The Other Sister: Dianne Wiest in Hannah and Her Sisters

Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) by Woody Allen is one of my favorite films. It's very much in line with most of Allen's New York films in that it's basically a 'slice of life' of a group of people who are all closely related and living in Manhattan. They all have a bunch of different problems and are trying to figure out life. The most complicated and interesting character for me is Hannah's sister Holly, played by Dianne Weist. Her character is a (supposedly) reformed coke addict who is struggling to find work as an actress and who works as a caterer with her friend April (played by Carrie Fisher, AKA Princess Leia). Throughout the film she's described as 'manic', 'off beat' and even 'a great dope fiend', and her style definitely reflects all of these things. She is one of my favorite characters in film and also has the best 80s wardrobe I have ever seen (sorry Molly Ringwald!). I often find myself unconsciously channeling her style, with her amazing blazers and crazy accessories, although I definitely can't do it like she does. I usually start out watching this film for her outfits alone but get sucked in by the characters and their wackiness and end up watching the whole thing. 

These two, my god! A-dor-able. The lady has so many good coats. Pairing a denim jacket underneath a wool coat is a terrific idea. 

Holly is kind of a departure from Woody's normally casually sexy and effortlessly cool leading ladies. She's quirky and insecure, which totally endears me to her and makes me really care about her as a character.

Holly does the belted blazer look better than anyone I've ever seen. 

Amaaaaaazing belted blazers and sweaters Dianne Wiest style at Rodarte via Style.com

That collar. 

Holly at one time describes herself as 'my own person', and it's somewhat obvious that she started dressing how she does in order to differentiate herself from her two sisters, especially her sister Hannah - played by Mia Farrow - whom it is implied throughout the film that she is intensely envious yet in awe of. She uses clothing as a way to express herself and her creativity because she feels she must prove herself to everyone on a regular basis.

Wondering how to 'brooch' a touchy subject with her sister Hannah. 

Holly would approve of my 'more is more' approach.

This is my favorite scene from Hannah and Her Sisters, not to mention my favorite outfit of Holly's:

It's a little bit of a shame that by the end of the film when Holly is supposed to be seen as being content and finally figuring her life out that her style gets more subdued and a little bit boring. I love her manic style and amazing collection of brooches and necklaces and how she just makes it look so easy to pile on accessories without looking like a total basket case or like a crazy old lady who wears everything she owns all at once (IT'S NOT EASY). I definitely need to stock up on some more costume jewelry.