Elle Woods Is The Ultimate Corporate Girly Style Icon - How To Recreate Her Best Looks

Elle Woods, portrayed by Reese Witherspoon in the iconic 2001 comedy "Legally Blonde," and its 2003 sequel, "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde," is undeniably one of the most influential fictional fashionistas of our time. Her fiery personality, bold confidence, and impeccable sense of style left a clear mark on the world of fashion and pop culture — especially in the early 2000s. Elle not only shattered stereotypes but also reshaped the way we perceive fashion as a means of empowerment. As Witherspoon herself told People, "When you look good, you feel good," echoing the sentiments of the character she portrayed. "I know that's what Elle Woods says, but it's true! When you look good, you feel good."

Elle burst onto the screen as the ultimate blond bombshell, but she was far more than just a pretty face. Throughout her journey at Harvard Law School, one element remained constant — her impeccable fashion choices that reflected her personality so well. From her signature pink outfits to her daring ensembles that broke the mold of conventional legal attire, Elle's style is a testament to the power of self-expression through fashion — even in the corporate world. So, if you're looking for ways to add a bit more pizzazz to your work attire or you simply want to sprinkle some Elle magic into your closet, here are some of our favorite Elle Woods fashion moments to draw inspiration from!

Who could ever forget Elle Woods' unforgettable pink pleather skirt and jacket set from "Legally Blonde"? It's a look that exudes confidence, style, and fabulousness, making it perfect to draw inspiration from. Now, while you can certainly opt for the classic set, we're here to introduce you to a more versatile twist on this iconic outfit. To recreate this look with a contemporary edge, we recommend pairing a pink pleather skirt with a matching blazer.

The Alexa Vegan Leather Blazer ($495) and the Oliviana Metallic Vegan Leather Skirt ($350) from Milly serve as an updated take that preserves the essence of Elle's style while offering more flexibility, as the blazer makes it slightly more business casual. The best part about a set like this is that it is suitable for both professional settings and a fun night out with friends — meaning you can easily transition from day to night by swapping out your footwear and accessories.

Elle Woods brought the unforgettable "bend and snap" move to life in an iconic pink tank top with a sassy, yellow see-through, and tie-in-the-front top over it — a look that is a true embodiment of 2000s fashion. Elle paired the top with low-waisted jeans, giving us those immaculate Y2K vibes.

To recreate this iconic Elle Woods outfit, we've found the perfect modern twist – the Exotic Mist Collection Neon Yellow Mesh Ruffle Top, which you can snag on Demi Blush for £4.99 (approximately $6). This top not only embraces the boldness of Elle's original choice but also adds a touch of retro fashion with ruffled details, giving it a soft and feminine touch. For that extra "wow" factor, we recommend pairing it with a spicy lingerie top underneath. This adds a subtle peek-a-boo effect, making your outfit playful and confident — two words that perfectly describe Elle herself.

The classic green cardigan that Elle Woods wore in the movie is a great piece that's perfect for any fall and winter season. While Elle's collared cardigan with a waist tie is a fantastic choice, you can achieve a more modern look with a trendy grandpa-style sweater — quite contradictory, isn't it? We recommend going for a slightly oversized cardigan that features multiple shades of green — just like Elle's.

While a piece like an oversized cardigan can easily be thrifted at your local second-hand shop, our choice for a new one is the TY Cardigan ($88) by Unif. The extra-long sleeves give the look a nonchalant vibe, while the classic plaid pattern is what makes it a timeless piece. Whether you're heading to class or out for brunch with friends, this soft cardigan will make you feel cozy yet stylish — it even has pockets for some extra storage on the go.

Elle Woods loves the off-the-shoulder style, a popular cut that beautifully highlights your shoulders and collarbones, adding a delightful touch of femininity to any look. In one scene from the movie, Elle rocks a striped purple and pink off-the-shoulder top that's perfect for those sunny and warm days. But here's the thing about channeling your inner Elle – it's all about drawing inspiration from the character rather than copying her looks as if you're preparing for a costume party.

So, in that spirit, we've chosen the Floral Print Square Neck Tiered Smock Midi Dress ($15) from Nasty Gal, a pink and purple flower-patterned off-the-shoulder midi dress. This selection captures the essence of Elle's style instead of opting for the exact replica of her top. The similarities are obvious — the vibrant colors and the alluring off-the-shoulder style remain true to Elle's iconic look. However, the pattern and the clothing type are completely different, showcasing that you can pay homage to Elle Woods while still maintaining your own style.

When it comes to boot trends you'll want to wear everywhere, one timeless staple that deserves a top spot is the classic brown boot. Elle Woods herself knows this, as she confidently strutted through the halls of Harvard in a pair of these versatile beauties, leaving us with no doubt that brown boots are a must-have for the colder days.

While you should always select a pair that speaks to your personal style, we suggest considering brown boots that gracefully graze just below your knee, as this length provides both fashion and function. To ensure all-day comfort, opt for a pair with a chunky and stable heel. These boots will not only keep you looking stylish but also allow you to walk with ease wherever your day may take you. Our choice of Elle-inspired boots is the Sangeti Knee High Boots by Vince Camuto, which you can buy at Nordstrom for $229.

Cold days can often feel a bit gray and gloomy, but that's no reason to let your outfit match that energy. Elle Woods would surely agree that even the chilliest of days should be an opportunity to showcase your impeccable style — no matter how many layers you have to put on. When it comes to staying warm, one accessory reigns supreme — the winter hat.

Now, if you're taking a page from Elle's fashion lookbook, consider going for a funky and brightly-colored hat, just like the purple one she rocks in "Legally Blonde." The adorable addition of a flower on the side only makes this look more unique and quirky. But of course, if that isn't your style, you can forgo the flower and opt for a sleeker design or a different embellishment that suits your taste. For your Elle-inspired winter hat, we suggest forgoing fast fashion in favor of supporting a small business by purchasing this Lavender Beanie for $26 on Etsy.

A pink ivy hat certainly isn't a common choice, but Elle Woods rocked it with confidence, and so can you. The ivy hat belongs to the flat cap family and shares some similarities with the newsboy hat — another style that was popular in the early 2000s. Traditionally, hats like these have been associated with men's fashion, but Elle demonstrated that they can be effortlessly worn by anyone, especially when they are in a bold and daring color like pink.

Embracing the ivy hat style is a way to make a striking fashion statement while paying homage to the early 2000s era. If you're unsure what to pair it with, a safe choice is always an oversized blazer in a simple pattern or neutral color. That way, the hat isn't competing with other parts of your look. Our choice of an Elle-inspired pink ivy hat is this Fashion Wool 504 Ivy Cap that you can call your own for $51.85 at the Village Hat Shop.