Get the Look: BBC's Irene Adler

Get the Look: BBC’s Irene Adler

By the Green Queen

Fans of the BBC show Sherlock were treated earlier this month to “A Scandal In Belgravia,” based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s short story “A Scandal In Bohemia.”  What makes this particular story so special, you ask?  It featured the sensational Irene Adler, a.k.a. “The Woman who beat Sherlock Holmes.”

Adler is a favorite character for a lot of people.  While viewer response to actress Lara Pulver and her portrayal of the BBC’s 21^st century version were mixed, (some people adored her, others felt she wasn’t close enough to the original character, and still others felt she was too controversial,) one thing is for sure: her look is a fantastic guide to sexy sophistication. 

For starters, the BBC’s Adler has a somewhat minimalistic look, with a subtle emphasis on 1930s and 40s glam.  Her dresses are form-fitting and sleek but not clingy, with hemlines that are short but never more than a couple inches above her knees.  She’s usually seen in either black or white, making those cool grey-blue eyes and blood-red lips the primary pop of color.  The idea here was likely to draw attention to the woman herself rather than her fashion sense.  (A concept which was taken to the extreme in one especially controversial scene, in which Adler introduces herself to Holmes in nothing but her jewelry and a smoking hot pair of heels.)  Her chic, professional “day” attire acts as a sharp contrast to her nighttime dominatrix look, which is softened by the use of sheer lace and chiffon.  While I can’t say I’m a huge fan of her hairstyle, I do like how they created an elegant updo look without pulling her hair too tight or making it too sleek.  It emphasized her professionalism, but also softened her look like the lace and chiffon did, keeping her from appearing too “severe.”

So how is one to pull off Adler’s classy million-dollar look without spending a million dollars?  (Let’s be honest: I will never be able to afford those knockout Louboutin heels in my life.)  Well first, let’s not forget those fiery red nails and lips.  For nails, I recommend checking out ORLY and Acquarella, because all their nail colors are free of DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde.  (These chemicals are the reason why I gave up nail polish altogether for about seven years.)  While Adler’s color palette is on the “cool” side due to her eyes, this may or may not work well for you, so feel free to experiment with warm vs. cool undertones.

The white dress that she wears prior to meeting Sherlock Holmes is an Alexander McQueen design.  (McQueen also designed Kate Middleton’s royal wedding gown last spring.)  A comparable alternative is deceptively hard to find, given how white is often associated with weddings rather than daywear.  If you choose to go with a sheath dress to get this look, be sure it’s one that’s cut to hug your curves.  You don’t want it to squeeze you, but you also don’t want it to hang straight down around you like a tube.

 

                                                

And the shoes.  Oh man, the shoes.  You can spot Louboutins from 50 yards away with those trademark red soles.  There are a variety of alternatives out there, but I like these two options from Betsey Johnson and Payless.  The Betsey Johnson shoes feature contrasting colored soles like the Louboutins, (in hot pink, with a floral pattern,) and a criss-cross corset lace design up the back that could be seen as a little homage to Miss Adler’s profession.  The Payless pumps are simpler and therefore more versatile, and the lack of any extra designs or patterns makes them a bit more similar to the shoes seen in the show.

 Shoes by Christian Louboutin, $755

 Shoes by Betsey Johnson, $89.95

Shoes by Payless, $34.99




Then of course, there’s her jewelry.  The staple pieces that Adler wears most consistently throughout the episode are her classic Marquise cut stud earrings and that captivating 3 carat Pear cut ring.  The Marquise studs are probably 1.0 to 1.5 carats or so, but smaller sizes would certainly make an impression as well.  Diamond Nexus offers two variations on these earrings with lab-created diamond simulants – one with a basket setting and one with a filigree scrollwork setting – as well as several rings with the option of a Pear cut diamond alternative center stone.  To most closely match Adler’s ring from the episode, though, you’ll want to take a look at the Timeless ring or the Tiffany-Style Solitaire.