Match Point: The Wardrobe

Today’s post is part of my wardrobe recap series – you can go through the remainder of this series, here.

This week’s movie wardrobe recap is from an old favorite of mine – Match Point. This was the first Woody Allen movie I ever watched, and I remember sitting there through this particular one and thinking, “I though Woody Allen movies were supposed to be lighthearted and funny!”.

That being said, I always thought Match Point was a great movie and I loved the wardrobe (with a few standout pieces). A lovely reader, JC, recently reminded me of this great movie ripe for the fashion picking, and a few days later, I was re-watching the film.

This is one of the few wardrobe recaps where I’ll concentrate on more than one central character – in the case of this film, the two main female leads – the more casually (and sometimes sexy) attired Scarlett Johansson, and the more conventionally classic, monied Emily Mortimer.

Starting off with one of my favorite looks of this entire movie – Scarlett in this amazing white wrap shirt dress. It’s so simple, yet so lovely on her.

Anyone who has watched Match Point has to remember this scene, as Scarlett’s walking out the door, with the white dress swishing. Iconic.

I hunted all around for a similar white dress, and found two that while not exactly the same, give the same “feeling”. A spaghetti strap version from Alexander Wang ($350), and a French Connection shirtdress ($120).

Next up – one of our first views of Emily Mortimer (aside from tennis whites). You can immediately see the contrast in dress sense between her and Scarlett- much more preppy, classic. subdued.

In a pink blouse with navy tipping. This looked like Thomas Pink to me, but I was unable to find it on their website. Instead, I found a similar version from Ann Taylor.

A simple and elegant cream v-neck sweater (I love this version from A.P.C).

Ahh…the classic lines of a beautiful coat! Isn’t this one lovely? Knowing the character, it’s probably from Loro Piana or Cucinelli.

I had the best time looking for similar coats. There are so, so many beautiful gray coats this season. My favorites? Antonio Berardi ($2,600), Nordstrom ($900) – fantastic quality and though expensive for the Nordstrom store brand, similar material to what you’d find on a $3,000+ designer coat, and Ralph Lauren ($400) – super nice cut and looks more expensive than it is.

Scarlett in a casual white crinkled shirt. My favorite version of this (which I own and love) is a swiss dot version from J.Crew.

Another casual blouse, this time in lilac.

And yet another one! This one worn by Emily on her bed while her boyfriend is up to some bad business outside. You can find versions of both this shrit and the earlier one from Halogen.

Finally! A break in the blouses (for now). Scarlett in this fitted black dress which actually reminds me a lot of the very popular Herve Leger version.

Emily in an elegant cranberry red silk blouse.

And Emily again, in another one of my favorite looks from the movie. I think this coat is Chanel. It makes such a statement, and I love how she wears it so casually.

This look can be achieved with really any amazing, fabulous coat (like this Etro or basically any Chanel coat) paired with more casual items.

Another more famous scene in the movie, when we see Scarlett again. Of course again in a blouse – this time a nice shade of khaki.

I thought this scene was a good example of Scarlett’s style. More casual, a little more bohemian + student + struggling actress.

Whereas Emily…is much more conservative, even formal at times. Look at how high that shirt is buttoned!

Back to Scarlett. Even though she’s obviously disheveled in this scene, I still wanted to include it because I do love the idea of lounging in a big oversized grandpa cardigan. And she does it well.

My choice of an at home cardigan that would be comfortable enough to sleep in? This cozy Barefoot Dreams version (I bought four! Three for gifts!).

Emily in another classic look – a tan trench layered over a gray sweater. Yes, of course I’m recommending Burberry as my “similar” pick.

A pretty deep brown cardigan. The bow detail could look cheesy, but the fact that the ribbon is so lovely and high quality makes it appropriate.

And a final look at Scarlett…naturally beautiful, casual black blazer jacket over a white tee.

And that wraps up my wardrobe recap for Match Point! Lessons learned?

1. Blouses/button downs are universally flattering. Provided of course, that you find the right one for you – slim cut or boy cut, collar or collarless, stiff cotton or crinkled linen or silk, and it goes on and on. JC, the commenter who brought up Match Point, also linked this funny article about how women in Woody Allen films all seem to wear the same thing – wow there sure are a lot of blouses and yup, true for this movie as well!

2. Sometimes simple and demure can be the most appealing of all. The very first scene I showed with Scarlett in that white shirt dress is one of the most important in the movie, and kicks off the love triangle and affair which is the central plot of Match Point. That dress is so simple, reveals no cleavage, is nearly knee length, doesn’t hug the derriere…yet it is undeniably beautiful and sexy. When you find that beautifully fitted classic piece that’s perfect for you…wow!

 3. Invest in outerwear. Even though I live in California, I can’t argue with having at all fashion lovers having at least one truly fabulous coat in your wardrobe. When I went through each scene, I was often able to easily find less expensive and very similar versions to those worn on screen. For coats though, it was always more difficult. It’s a lot easier to tell when a coat is high quality, made of beautiful fabric, and was expensive…and unfortunately, vice versa as well. If you’re spending money in only one area of your wardrobe, I might recommend at least one “splurge” coat that you can wear for years to come.