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Now that Prime Video’s ‘Elle’ has finally graced our screens this summer, it’s a perfect day (pun fully intended) to begin gearing up for the upcoming fall semester. OK, it might be too soon to think about late-night cram sessions and working towards those straight As (unless you want to go full Elle Woods lock-in mode), but it’s never too early to start reimagining your living space and adding dorm decor to your cart. Whether you’re on campus, securing your first apartment, or you simply want to give your space a makeover that’s nostalgic rom-com level, look no further than Elle. The show singlehandedly brought back a new wave of nostalgia with its delightful little details, like clear home phones and oh-so-chic vanity mirrors. And as your certified pink lover, the show had me taking serious notes — with a sparkly pen, of course — and brainstorming how I should decorate my space next school year.
So in the spirit of “bend and snap” meets back-to-school season, we’re rounding up the best ‘90s-inspired dorm decor that feels straight out of Elle Woods’s world. If you’re trying to channel rom-com heroine vibes or just want your dorm to feel more like a curated mood board as opposed to a beige box, these pieces will seriously deliver. From translucent tech accents to vanity setups that practically beg for a morning skin care montage, consider this your official guide to making your space feel like somewhere a ‘90s main character lives. And don’t worry, there’s no law degree required to pull it off!
Victoria’s Secret PINK Elle Notebook & Fuzzy Pen Set ($30)
An Elle Woods-coded study setup wouldn’t be complete without a pink notebook and a fuzzy pen. Plus, this adorable composition book comes with writing prompts that will help you set the tone for a sparkly semester.
Amazon Trendy Pink Leopard Print Wall Art ($12)
If your goal for your space is channeling ‘90s-style decor, your personality has to show. Maximalism is the key! And if you want a touch of Legally Blonde, look no further than these posters. I could totally see the kiss mark and pink stiletto heel graphics in Elle Woods’s bedroom.
100 Years of Fashion by Cally Blackman ($19)
If you peek into both high-school and college-aged Elle’s bedroom, you’ll see that Elle reads a lot. And as someone who studied fashion merchandising alongside earning her law degree, fashion books would likely have been an essential in her bedroom. This book in particular is just as suitable for leisurely skimming as it is for your coffee table.
Nestl Shredded Memory Foam Reading Backrest Pillow ($42)
Elle Woods may be a pink girl through and through, but her room actually had a varying color palette. In the 2001 rom-com, vibrant hues showed through in accent pieces like her coral-colored accent chair, sunny yellow curtains, and a purple backrest pillow, like this one. It’s not fluffy like Elle’s, but this pillow would give you both color and comfort.
Pottery Barn Faux Peony Bundle ($23)
Flowers add a touch of elegance to any room they’re in. And if you don’t want the hassle of maintaining real blooms, faux flowers are a suitable alternative. High-school Elle had multiple bouquets (pink of course) scattered around her room, so why not take a page from her book?
Impressions Vanity Sweetheart 10x Magnified LED Mirror ($39)
Because no rom-com makeover is complete without a chic vanity mirror. This one gets additional bonus points because it’s pink and heart-shaped.
SIXDEFLY Retro Telephone ($34)
I actually own this telephone and can confirm it makes for an adorable dorm accessory. If you also enjoyed the nostalgic touch that Elle’s corded telephone provided in the show, this retro accessory is perfect. Plus, it’s actually functional!
SONGMICS HOME 43” Storage Ottoman Bench ($50)
One of my favorite elements from Elle’s bedroom was the petal pink bench she had at the foot of her bed. This ottoman captures that same charm, but also allows for storage, which is definitely a must if you’re living on campus.
SANMADROLA Round Area Rug ($25)
Another fun detail Woods had at the foot of her bed was an oversized, circular shag rug. If your space isn’t big enough for something of that scale, this rug is a suitable second choice.
JWH Velvet Throw Pillow ($21)
In case you hadn’t noticed, Elle had a lot of pillows on her bed. This fun, lip-shaped pillow is the perfect dupe to the ones she had in her collection.
Britney Spears Baby One More Time CD ($14)
Aside from her books, Elle had a swoonworthy collection of CDs to her name. Feel free to start building one of your own — I just know Britney Spears definitely would have been in her regular rotation.
Spencer’s 17-Inch Pink and Red Bow Lava Lamp ($45)
Another fun period piece in Elle’s bedroom was the pink lava lamp on her nightstand. If she hadn’t found the silver one she originally had, I think she would have definitely opted for this one.
At Home 2-Pack Mini Clear Cosmetic Organizer ($13)
From the clear home phones to the see-through CD-cases, the ‘90s were all about making things clear and slightly sparkly. A fun beauty organizer like this captures that same element of nostalgia.
LoveShackFancy Evaline Fragrance Tray ($95)
To house some of her knickknacks, Elle used a pink perfume tray. This one from LoveShackFancy captures both her love for pink florals as well as her attention to detail.