How much do I love Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, which turns 23 years old today? Let me count the ways: The girl-power pop soundtrack! The bizarre and too-long dream sequence! Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino's virtuoso comedic performances! Alan Cumming at his most Alan Cumming! But the thing I love most about this movie—which almost never even got made, by the way— is the glorious fashion. The film was released in 1997 and most of the pieces worn by the characters felt of-the-moment, but they also felt a little kooky and over-the-top. Well, almost two decades later, Romy and Michele are clear millennial fashion muses. Or are they just mine?
I recently organized my closet and realized how much of my personal style I owe to these two. My obsession with fruit accessories? Michele rocks cherry earrings in scene three. My love of colors that are one shade away from full-on hideous? Romy doesn't favor anything close to neutreal. The statement the fashion in this movie makes has clearly been imprinted in my brain from 15 years of re-watching, and I'm forever grateful.
The film’s costume designer, the iconic Mona May—who also did the costumes for Clueless two years before—somehow squeezed every incredible mid-to-late ‘90s trend into this movie and left out all the less-exciting fashion moments often associated with the period, like flannel. Considering this decade is back in a big way (thanks, Bella Hadid), I’m revisiting this movie’s looks from some of my favorite scenes, and pricing their still relevant in 2020.
Let’s start with Romy and Michele's most iconic look. Feathers are having a decidedly cool 2020 resurgence, and I'm here for it.
Sleeper Party Pajama Set
Staud Feather Shoulder Bag
Super-thick heels inspired by the ‘90s are in every cool-girl’s closet these days, but Romy and Michele truly lived in this trend. In one scene, they literally work out in heels, a la Mariah Carey’s Cribs episode.
By Far Lola Suede and PVC Sandals
Maryam Nassir Zadeh Sophie Suede Slides
I knew there was a reason I’m so drawn to cherry earrings! I can imagine wearing Michele’s happy matching earring/necklace set all summer.
Sugarfix x BaubleBar Cherry Huggie Hoop Earrings
Susan Alexandra Watermelon Dream Bag
Suits are basically the 2020 influencer uniform. This street style trend never seems to fade, and Romy and Michele managed to look amazing in their “business women” outfits even though we all knew they weren't really suit types.
Mango Crop Blazer
Mango Suit Pants
The fashion in this movie is all about color. Romy and Michele try to impress their former classmates with a made-up persona and wear dark, muted colors to fit in. But it’s only when they revert back to their loud, bright personalities and personal styles that they gain the acceptance they crave and really come into their own. In particular, yellow, the color of optimism, makes a few appearances. It's also been everywhere in 2020, from the runway to the street.
Reformation Linen Dress
Frame Mini Embossed Leather Crossbody Bag
So, go ahead, give in! Add Romy and Michele’s incredible style to your 2020 moodboard, and make sure to rewatch (or re-wear) this classic movie. We could all use a little color and laughter right now.
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