Dionne Davenport is a fashion goddess, still twenty some odd years later, the Clueless character is inspiring style. While the fallen star who played her isn’t who she used to be, it’s fine because the fashions were always the real star anyway. Dionne was the beloved, rich, gorgeously chic friend of Cher in Clueless, but really she was more than that. She was proof that all black girls in fashion didn’t have to be hip hop adjacent to be cool. That rocking argyle and tweed wasn’t just for the upper crust and that braids we’re definitely classy and not trashy. Yes, it took me a while to tap into my fashionable prowess but once I did, I had to give a bit of credit to DD. Because let’s be honest, Dionne taught me. 
Obviously my high school days were not as fashion forward as I would have liked. Between trying to stay on the pulse and within my feeble budget, it proved hard to wear much more than affordable cheap jeans and t-shirts. However what I got good at early on was, accessorizing. It is said that the most stylish among us could wear something akin to a potato sack and still be fashionable and that’s because when you’ve got it? You’ve got it. Stacey Dash’s Clueless character, Dionne Davenport represented that to me. Smart, Black, and certainly possessed it. Let’s visit some of my favorite looks so you can see what I mean.
Marjon Carlos called Dionne’s hat a Dr. Seuss lookalike in this article a few years ago, 
but those of us privy to life on growing up in pews, knew that this was likely her mother’s Sunday Best. The unexpected pièce de résistance took her outfit to new heights and showed the white crowd she was walking among just how Black she still was. Growing up in church I can appreciate a good hat when I see it, but even more when it makes a debut not in those four walls.
This is why Dionne Davenport was a fashion oracle…
Mini skirts, tweed, and fly jackets were the name of the game. Since 1995 it has been a go to combination for a winning outfit, we have Coco Chanel and truly Dionne to thank. She showed us that tweed wasn’t dowdy and for coords, it could be chic. This red patent skirt with a layered sweater and tee? Yes Dionne, yassss. And the bomber with a cropped top, if I had the abs? It would be a for sure DO. I love that Dionne though bougie, in her ways still had an edge and touch of street style incorporated in her looks. Just enough matchy matchy to look put together but not so much that we had to roll our eyes saying, “we get it – you’re wearing red.”
Now you can see why when I spotted this skirt on ASOS I immediately clicked, “add to cart.”Plus it’s turtleneck season so I’ve been snagging up tissue thin options that can be worn under sweatshirts or button down blouses for added warmth and the layered look. Shop some of my favs below:
OUTFIT DETAILS: faux fur coat – pretty young thing // turtleneck – ASOS // tweed skirt – ASOS // purse – MCM Worldwide // sunnies – Prada // lip – NYX Suede Creme Lipstick
My friends all know I am one for a good fur and when I showed them this, it was “oh yes girl!” and “get that!” all around. I must say they were right. I know people love to say that living in California means I don’t need real coats and certainly have no need for fur but to that I say, minding your business is free!! Hahaha. I’m pretty positive Dionne would approve.
Photography: RSee Photography
Is there a movie or character that has inspired you and your style? Drop it in the comments below!
xx,
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