30 years since we saw Clueless, we are still thinking about Cher's dressing room – it's trendy as ever

When it comes to aspirational closets, there is one that has cemented itself as the ultimate wardrobe: we are of course talking about Cher's futuristic, spacious walk-in from the film Clueless (1995).

While her computer system to coordinate outfits might not be as accessible for most of us, the ethos of the space (i.e. the dressing room as a space you actually want to spend time in) remains right on trend 30 years later, giving us plenty of dressing room ideas.

From its color-coordinated racks of clothes to its smart use of shelving and storage, Cher's closet really holds up – and it's easier to replicate her dressing room than you might think.

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According to experts, one of the key elements to making a closet a space that feels aspirational and elegant is lighting (both in the traditional sense and beyond). It not only impacts visibility but can also set a specific mood.

'When designing a dressing room, it’s important to think about lighting and light-reflecting surfaces to make a windowless or smaller room come to life, making it a beautiful place to spend time in,' explains Philipp Nagel, director of Neatsmith. 'Including warm recessed LEDs, mirrored door designs and decorative glass finishes helps to maximize light and a sense of space within a walk-in wardrobe or dressing room. Lighting plays a pivotal role in not only in setting the ambiance and tone of your dressing space but also in engaging with the contents of your wardrobe. We recommend to our clients that lighting should be positioned at the front of the wardrobe to properly illuminate clothes, with consideration given to lumen (also described as LED wattage) and bulb colour. Opt for lighting that replicates natural daylight – the true colour of your whites can become distorted with warmer or colder lighting, leading to a potential fashion faux pas. Controlling brightness in a wardrobe is essential. Many couples wake up and get ready at different times, so an intelligently lit wardrobe removes the need to turn on room lights and prevents disruptions in shared spaces. Lights can seamlessly be integrated into the wardrobes, concealing the source for a more aesthetic vibe.'

Additionally, the ever-popular glass-front, display cabinets continue to prevail due to their accessibility and sleek look.

'Unlike traditional solid-door wardrobes, glass-fronted wardrobes provide clear visibility of the contents inside,' Philipp explains. 'This makes it easier to locate specific items without the need to open multiple doors, saving time and effort. Plus, because glass has a reflective quality that can make a room appear larger and brighter by bouncing light around the space. In smaller rooms or apartments, glass-fronted wardrobes can create the illusion of more space, making the area feel more open and airy.'

He continues, 'Glass-fronted wardrobes, like our reflex glass, are as practical as they are visually captivating. Whether you’re looking to make a small space feel larger or make a grand statement with your walk-in wardrobe glass doors have a timeless quality that ensures they remain stylish for years to come.'

While the mechanics and technicalities of Cher's dressing room remain aspirational, the idea of a dressing room as a sophisticated, inviting space is one we can still get behind after 30 years.

While the mechanics and technicalities of Cher's dressing room remain aspirational, the idea of a dressing room as a sophisticated, inviting space is one we can still get behind after 30 years.