It’s been almost 25 years since we were first introduced to the tastefully pink world of Elle Woods, à la Legally Blonde. In this 2001 classic, Reese Witherspoon plays the effervescent and vivacious Elle Woods, embodying the SoCal archetype flawlessly. Yet, Elle defies all odds when she excels at Harvard Law School—whoever said hyperfemininity and legal acumen were mutually exclusive? Empowering viewers to follow their dreams with kindness, optimism and fortitude, the movie has since solidified its place as a cornerstone of pop culture. 2003 then brought us to Washington D.C with the patriotic sequel, Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde. As adult Elle champions a bill against animal testing, audiences were once again inspired to lead their lives with a strong moral compass, and looks so chic, they could only have been funded by a lawyer’s paycheck.
But every girl has her arc of becoming. The Elle Woods we’ve grown to love—unapologetically self-confident, sharply intellectual and bombshell beauty—was not made in an instant. So how did she become her? Prime attempts to answer the question in Elle, where we are invited back into the life of the Gemini vegetarian—with a youthful twist. Starring Lexi Minetree as Elle Woods, Season 1 provides an insightful—and immaculately aesthetic—glimpse into Elle’s high-school life.
As the teen adjusts to rainy Seattle and playing detective in whodunnits, hairstylist Florencia Anahi Cepeda takes the opportunity to pay homage to the quintessential hairdos of the decade: think sleek blowouts, half-up half-down styles, and wide headbands. For the warm-blonde teenager, effortless was key: anything else would risk appearing unrealistic. Thus follows a menagerie of updos, reflecting the inner workings of a self-assured young girl navigating the tumultuous and messy, yet experimental phase that is high school. When it comes to her make-up, Elle remains playful and trendy, leaning towards a lighter, fresher beauty beat. Opting for cheerful pink blushes, rosy lipsticks, and pale eyeshadows, she still retains the polished, clean finish that has come to be her signature. Check out some of her best beauty moments from the latest spinoff, Elle, below.
1 / 5
Messy, but effective
Lounging in the sun always calls for a messy bun. Paired with a light pink lip, Elle stays fresh-faced as she beats the LA heat.
2 / 5
Curled to perfection
Bouncy curls and a voluminous side part, with a bow barrette to tie it all together. The rules of hair care are simple and finite indeed—but leave it to Elle Woods to celebrate her sweet 16th with not a single lock out of place.
3 / 5
Bedhead chic
Elle wakes up youthfully radiant, sans a ’90s-esque tightlined eyeliner moment, and a tinge of blush. Her tousled locks form the perfect canvas to show off a bedazzled sleeping mask as the hair accessory of choice, matching with young Bruiser.
4 / 5
Gutsy night out
Ditching her beloved pinks for school-spirit green, Elle stirs up nostalgia with the ’90s bump hair style, shaping her mane with a slightly teased crown. The rest of her glossy locks are loose and flowing, making a casually preppy statement.
5 / 5
On the move
Elle’s soft blonde hair is thrown up into an easy high ponytail for a relaxed vibe as she works out. We also can’t tell if she’s naturally glowing, or just sweating it out (like the rest of us do). Either way, we’re envious.
