Fashion Fail: Scarlett Johansson in Match Point

No matter how posh your boyfriend's family is,

there is no excuse for a bland wardrobe in London.

London, New York, Paris, Rome. 

These are cities in which it is mandatory to make an effort with style, not only because they are inhabited by millions of people - and if you want to stand out, you must look the part - but also because they are fashionable capitals in their own right, and as one of the inhabitants you must adhere to a certain standard as a form of respect.

This isn't to say that one is restricted to a certain dress code, but rather that one ought to feel obliged to dress appropriately. Would you wear jeans and a t-shirt to the Oscars? Hopefully not.

In Paris the stylish folk are known for their laidback Parisian Chic-look, whilst in Rome luxurious glamour is a favourite. New York and London often seem to be rather undecided on a definitive "look".

So with the liberty that London style brings, why did Nola Rice (Scarlett Johansson) go for the extremely laidback / bordering on boring-look in Match Point (2005)?

Although costume designer Jill Taylor may have missed the mark this time, she more than made up for it My Week with Marilyn (2011). That was iconic.

After having just returned from a trip to London, I now plan on moving to London, and I can tell you that this is the look I will try to avoid once I get there.

Action Heroine: Scarlett Johansson in Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Is this the new look for women who kick ass?

Women in action movies and their costumes are often quite problematic. I could endlessly rant about these problems (but I won't, because I already have). Yet someone must have heard me complain all the way to Hollywood, because we have finally been given what has taken too long to be seen on screen: a (semi) realistic depiction of an action heroine. 

Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow is a stellar depiction of a smart, strong and capable woman who kicks evil's ass alongside her male counterparts, without having to dress too provocatively.

Judianna Makovsky, of The Hunger Games (2012) fame, definitely knows what she is doing.

Although there is nothing wrong with a little bit of practical style when kicking ass, I appreciated the looks in Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

When she is not decked out in her bodysuit, Natasha dons jeans, boots, hoodies and leather jackets. Much like any spy/secret agent/whatever-she-is probably does.

Now put a ponytail on that hair and we have a winner.

Wasted Potential: Scarlett Johansson in Don Jon

"You like movies?"

Let's talk about the biggest letdown of the year: Don Jon. 

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, one of the most likeable and respectable (and not to mention stylish) guys in Hollywood, wrote, directed and starred in this film. Not only that, but he had the gorgeous Scarlett Johansson playing the leading-lady and the talented Julianne Moore as a supporting lady. How could this film not have been brilliant?

Well, it wasn't. It was boring and predictable, and tried way too hard to get its point across to an audience who, at least at my theater, kept on walking out for bathroom breaks. There was really little to like about this film.

Worst of all, Scarlett's character, Barbara Sugarman (couldn't think of a better name Jo-Go?), was dressed head-to-toe in boring. 

I understand that she's a Jersey girl whose main motive for dressing is to emphasize her assets, but there is so much more that could've been done with her. Instead of her wearing the same generic things that every other attention-seeking girl does, why could she have not been that tiny bit more stylish? Or even trashy? Trashy would have at least been interesting.

Don't even get me started on the fact that she wears a hot-pink tracksuit whilst watching a movie at home with her boyfriend.

Other than her boring dresses, I must say I did quite enjoy her cinema-going attire: jeans, a white top and leather jacket. Simple? Yes, but somehow classic.

Cult Status: Scarlett Johansson in Lost in Translation

The only style that really works in this film are

the pink wig and the pink undies.

Out of all of Sofia Coppola's films, I think Lost in Translation (2003) has the most boring sense of style. Scarlett Johansson doesn't really wear anything exciting, unless it's pink.

In fact, I think those pink undies have developed a bit of a cult following. 

I should get a pair of pink undies.

Top Ten: Chicks Who Kick Ass

Is it bad that I'm excited for the fashion in this movie?

So I just watched the trailer for Machete Kills. Though the first one was pretty darn awful, I'm quite looking forward to the new one. Why? Because it has Lady Gaga and Amber Heard in it. Serious style potential.

Anyway, whilst I was watching it, I kept thinking about how awesome it is when women who kick ass wear stylish clothes at the same time. Honestly, why wouldn't they? If we can get away with running around in ridiculously tall heels and tight, skimpy outfits, we should just do it (not for the sake of drooling men, but for the sake of fashion).

Here are some of the best dressed chicks who kick some serious ass:

#10: Lara Croft (a.k.a. Angelina Jolie) in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)

This is pretty much the classic "chick who kicks ass"-look. It may be a little outdated now, but there's something about shorts and a black t-shirt paired with military-style boots that makes for nostalgic style.

#9: Katniss Everdeen (a.k.a. Jennifer Lawrence) in The Hunger Games (2012)

Katniss's look throughout the film is quite toned down (except for that fabulous fiery dress), but it's rather chic. Must say that I love this jacket the more I look at it.

#8: Baby Firefly (a.k.a. Sheri Moon Zombie) in The Devil's Rejects (2005)

Baby isn't as much an action heroine, but rather a psychotic killer, yet she still kicks ass and looks stylish whilst doing so. Her look is more trailer-trash than super-class, but it works anyway.

#7: Miho (a.k.a. Devon Aoki) in Sin City (2005)

There are numerous well-dressed women in this film, but Miho is by far the best. Her Asian-inspired style is awesome, and I love it.

#6: Selina Kyle / Catwoman (a.k.a. Michelle Pfeiffer) in Batman Returns (1992)

The dominatrix-look is very popular among women who kick ass (there's a really interesting article just waiting to be written about this), and this particular Catwoman pulls it off better than anyone else.

#5: Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow (a.k.a. Scarlett Johansson) in The Avengers (2012) 

I liked Black Widow's style in both Iron Man 2 and The Avengers, but for some reason I prefer it in the latter. It's somehow more elegant and bad ass at the same time.

#4: Elle Driver (a.k.a. Daryl Hannah) in Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)

I want this trench coat, and I want it now.  

#3: Selene (a.k.a. Kate Beckinsale) in Underworld: Awakening (2012)

I'm sure Selene looks just as stylish in all the other films in the franchise, but unfortunately the latest one is the only one I've seen. Out of all the women who kick ass and wear a tight, leather bodysuit, hers is my favourite. 

#2: Cherry Darling (a.k.a. Rose McGowan) in Planet Terror (2007)

There's something about a one-legged go-go dancer who wears a short leather mini-skirt that brings new meaning to the words "style inspiration".

#1: Alice (a.k.a. Milla Jovovich) in Resident Evil (2002)

No one will ever be more stylish than Alice when kicking ass, especially when she wore this red dress/top (I'm not too fond of her latest wardrobe choices). This one is, and will forever remain, an iconic kick ass chick-look.

I feel like I'm forgetting a number of stylish women who belong on this list...

The Icons: Sienna Miller vs. Scarlett Johansson

Sienna Miller as Tippi Hedren

Scarlett Johansson as Janet Leigh

I've never been more excited to see the costume designs of any film since My Week With Marilyn (though that was not very long ago). I hold a special place in my heart for Hitchcock Heroines and their clothes, thus you can understand the enthusiasm I felt when I heard that there will be not one but two Hitchcock biopics coming out (even though one was an HBO TV movie). And when two of my favourite actresses were set to play two of the most infamous Hitchcock blondes (with the exception of Grace Kelly), I could hardly contain myself.

However.

I watched both Hitchcock and The Girl recently, and I must say I was not very impressed. Maybe my expectations were too high, but excuse me for assuming that a film made about one of the greatest filmmakers of all time would be enticing. Neither was.

But.

I did highly appreciate the effort put in to both films by the wardrobe departments. Both Sienna and Scarlett wore beautiful '50s and '60s style dresses, as well as some adorable capris.

If I would have to choose one wardrobe to steal though, it would have to be Tippi's. What can I say? I have never been able to resist a big (faux) fur coat.

Special mention goes out to Jessica Biel as Vera Miles. Not too shabby.