3 Books To Pick Up If You Love The Movie Clueless

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

From its whimsical wardrobe to its snappy, smart dialogue, "Clueless" is a movie that has aged into a classic. There's still so much to love about actor Alicia Silverstone's star-making performance as Cher, as well as the film's smart commentary on teenage culture. It also doesn't hurt that many of the iconic styles from "Clueless" are perfectly on trend today.

Part of the movie's charm comes from the way it subverted the predictable cliches of high school comedies, while also managing to bottle nostalgia for the era in which it was created. Director Amy Heckerling, who had previously made "Fast Times At Ridgemont High," has a sharp eye for teen culture. "It's a perfectly preserved time capsule of '90s optimism and style," wrote one Reddit user. "Skip it and you miss a heroine who's fabulously shallow yet deeply kind, proving popularity can have heart." So, if you're like totally buggin' about Paramount's forthcoming "Clueless" reboot, or if you just love to rewatch this nostalgic film, then these books — including the Jane Austen novel that inspired Heckerling's script — offer similarly effervescent vibes.

Girls In White Dresses by Jennifer Close

Though "Clueless" is indisputably a romantic comedy, it's way more than just a love story. Cher's friendships with Dionne and Tai are enormous parts of her life and her character arc. Similarly, Jennifer Close's 2011 novel "Girls in White Dresses" captures how important female friendships are for a young woman's coming of age as three longtime friends navigate life after college. Through engagement parties and weddings, their friendships remain the consistent thread throughout their lives.

Close's novel offers plenty of humor punctuated by surprising moments of tenderness. "I could see myself in almost every character at one point or another, and I thought she did a really great job of capturing the feeling of being single while all of your friends are getting married and are about to be having kids," wrote one Goodreads reviewer. "I liked the way it was written, looking at a bunch of different women at different times in their lives." If you frequently return to "Clueless" for its warmth and laughs, then this novel is likely to scratch the same itch.

Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding

In the 1996 novel "Bridget Jones Diary," Helen Fielding captures the messy reality of a 30-something single woman in London. As she enters the New Year, Bridget has a long list of resolutions, but locking down a respectable boyfriend is at the top. She's every bit as lovable as she is neurotic, which is why she quickly finds herself torn between two suiters who couldn't be more different. This sparkling comic novel was even adapted into a beloved series of movies starring Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant. If you like books packed with '90s nostalgic vibes, "Bridget Jones's Diary" is the perfect pick.

Like "Clueless," this story is an updated take on a classic Jane Austen story: "Pride & Prejudice." That makes it a great follow up for anyone who loves Austen's marriage plots when they're transposed into contemporary settings. While there are some elements of this book that will feel a bit dated — including Bridget's obsessive tracking of her weight — Fielding has managed to capture both the spirit of Austen's original work and depict a modern narrator who is both believable and relatable. "Although this book is delightfully hilarious, it hits on feelings on insecurity and the impossible standards women face," wrote one Goodreads reviewer.

Emma by Jane Austen

If you love "Clueless" then the book you absolutely cannot miss is Jane Austen's 1815 novel, "Emma." This romantic, comic novel was the inspiration for the movie's storyline, and you'll quickly recognize the parallels between Alicia Silverstone's Cher and the sunny — if occasionally spoiled — heroine of this classic book. Despite 19th century norms, Emma has no interest in marriage. She would rather play matchmaker to her friends. But while her meddling starts off well, it quickly escalates into a series of romantic mishaps. This novel has been adapted into a number of movies, including a version starring Anya Taylor-Joy, whose favorite book is a staple of feminist literature. Still, "Clueless" reflects the original story's levity as well as any of them.

As usual, Austen captures the intricacies of Regency-era Britain with merciless wit. Compared to Austen's other protagonists, Emma can be a bit of an acquired taste. Still, readers didn't regret getting to know her. "I've always admired heroines who are a little vain, a little narcissistic, and perhaps a bit too in love with themselves, but who nonetheless possess a genuinely good heart," wrote one Goodreads reviewer. "Emma was such a delightful character from start to finish, and I loved her throughout the story."

Recommended