A wise woman once introduced the world to the “bend and snap.” That woman was Elle Woods, in the timeless film Legally Blonde, which is officially 15 years old today! (Reese Witherspoon posted on Instagram about it and we’re feeling all sorts of emotions.)
As we all know, there’s no limit to the amount of times it’s appropriate to watch Elle take over Harvard Law School with chic outfits and a Chihuahua best friend. In celebration of this important anniversary, let’s look back on 15 key lessons the sorority president-turned-lawyer taught us about beauty, men and life.
1. A GOOD MANICURE IS THE CURE FOR ANY BAD DAY
Fresh polish is the perfect remedy for almost anything.
2. PINK IS ALWAYS IN STYLE
Pink is the universal color and is a necessity for every outfit. Orange may be the new black, but it will never be the new pink.
3. HAIR COLOR DOES NOT DEFINE INTELLIGENCE
Just look at Elle Woods as proof that you shouldn’t let stereotypes define you. As Emmett once said, “Being blonde is actually a pretty powerful thing.”
4. THE BEND AND SNAP HAS A 98 PERCENT SUCCESS RATE
But a 2 percent chance that you may break your crush s nose, so use it carefully.
5. WHENEVER YOU MAKE AN ENTRANCE, DO IT WITH CONFIDENCE
Even if you are told it is a costume party.
6. CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, DOGS ARE A WOMAN‘S BEST FRIEND
Just look at Bruiser Woods. Who wouldn t want a Gemini vegetarian best friend like him?!
7. ALWAYS STAND OUT
Whether it was a pink, scented résumé, fluffy pens or taking on a challenge, Elle Woods was never afraid to set herself apart from the pack.
8. NEVER WASH YOUR HAIR AFTER GETTING A PERM
You would think that’s just basic knowledge, but apparently it’s not.
9. IF YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOURSELF FOR A GUY, HE IS NOT THE RIGHT ONE
Because when you finally let go of someone who is holding you back, you will shine.
10. CHOCOLATE CURES ALL HEARTBREAK
It is important to give yourself time to grieve and wallow with the help of a caloric friend.
11. NEVER SETTLE
Elle is the perfect example of going after what you want and proving all the haters wrong. And let’s be real, if she settled for Warner, she wouldn’t have ended up with the super-dreamy Emmett.
12. SOMETIMES YOUR ENEMIES MAY SURPRISE YOU
Once Vivian and Elle realized what a “complete bonehead” Warner was, they become best friends, despite their rocky start.
13. ALWAYS EXERCISE
Make sure you release those endorphins.
14. ALWAYS CELEBRATE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
There is nothing wrong with giving yourself a pat on the back.
15. YOU MUST ALWAYS HAVE FAITH IN YOURSELF
This is what got Elle through Harvard – she continually believed in herself and wouldn’t let a creepy teacher or a dim-witted ex-boyfriend hold her back. She knew what she wanted and went after it. Her passion for the law, life and the color pink still provides #inspo to women today.
Elle, you will always be good enough for us.
Her positive spirit and keen understanding of all things fashion and the law made Elle one of the most iconic – and loveable – film characters of all time.