The heroine of Jane Austen’s classic novel, Emma, has become a notable part of fashion/pop culture twice in the past two decades. There was, of course, Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) from the quintessential 90s high school movie, Clueless, and now Pemberly Digital’s Emma Woodhouse (Joanna Sotomura) from their popular web series Emma Approved. If these two characters have something in common — apart from the book on which they’re based — it’s their amazing fashion sense.
Any girl, no matter their age, who watched Clueless wanted Cher’s closet. Not only were the clothes totally 90s chic, she also had the coolest fashion technology that has yet to be created — it’s been almost 20 years, Silicon Valley, where is my Closet Organizer/Outfit Previewer?? However, Emma Approved is giving Clueless a run for its fashion money. With two different-but-still-chic senses of fashion, the important question is: whose closet do we want to raid more?
Emma’s style is a perfect example of business casual with plenty of blazers, chiffon button-ups, and pastels. However Cher’s closet could technically be considered “vintage” now, or a part of the 90s revival that is currently on trend: she mixes plaids, bold primary colors, baby doll tees, and knee-highs for a preppy schoolgirl look — perfect for her high school life.
Although Emma is based on Jane Austen’s original character, she certainly seems to take some fashion notes from Cher — and rightfully so. It’s almost as if Emma is updating on Cher’s closet for the modern businesswoman.
So who’s closet would we raid if given the chance? If answering both is too much of a cop out, we’d have to go with Emma. Have you seen her fashion blog? (We’d also love to borrow Harriet Smith’s clothes, if that’s an option.)
