6 Essential Life Lessons Legally Blonde Teaches Us

Legally Blonde has always been one of my favourite movies.

And it became even more so when I decided to go to University to study Law. There was something endearing about a ditsy girl who studied fashion, taking a complete U-turn by going down the legal route.

Not that I studied fashion, or knew my Dior’s from my Gucci’s. I’d always been pretty academic and not exactly up-to-date with what was trending. But the way the film was presented made the sector a whole lot more intriguing and cemented my choice.

But as I watched it again for the twentieth time last week, now disconnected from my legal path, I realised there was a lot more to it in the way of valuable life lessons we should all take note of, whether we’re pursuing a legal career or not.

1. Don’t judge a book by its cover

As someone with peroxide blonde hair, bright pink clothes, and a fluffy pen, Elle Woods was misjudged by practically every person she met. Even her own parents didn’t think she would be able to get into Law School. Obviously by the end, Elle proves herself to be way smarter than many of the people around her, proving that what you see isn’t necessarily what you get. Allow people to show their true colours before you make your judgement. Sometimes you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

2. It’s okay to wallow after a heartbreak

We’ve all been there. Sitting alone with a tub of ice cream or box of chocolates, stuffing our faces to make ourselves feel better. And so seeing Elle lying in bed with a tear stained face, eating chocolate, whilst shouting at the TV, is pretty relatable. Embracing your emotions is all part of the ride to emerging out of the other size stronger than before.

3. Surround yourself with positive people

Elle’s closest friends, Margot and Serena, whilst not quite understanding Elle’s desire and then enjoyment of being a lawyer, still supported her and helped her to achieve her goals. Make time for those who support you, who act as your ‘cheerleader’, even if they don’t fully understand your life decisions. Those who will stick by you even when they don’t agree with you. These are the friends to hold onto.

4. Don’t let anyone say you can’t

Half of the time that people say you can’t do something or you’re not good enough is because either they don’t have the guts to do it themselves or they’re just plain jealous. Throughout the movie, Elle is continually told she can’t do certain things — she can’t marry Warner because she isn’t worthy, she’s not smart enough to get into Law School, and that she won’t make a successful lawyer. She teaches us not to listen and to instead say ‘just watch me’.

5. You have to work for what you want

Unfortunately, not everything can be handed to us on a plate and Elle certainly shows us that. She ditches the late night parties and other social events, instead spending her time emerged in a pile of books studying for her exams. If you put in the work and dedication, nothing is out of reach, even if you don’t make it the first time. Try, try, and try again until you make it.

“A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” ~ Colin Powell

6. Believe in yourself

You know better than anyone what you are capable of and what you want in life. Listen to your gut, trust your instincts, and trust yourself. Be unapologetically you.

As Elle Woods herself says, “You must always have faith in people. And, most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself.”