It’s not just Amy Adams’s Oscar-nominated performance that steals scenes—it’s also her character’s glam wardrobe.
For all intents and purposes, Amy Adams plays two characters in
American Hustle. First, she’s Sydney Prosser, a former stripper slinking around a pool party in a crochet swimsuit. It’s there she meets con man Irving Rosenfeld (played by Christian Bale), who, thanks to a closet of forgotten treasures at his dry-cleaning store, transforms her into a big-haired glampot.
To help Irving with his loan schemes, Sydney invents a new identity as English heiress Lady Edith Greensley, the faux-British Bonnie to Irving’s Clyde. As Edith, she successfully swindles money from countless men, charming them in a series of necklines that plunge nearly to her navel. Her signature look is a bit much for everyday affairs, but we couldn’t resist attempting a (slightly) subtler take on her '70s style.
The Look
Though it bears a striking resemblance to the Halston gowns popular during the era, this halter-topped piece—whose neckline is more modest than anything Edith wore—is actually a wide-leg jumpsuit. Edith preferred full furs, but this neutral-toned coat with a faux-fur collar is a bit less ostentatious. A pinkish-nude lip pulls the look together, and reading Sarah Lyall’s lighthearted memoir about assimilating to English culture just might help you get into character.
1.
Carter pleated halter jumpsuit; Alice and Olivia ($495)
2.
Brass disc and bowl necklace with onyx by Cities in Dust; Penelope’s ($95)
3.
Nelaura pumps; Schutz ($240)
4.
Willow sunglasses; Francesca’s ($14)
5.
Brown faux-flap satchel; Piper Boutique ($62)
6.
Cream faux-fur collar jacket; River Island ($90)
7.
Silky-Finish Lipstick in Skinny Dip; Benefit Cosmetics ($18)
8.
The Anglo Files: A Field Guide to the British by Sarah Lyall; The Book Cellar ($15.95)