The new year is coming, so it's time to start making your 2024 vision board! If you're like us, it's likely you're thinking about developing healthy habits and workout goals that you'll actually want to commit to — no judgement. Since we're all in the same boat, we've got just the thing to motivate you — new workout leggings!
From high-waisted to seamless designs, these leggings are going to help you achieve your health goals and then some. Read on to discover the most innovative, edgy, and eye-catching ones we’ve found!
The most impressive detail of this simple, cold-weather design from Kate Hudson’s Fabletics line comes with a cute pocket detail on the side. This means you get to work out without losing sight of your phone.
After getting the okay from your OBGYN to work out, head over to Nike to pick up these cute gentle-support workout leggings. The soft fabric will conform to your body and growing baby bump!
These squat-proof workout leggings are guaranteed to provide the support you're looking for. Plus, you get to look cute.
These $20 millennial pink workout pants are every bit as cute and trendy as any $100 counterpart. Plus, they have some serious performance elements — like moisture-wicking-fabric — to boot.
These premium workout leggings are designed to offer you a flared leg and elastic waist to ensure you're comfortable while going on your morning run.
These magenta body-hugging leggings should give you a boost of energy when you're working out.
High-rise workout leggings aren't for everyone, so we suggest wearing this low-rise bootcut version.
Our Content Editor agrees that flare pants definitely count as workout leggings.
Free yourself from feeling restricted by a seamless design with these four-way stretch pants. You'll be able to enjoy medium-impact workouts without feeling icky.
You can’t go wrong with a printed pair of leggings, and that’s just what this Lululemon style serves up. This option comes complete with all the amenities you want, including five hidden waistband pockets, and moisture-wicking fabric.
Beloved by the likes of Reese Witherspoon and Jessica Alba, this brand boasts “ultra-lightweight Italian fabric” and plenty of style. Our pick? This black gradient dot print.
Looking for a pair of seamless workout leggings that make your butt look good? We think you've met your match.
Stella McCartney and Adidas teamed up to bring you the best performance running leggings on the market. Okay, we're being biased. But, they're still a great option for our girls who love to run.
These workout leggings will give you an illusion of having a BBL — if that's your thing — thanks to the under glute contour.
Amp yourself up with Victoria's Secret seamless workout tights, which are sure to set you apart from the rest of the gym crowd.
You don't just need another pair of cute workout leggings. You need something that's going to perform well while being sweat-resistant.
These leggings are for the girlies who can't get enough of stirrup pants.
Affordable? Check. Cute? Check. Performing? Check — these OQQ leggings are form fitting, breathable, and practical.
Which pair of workout leggings look the most appealing to you? Let us know and don't forget to add them to your cart!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
This post has been updated.
Lead image via Free People
Breakfast might be the first meal of the day, but lunch is equally as important – especially if you start hitting a slump before the afternoon. Between picking the easiest option like cold leftovers (yum!) and dreaming up lunch ideasin the middle of the work day, it's no wonder we need that afternoon cup of coffee so desperately.
But, eating a healthy, delicious lunch every day doesn't mean you have to devote your entire Sunday to meal prep, and the easy lunch ideas ahead prove it. Keep reading for 54 flavor-packed lunches you can make in a matter of minutes. These will save you time *and* still satisfy you, keeping you energized and more productive for the rest of your afternoon. Enjoy!
Some of the easiest foods to make for lunch are quick recipes like overnight oats, scrambled eggs or tofu, or sandwiches that don't take a lot of time or effort.
Pasta, soup, salad, sandwiches, toast, smoothies, jar recipes, grilled chicken, mug recipes, and crackers with dip are all good lunch foods. Find more easy lunch ideas below!
There are a variety of lunch ideas that you can make at home. Versatile ingredients like veggies, chicken or tofu, and your favorite sauces can go in multiple recipes like salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.
Prepared pasta, chicken and egg salads, finger sandwiches, and soups you can pack for a week are all small lunches that will leave you satisfied without weighing you down.
Brit + Co
Pre-cooked protein and veggies don't just have to form grain bowls. Liven up your lunch with a fun, healthier take on Cup Noodles.
The Endless Meal
Serve this creamy sauce with your next easy lunch ideas in just 5 minutes. Use it to drown your favorite pasta shape or roasted cauliflower rice in pure deliciousness.
Feel Good Foodie
We could never pass up the opportunity to make mug mac and cheese! Since the recipe calls for a bag of shredded cheese, you can just add your fave.
Rachel Mansfield
This gluten-free pasta tastes like creamy Alfredo, but with a lighter twist, thanks to coconut milk. This one def makes all other lunch ideas look boring.
Rachel Mansfield
This 10-minute lunchtime meal is gluten-free, and made with just four ingredients – easy peasy!
Brit + Co
While this recipe for fattoush salad uses romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, bell peppers, and herbs, you can really use whatever you have on hand. Open a bag of pita chips instead of baking your own for a lightning-fast lunch.
Brit + Co
This handheld take on chicken salad will please your tummy and your carb count.
Brit + Co
If you have leftover quinoa, add in all your fave fruits (dried or fresh), nuts, and herbs for a psuedo-grain salad that will satiate. Whether you eat it cold or warm, this is an easy lunch that won't leave you wanting more.
Brit + Co
Watermelon radishes receive the name for their pink hue and green exterior alone. Flavor-wise, they are the opposite of sweet (the earthy, spicy veg goes best with a simple balsamic vinaigrette). But we don't mind. They're one of the prettiest veggies we've ever seen!
Brit + Co
Whip up this sweet-and-savory salad with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing for a deceptively nutritious lunch.
Brit + Co
The great thing about salads is how customizable and easy they are to put together. Just reach for whatever fruits and veggies you have in your fridge and mix them up in a bowl! This fennel salad is already making our mouths water.
Feel Good Foodie
This flavorful 5-minute salad made with sour cream, red onion, and dill is delicious on its own or on top of toast. Easy lunch ideas have truly met their match with this fresh take.
Fancy Peasant
Simple and delicious, this healthy salad is super easy to toss together. It makes for an unbeatable side dish to accompany your best lunch sandwiches.
Pinch of Yum
Three-minute poached shrimp, avocado, cucumber, and fresh herbs compose a salad you never knew your lunch repertoire needed.
She Likes Food
This is one amazing salad in terms of taste, nutritional value, and meal prep-ability.
Damn Delicious
Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for this salad, and you’ll have plenty of leftovers for the rest of the week. Switch up the fruits and veggies that you add on top depending on your mood. The more colorful, the better! This is one veggie-packed easy lunch idea we can't get enough of.
Crowded Kitchen
In just 10 minutes, mix together fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, vegan or OG mozzarella, avocado, arugula and a simple balsamic vinaigrette for a healthy and refreshing lunch.
No. 2 Pencil
Use some leftover chicken, pre-crumbled bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and your favorite dressing to quickly assemble a hearty lunch that hardly feels like a salad.
Brit + Co
Perfect for leftover rice, this poke bowl just requires quickly mixing sushi-grade tuna in soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, slicing cucumbers, and topping it off with spicy mayo. This is one of the freshest easy lunch ideas we've seen.
Brit + Co
Like a poke bowl, this veggie-friendly lunch is easily customizable with whatever chopped veggies you have on hand. Top with your favorite poke classics, like seaweed salad and pickled ginger.
Completely Delicious
Warm up in just 10 minutes of cook time with this homemade chicken ramen recipe made with chicken, mushrooms, and noodles in a simple savory broth.
Culinary Hill
With just five ingredients — apple juice, bananas, frozen berries, Greek yogurt, and frozen acai purée — this acai bowl can be whipped up in a blender in minutes.
Clean Cuisine
Your Instant Pot makes this homemade chili an 8-minute meal and a healthy lunch you can have for the week!
Live Eat Learn
This creamy, vegan soup has a tang of lime juice, a taste of garlic, and a spicy kick from jalapeños! We're hooked on easy lunch ideas like this.
Brit + Co
An Instant Pot will help cook your mix of eggs, mushrooms, and cream into something truly divine. Dig in with a spoon or spread on a slice of your favorite bread for a breakfast-for-lunch feast.
Brit + Co
This version has cheese both on the inside and outside of the bread for the absolute best grilled cheese possible.
Brit + Co
As long as you have all the ingredients on hand, you can certainly whip up this nostalgic bite in five minutes. Make sure you have plenty of napkins for this gooey 'wich!
Averie Cooks
Busy day? Top these fish tacos with a honey mustard-lemon sauce for a quick and easy lunch idea.
Give Recipe
Give your classic grilled cheese an extra boost of nutrients with warm spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy feta, and melted cheddar.
Vikalinka
Tuna melt lovers will enjoy this hot salmon sandwich with a mix of canned and smoked salmon plus oozing melted cheese on delicious crusty bread!
Munching with Mariyah
This meal is perfect if you're craving eggs (but don't actually eat eggs). Vegan friends, this is the easy lunch idea for you.
Half Baked Harvest
While your bread is toasting, slice up a tomato and some manchego cheese, layer them on the bread, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of basil, salt, and pepper. We love elevated easy lunch ideas like this one.
She Likes Food
Make this mouthwatering lunch extra easily with store-bought tostadas, which you spread with refried beans (or black beans) and your choice of taco toppings, such as shredded sweet potato and grated cheese.
Plain Chicken
The combination of sweet pears with salty blue cheese and prosciutto (on a piece of naan) makes this a toaster-oven lunch you’ll crave even after you’re done eating it.
Feel Good Foodie
It doesn't have to be Thanksgiving to enjoy a turkey-cranberry-cheese sandwich. We'd eat this easy lunch idea every day of the year!
Whitney Bond
This panini is packed with fresh turkey, spinach-artichoke dip, and sun-dried tomatoes. Buy pre-made dip and already sliced turkey, and lunch basically makes itself.
Damn Delicious
Juicy grapes, tart apples, and cranberries is straight-up comfort food between two slices of bread.
Feel Good Foodie
Get your pizza fix in just 10 minutes with this tortilla-based take on pizza dough.
How Sweet Eats
Beef up your usual avocado toast with a shaved hard-boiled egg, salt, and pepper. After noshing on that, you’ll have all the energy you need to conquer the rest of your day, even when that afternoon slump hits!
Half Baked Harvest
If you're looking for something that will go a little bit easier on your stomach, consider this toast recipe! Not only is cinnamon sugar toast a classic that has us feeling all kinds of nostalgic, but the addition of dark chocolate gives it a grown-up spin.
Brit + Co
This guacamole is a quick mix of spinach, avocado, red onion, garlic, and jalapeño for a true power lunch. It goes great on any sandwich!
A Spicy Perspective
This low-carb dip mixes smoked salmon, dill, cream cheese, and lemon juice. It will go perfectly with some toasted bread for an easily-to-handle lunch at your desk.
Feel Good Foodie
Swap your PB&J for this sweet and savory dip with a side of your favorite fruit.
A Spicy Perspective
We're throwing it back to elementary school days with a dip that's perfect for carrots, celery, and all other kinds of finger foods. Add this recipe to your list of easy lunch ideas for some flavor!
Live Eat Learn
With a bag of carrot sticks or pita chips, this easy tzatziki is an instant lunch. (via Live Eat Learn)
Forks & Foliage
Enjoy this fresh-tasting dip with a bag of chips or toast for a satisfying lunch.
Feel Good Foodie
For lunch on the go, blend up bananas, Greek yogurt, oats, almond milk, and peanut butter. You can change up the ratios depending on whether you want it thicker (more PB) or thinner (more milk), and voilà!
A Spicy Perspective
On the lighter side, this watermelon and yogurt smoothie is refreshing and filling and just takes 5 minutes.
The Endless Meal
This 8-minute easy lunch is perfect with a simple salad, on toast, or on its own.
A Spicy Perspective
If you think about it, nachos are kind of like a different type of salad. This one features cheese, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts for a totally easy but totally delicious. This is also a great way to get rid of leftovers if you have extra veggies in the fridge!
Woman Scribbles
Put your Instant Cup o' Noodles back in your pantry because we just found the easiest Pad Thai recipe to make. Be sure to add rice noodles, coconut milk, and fish sauce to your grocery list because you'll need them in addition to what you may already have at home!
Two Peas and Their Pod
In less than an hour you can be munching on Easy Vegetarian Tacos — at least if you have 30 minutes to spare. We're past thinking that food that looks good can't be healthy and you'll feel the same once you bite into these juicy hand-held treats. Just think, your Taco Tuesday dinners can have this option for anyone who wishes they could have a healthier meal!
The Endless Meal
We've never met a pasta we didn't like, but this Boursin dish may be the one to send us over the edge. Plus, you only need a few ingredients to make it.
Cozy Cravings
It may be fall, but it still feels like summer in many southeastern places. If you're missing its carefree energy and seasonal meals, don't be afraid to make this Sungold Tomato Pasta. It requires fresh ingredients to give it that lightweight, but flavorful taste that you'll be wanting more of.
Find more quick, easy lunch ideas on our Food section, get inspired on Pinterest, or join our newsletter!
This post has been updated.
Choosing bleached vs. unbleached flour for the recipe at hand can mean the difference between an okay-tasting treat and a can't-wait-to-stuff-this-in-my-mouth experience. Once you have the proper staple, you can make fluffy cakes, chewy pizza crusts, unforgettable breads, and lighter-than-air biscuits. The biggest differences between each type of flour? Protein content, texture, and the type of wheat used. To find out which is best for which foods, scroll through our primer on all the different flours you need to know.
Chances are the flour most of us have in our cupboards right now is all-purpose. This type of flour has a fairly high protein content, meaning you can use it to make bread and pasta, but it's not so protein-rich that you can't also use it to bake cakes and cookies. A note about bleached vs. unbleached: Unbleached flour turns white naturally as it ages, while bleached flour is synthetically aged with chemicals. Unbleached flour can produce slightly coarser baked goods, but the difference between the two is very slight.
Pre-mixed flour blends are a godsend for those who are new to gluten-free baking. Look for a box or bag that says "1 to 1," which means that every cup of the gluten-free flour is equal to a cup of all-purpose wheat flour. BRM adds xanthan gum to its mix, which basically replaces the gluten in regular flour, so your GF baked goods stick together and don't crumble like sand.
Bread flour can make all the difference if your homemade loaves never seem to come out quite right. It's higher in gluten and protein, which gives more structure to the rise and bake of your bread. To use whole wheat flour when making bread, you should cut it with 25-50 percent bread flour so you still get the texture you're looking for.
Cake flour is milled extra-fine, so you get the softest, fluffiest cakes possible. It's made with soft winter wheat, which has less protein than other types of wheat and doesn't develop as much gluten. Cake flour is also a preferred choice if you want to make fluffy pancakes.
Baking with whole wheat flour isn't difficult, but there are a few things that make it different from refined flour. It's coarser and denser, which can inhibit the production of gluten (resulting in gummy, flat bread loaves). Its heaviness means cakes and other baked goods may have trouble rising. To combat this when making bread, use a blend of whole wheat and bread flour, or add a tablespoon or two of vital wheat gluten and an extra tablespoon of water to your dough to increase the protein content of the mixture and get a more traditional rise. For cakes, use equal parts whole wheat and cake flour.
Wondra is a blend of wheat flour and malted barley flour that mixes into gravies, sauces, and stews without leaving lumps like regular flour does. Beyond that, it also yields the flakiest pie crusts. It can make dredging fish and chicken easier than ever too.
For the lightest, fluffiest biscuits of your life, pick up White Lily self-rising flour. It's made from soft wheat that's finely milled and pre-mixed with rising agents.
"00" flour is an Italian bread flour that's milled to be extra-fine. It has about the same protein content as all-purpose flour, but because of its texture, it produces superior pizza crust and bread. If you're a die-hard Neapolitan pizza fan, it's worth keeping some on hand.
Semolina flour is what you want to use for making pasta. Created from the ground endosperm of durum wheat, it usually has a slightly sweet flavor, golden color, and coarser texture than regular wheat flour. Look for Italian semolina flour, which tends to be milled more finely than its American counterparts, making for smoother dough and pasta.
Now want to try out your new knowledge of bleached vs unbleached flour? Follow us on @BritAndCo on Pinterest for delicious recipes.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
(Photos via retailers)
Our hearts skip a beat every time we hear news about Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson because they're one of the cutest couples ever! In addition to becoming to new parents, it's possible they've been married while the rest of us have been wondering what's going on behind the scenes! Until they confirm marriage news, we'll keep sighing over their touching baby updates and the romantic way they interact with each other in paparazzi snaps.
Here's everything we know about Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattison's special journey as new parents!
Monica Schipper/Getty Images
The new parents stepped out in style during the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on October 5 and they somehow seem cooler than before. Both wore pairs of shades that obscured their eyes, but their smiles and coordinating outfits were on full display! From the deep navy floral dress Suki wore to Robert's tailored suit, something tells me these two were prepared to turn heads.
Dimitrios Kambouris
Suki Waterhouse can't stop gushing about her family! She showed up in style on the 2024 MTV VMA's red carpet and said Robert Pattinson is "the greatest" at being a dad to their 6-month-old baby girl (via Access Hollywood). Though he was working, Suki happily brought their daughter with her and had fun "showing her around New York City" prior to her red carpet appearance. As far as little one's personality, Suki disclosed that "She has such a sweet nature," and she's enjoying watching it unfold.
Suki Waterhouse is learning how to manage being a first-time mom who also has a career — two things that aren't easy to balance whatsoever. One of the things she shared with British Vogueis that she realized how much pressure moms are under. "Every mum’s morality is in question so much, not just from yourself, but from society," she said. "Everyone’s projecting something onto you. That’s an insane thing."
The one thing she observed about Robert Pattinson is how he seems to be adjusting to fatherhood. She said, " [he's] the dad I could have hoped for...It’s an actual love story."
Concerning their love story, Suki's song "To Love" from her upcoming album Memoir of a Sparklemuffin celebrates what it means to find your person. She said, "I had a very clear feeling of being like, ‘Oh, wow, Rob and I have been together six years and I’m still really into this.'" For Suki, all that seems to matter is, "This love and having a family and having a little world."
Someone bring us another box of tissues because this sounds so sweet!
Francois Durand/Getty Images
Robert usually doesn't share too many details about his personal life, but there's no hiding from the joy of being a first-time dad! He recently attended the Dior Homme Menswear Spring/Summer 2025 fashion show in Paris (via People) and looked just as amazing as we remember seeing him in public.
Thanks to a short clip a fan posted to X, we're finally able to know how Robert feels about #dadlife. Though you have to really listen to hear what's he saying, there's no mistaking that he's loving life.
"[Having a baby] makes you feel very old and very young," he said with a smile that reached his eyes. "She's so cute...You know, I'm amazed by how quickly their personality comes. So even at three months, I'm like, 'Oh … I can kinda see who she is already.'"
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Remember those whispers about Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson's engagement? Well, the couple is now rumored to have secretly gotten married already!
According to a source, they've been riding the marital bliss wave for some time. "The capper on that transformation has been for them to finally get serious about starting a family and spending the rest of their lives together. Official PR announcement or not, Rob and Suki are a married couple," they revealed to In Touch Weekly.
Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson were spotted at Coachella on Friday in preparation for the former's amazing performance! A fan page shared several candid shots of the couple walking around on Instagram and we're living for Suki's fur coat moment. Only she could make her outfit look effortlessly cool.
But, one of the best moments during her Coachella set is the beautiful way she announced the gender of her and Robert's baby. In this awesome TikTok video, Suki can be seen smiling as she talked to the crowd. "I don't know if some of you know, but I've had some pretty big life changes happening this year...and I've been very lucky to have my own little amazing lady and meet the love of my life," she said.
This means Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson are officially on #TeamGirl 💕!
Suki Waterhouse/Instagram
Suki Waterhouse shared how she was doing during postpartum on Instagram and gave her honest opinion about it. She wore an oversized cardigan, a nursing bra, and a pair of Frida Mom Disposable Underwear. She wrote, "the fourth trimester has been… humbling! the postpartum period has been filled with exhilarating joy, so much laughter, tears, soo many hormones! I’m proud of everything my body has achieved and proud of the kindness and grace I’ve given myself during this recovery period. 💕ootd: @fridamom pants!"
People applauded her for being so honest about postpartum with @juliemic79 commenting, "Thank you for being so real about what we go through after we deliver our precious angels. The hormones, the sleepless nights., the sheer joy and wonder of how such a little human can make your heart burst. It's a journey, take the time and heal and enjoy..."
Suki Waterhouse/Instagram
Suki shared an adorable pic of her holding their precious baby on Instagram with the caption, "welcome to the world angel ❤️." Singer Halsey wrote "ROCKSTAR MOM!" while Paris Hilton typed, "Congratulations love! So happy for you both!🥰" Amazon Prime is even spotted in Suki's comments!
Plenty of Suki's fans left their own sweet messages too! User @mischa.moo wrote, "Child’s gene pool is made of gold omg," which sums up how we feel.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson welcomed their first baby together earlier this year and it was one of the best baby news we'd come across! The new parents kept the details of baby's birth under wraps, but DailyMail shared exclusive images that showed they'd enjoyed a nice family outing while Robert pushed their newborn in a baby stroller
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
People shared that Suki Waterhouse practically floated on the red carpet while wearing a custom-made red Valentino gown that showed off her growing baby bump. She looked ethereal as the camera caught several angles of her face and the cut-out portions of her gown that revealed her and Robert Pattinson's baby.
Funnily enough, the gown had to be altered before it fit her frame perfectly. She said, "I was really excited about this look, Valentino...but it didn't even — like, I had to hold it. The fitting was just me holding it to my. body, so they had to really...redesign this dress to make it fit the bump."
As far as we're concerned, it all worked out in the end! Honestly, we love that more mamas are choosing to redefine their maternity style.
While performing at the Corona Capital Festival in Mexico, Suki shocked concert-goers at the beginning of her performance. A fan account posted a clip on X where she could be heard talking about distracting the crowd from a very obvious baby bump. She said, "...I'm not sure it's working" while working the stage in a sparkly mini dress and faux fur coat.
Time flies fast because it's been more than a few years since Suki and Robert became a couple. People reported that it was rumored they began dating in 2018. However, the couple kept their relationship private — good thinking — for a while.
The Hollywood Reporter shared that the couple appeared at the Dior Men's Fall show last December. They looked stylish and romantic as they walked the red carpet, which is how we've continued to see them.
Besides performing at the Corona Capital Festival this past weekend, Suki Waterhouse recently appeared as Karen Sirko in Daisy Jones & The Six this year. As stated above, Robert Pattison's last major project was The Batman.
There's not an official due date for Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattison yet, but I'm just excited to learn they're expecting a sweet little baby. Be sure to watch this space for more updates!
How do you feel about Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson's baby announcement? Let us know in the comments!
This post has been updated.
Header image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
The ’90s and early 2000s were a beautiful, beautiful time in terms of clothing, hairstyles, toys, and pop culture trends. Some of the best teen movies were filmed in these decades, and they definitely created some of our fiercest crushes — who could forget how Freddie Prinze Jr.’s character in She’s All That made us feel when he realized he’d liked Laney Boggs all along, or how Heath Ledger’s character in 10 Things I Hate About You was the only one who truly understood Julia Stiles's Kat Stratford? Our hearts still beat for the men of the ’90s and early 2000s, and here are just a few of the boyfriends we’d still date today in a second.
Buena Vista Pictures/Walt Disney Studios
First things first: Heath. Ledger. This movie is great, and Heath Ledger was great in it. His character, Patrick, seems to have actual integrity — he doesn’t want to be a part of the scheme that is the central plot to the movie, and while he eventually gives in, he falls in love with Kat in the process (aww!). He also has a little bit of an edge, while managing to still get emotional when Kat reads the poem the movie is named for. We have a soft spot for men who can show their feelings in public without being worried it’ll tarnish their masculinity. He’s a Grade-A ’90s boyfriend, if you ask us.
Buena Vista Pictures/Walt Disney Studios
We honestly can’t talk about 10 Things I Hate About You without also mentioning JGL. He was SERIOUSLY under-appreciated in this role. While he might’ve gone about winning Bianca's heart in the wrong way, all he ever wanted to do was take her out — and we think that kind of take-no-prisoners love is pretty sweet, especially at such a young age.
Miramax Films
Ahh, another teen movie about a girl, a boy, a date, and a bet. There was quite a theme happening around this time! Zack Siler was the jock with a heart — he somehow got himself roped into one of these ugly duckling prom bets, but he still managed to be lovable in our eyes, and in Laney Boggs’ eyes, too. They made a cute couple in the end (though we actually preferred her in her falafel hat…).
Paramount Pictures
Oh, Derek. Derek came in and helped Sara when she needed it most — when she was away from home, feeling clueless, and in need of a few new moves. He showed her how to love dance again and supported her studies. He was endlessly patient with her when she didn’t understand certain dynamics at play between his friends and family, and he helped her do the work to understand what it means to be a good partner. Plus, he’d be a great partner to take out on the dance floor at a wedding — just saying.
Buena Vista Pictures/Walt Disney Studios
Michael was TRUE BLUE. He always liked Mia — before she was a princess, before she had her makeover, before everything. He stuck around during all the weird stuff — even during the time period where she let her straightener go to her head and thought she was too good for him. The two shared their first kiss at the end of the movie, and ALL of us got butterflies. Maybe he'll return for The Princess Diaries 3?!
Sony Pictures Releasing
Preston Meyers was David to Mike Dexter’s party Goliath in Can’t Hardly Wait. He had been in love with Amanda Beckett, who'd been dating Mike, for a long time, and was trying to get the courage to tell her — a task that seemed nearly impossible, given that Mike and Amanda were a match made in high school heaven. However, over the course of the night, and tiny vignettes filmed around the party, it’s made clear that there is life beyond high school, and Preston might just be the right choice for anyone who can see past graduation. Sigh.
Paramount Pictures
Our hearts have been going on about Jack since 1997. Just LOOK at him. TBH, we’re kind of wondering if the fact that he’s down there in the ocean is partially responsible for melting all those icebergs faster. Seriously though, he’d be a wonderful boyfriend (if he was a real person) in today’s world, and, you know, if he wasn't dead. He loves fiercely, and while he doesn’t exactly have his finances in order, he’s super scrappy and knows how to think on his feet. We’d trust him with our lives.
Paramount Pictures
Okay, so even if his feelings for Cher were a little bit strange, we still love Josh. He is (mostly) a good older stepbrother, and he has a lot of wisdom in that head of his. He was always kind to her, and never really stooped down to gossip or pettiness the way other Clueless character did. He also has that “I don’t care what I look like” thing going for him, even though he usually looks pretty good. Also, can we point out that Paul Rudd STILL looks exactly the same? Good genes are nothing to sneeze at.
Warner Bros. Pictures
It would almost feel wrong to talk about the early 2000s without talking about Chad Michael Murray — but have no fear, here he is. And in an adaptation of a popular Disney story, no less! In this movie, he plays Austin, a popular jock who still can’t find happiness (aww!). He starts writing Sam (played by Hillary Duff) and a modern version of Cinderella plays out right before our eyes. In the end, they kiss in the rain and go to Princeton together, as most modern-day teen couples do. We hope we get A Cinderella Story 2 just to see this love story continue.
So there you have it! Those are our fave boys from the ’90s and early aughts; who are some of yours? Tweet us at @BritandCo!
This post has been updated.
