow print on it and pale pink pants
    Type A Films

    This is Elle at her lowest point, after her breakup with Warner. And she still looks adorable.

    15. The winter warmer:

    Elle wears a turtleneck and a poncho with her hair in a high pony
    Type A Films

    We don't get a good look at this outfit, but from what we can see, Elle looks both cozy and classic, with her own bright twist, of course.

    14. The clashing patterns:

    Elle wears a striped top, patterned belt, and dark pants while she sits on the ground surrounding by books
    Type A Films

    This top-and-belt combo shouldn't work, but on Elle it does. The outfit is flattering and she looks fantastic.

    13. The head-to-toe pink:

    Elle wears a pink top and pants, with pink bows in her hair, and holds a basket of bread
    Type A Films

    This entirely pink fit is flirty, fun, and very Elle.

    12. The pink-and-purple fit:

    Type A Films

    Very bright and, again, very Elle. It's wonderful but — and this might be controversial — I think the outfit would actually be improved if she lost the hat.

    11. The "I'm a professional" outfit:

    Type A Films

    It might be surprising to find this look so high on the list, given that it's not very pink or traditionally Elle. She just looks so damn stylish, and it's all extremely flattering, while the ruffles are a nice Elle touch. Her hair and makeup here are also flawless.

    10. The pink halter number two:

    Type A Films

    This is the special outfit Elle chooses for what she thought would be her engagement to Warner, and it is both sexy and pretty. A shame it goes to waste, really.

    9. The intimidation outfit:

    Elle wears a turtleneck, fur coat, and beanie, with glasses
    Type A Films

    Elle wears this to intimidate Paulette's ex, and it might not actually be that intimidating, but it sure is gorgeous. The vibrant color combination and the faux fur collar are fab. 

    8. The smart cardigan:

    Type A Films

    This is Elle's "I belong at Harvard" outfit, and she looks adorable. With these patterns and colors, it feels like it shouldn't work, but it does. The pony and boots are perfect finishing touches.

    7. The costume incident:

    Elle wears a pink Playboy bunny outfit and stands with her hands on her hips
    Type A Films

    So this is an actual costume, part of a cruel joke Vivian plays on Elle, but she looks SO DAMN HOT, it deserves a high place on the list regardless. This was Vivian's loss, really.

    6. The pink halter number three:

    Elle wears a pink halter dress and pink tinted glasses
    Type A Films

    Similar to Elle's engagement dress, but the style of the halter is slightly more flattering, and the pattern is more fun. 

    5. The pink halter number one:

    Type A Films

    ANOTHER pink halter, and this time, the best one. This is the first outfit we actually see Elle in. The print is very '00s but SO FUN.

    4. The bikini top and fluffy coat:

    Elle wears a pink sparkly swimsuit and fluffy coat
    Type A Films

    A pink sparkly bikini top paired with a fluffy pink coat? PEAK ELLE. 

    3. The "bend and snap" fit:

    Elle wearing black capri pants and a yellow and pink top
    Type A Films

    This is a relatively "normal" outfit for Elle, but from head to toe, she just looks great. Like something you would have dressed your DollzMania girl in and been so proud. 

    2. The arrival outfit:

    Elle wears a pink jacket with matching skirt, and pink-shaded glasses
    Type A Films

    Elle makes her entrance to Harvard in this fit, and what an impression she makes. Everything about it is perfect in how very Elle it is. 

    1. The climax dress:

    Type A Films

    This is Elle's triumphant moment, where she does the professional thing 100% HER way — pink, pink, and more pink (not to mention some sparkles). She proves that she doesn't have to change herself to be successful or smart, and she does it looking like the very best — and pinkest — version of herself. ICONIC.