Woman of the Hour: Anna Kendrick’s Retro-Inspired Designer Looks for Her Directorial Debut

Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates from Your Next Shoes. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more details.

She’s the woman of the hour, having added director to her extensive resume! Anna Kendrick has been touring the press circuit in style, promoting her directorial debut, Woman of the Hour, which has received generally positive reviews from critics.

Woman of the Hour, released by Netflix on October 18, is based on the true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala, who appeared on the TV show The Dating Game in 1987 amid his murder sprees.

Set in the 1970s, the thriller drama centers on Sheryl Bradshaw (Anna Kendrick), an aspiring actress who signs up for a dating show in an attempt to break into the industry. In the show, the bachelorette asks scripted questions to three bachelors hidden behind a huge wall before choosing one to go on a paid trip with. Bradshaw selects Rodney Alcala (Daniel Zovatto) without knowing that he is a serial killer and a convicted sex offender who has served time in jail.

Anna Kendrick stars as Sheryl Bradshaw in her directorial debut film, Woman of the HourAnna Kendrick stars as Sheryl Bradshaw in her directorial debut film, Woman of the Hour (Credit: Netflix)

In recognition of the film, Variety named Anna Kendrick one of the 10 Directors to Watch at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Proud of her new endeavor, Kendrick showcased her finest outfits throughout the film’s promo tour. Many of her clothing choices reflected the film’s 1970s setting, adding a nostalgic flair to her stylish appearances.

Anna Kendrick wears retro-style dresses as a nod to her movie's period at the Woman of the Hour press tourAnna Kendrick wears retro-style dresses as a nod to her movie’s period at the Woman of the Hour press tour (Credit: Roger Wong / TheStewartOfNY / BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)

Radiant in Retro Yellow Mini Dress and Silver Malone Souliers Heels

Anna Kendrick brought a ray of sunshine to the set of the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. She wore a yellow mini dress with a low-cut square neckline and glittering beaded embellishments that accentuated her radiance.

Delicately thin spaghetti straps held the tiny number in place, and its attractive retro-esque A-line silhouette enhanced Kendrick’s figure.

Wearing yellow isn’t always a bad idea if you have a fair complexion like Anna. But you must consider what shade of yellow will complement you the most. I suggest wearing a more subdued shade of yellow, like lemon or butter yellow, rather than bright yellow, to create a more appealing and radiant look.

I appreciate how the Twilight star emphasized her dress by wearing minimal accessories. She only wore a few rings on her well-groomed hands and a set of diamond earrings, which she showed off by tucking her long, bouncy brown curls behind her ears.

Anna Kendrick outside The Late Show With Stephen Colbert studios in a yellow mini dress with a beaded square necklineAnna Kendrick outside The Late Show With Stephen Colbert studios in a yellow mini dress with a beaded square neckline (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

I am digging her eye makeup, which features bronze eyeshadow and eyeliner, emphasizing her blue eye color. Paired with nude lipstick, Anna radiated ’70s glitz.

Although I would prefer to wear shoes in light gold to match the adornments on her dress, Anna chose metallic silver, which wasn’t terrible.

She wore the Malone Souliers “Yuna” sandals from the London-based shoe label’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection. Made by hand from mirrored metallic silver leather in Italy, they feature a sculptural form, buckled ankle straps that lengthen the legs, delicate straps, and cutouts.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Your Next Shoes (@yournextshoes)

They are set on 3.5-inch heels, boosting Anna’s 5’2” height. You can get them for $825 at Saks Fifth Avenue and $961 at Farfetch.

Anna Kendrick pairs her yellow mini dress with metallic silver Malone Souliers Yuna sandalsAnna Kendrick pairs her yellow mini dress with metallic silver Malone Souliers Yuna sandals (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Retro-Regent in Burgundy Velvet La DoubleJ Mini Dress and Malone Souliers Platforms

Keeping the retro flair going for her Woman of the Hour press tour, the Pitch Perfect actress embraced a retro-regent look for her appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show that same day.

Seeing her wear something different from her usual effortlessly feminine outfits was refreshing.

Anna’s “Ella” dress, $1,100 at Net-a-Porter, was designed by La DoubleJ, a Milan-based company renowned for its maximalist approach to ready-to-wear. Its thigh-skimming babydoll style gives it a sensual look, but the plush cotton-velvet fabric and empire cut scream royal.

Additionally, the square neckline, which displays just enough cleavage, gives the decolletage a sophisticated frame. It’s adorned with glimmering crystals and faux pearls, enhancing the ensemble’s magnificence.

The dress skims Anna’s thighs, allowing her to parade her slim legs wrapped in red tights. Yup, I know it’s hard to pull off colored tights, but Kendrick did it effortlessly, adding to the throwback vibe of the ensemble.

Anna Kendrick drops by The Drew Barrymore Show in a retro-style burgundy velvet mini dress by La DoubleJ featuring a fit-and-flare babydoll silhouette with crystals and faux pearlsAnna Kendrick drops by The Drew Barrymore Show in a retro-style burgundy velvet mini dress by La DoubleJ featuring a fit-and-flare babydoll silhouette with crystals and faux pearls (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

In keeping with the ensemble’s motif, Anna slipped into a pair of rosewood Malone Souliers “Mora” platform pumps. They are handmade in Italy from luxurious velvet fabric, and their chunky platforms and 4.9-inch block heels give them a disco-ready charm.

I adore how Anna continued to accessorize with vintage-inspired pieces, adhering to the retro concept of her film’s press tour.

With her long hair tied in a loose but chic ponytail, Anna showcased a pair of retro round dangling earrings. She also wore statement rings and hid her eyes behind oversized vintage-style acetate-framed sunnies.

Completing the ’70s vibe, Anna slung a burgundy croc-embossed leather bag over her shoulder. She got it from Strathberry, a Scotland-based accessories label known for its leather goods and royal fans, including Kate Middleton.

She was carrying the “Ace” bag, distinguished by its timeless design and elegant metallic bar closure.

Anna Kendrick completes her head-to-toe burgundy look with red tights and burgundy suede Malone Souliers Mora platform pumpsAnna Kendrick completes her head-to-toe burgundy look with red tights and burgundy suede Malone Souliers Mora platform pumps (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Preppy ’70s Pin-Check Vest, Pants, and Pointed-Toe Pumps

For Hearst’s Woman of the Hour talk, Anna Kendrick donned yet another ensemble inspired by the 1970s.

This time, she opted for a waistcoat and loose-fitting slacks with a pin-check pattern that harked back to the modest elegance of the 1970s.

This may seem simple and boring to some, but I like this on Kendrick. It’s sophisticated and styled perfectly. Despite the vest’s apparent tightness, I adore how it contrasted the bagginess of the jeans and highlighted her figure.

Anna Kendrick embraces the 1970s in a pin check-patterned vest and pants for Hearst's Woman of the Hour talkAnna Kendrick embraces the 1970s in a pin check-patterned vest and pants for Hearst’s Woman of the Hour talk (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

I don’t mind that she didn’t wear statement jewelry, save for a few rings, as her brown pointed-toe shoes and oversized vintage sunglasses were enough to make the ensemble cohesive.

Her tall stiletto heels and sleek T-strapped pumps added to the classy appearance of the ensemble.

Anna Kendrick completes a retro business-chic ensemble with brown leather T-strap pumpsAnna Kendrick completes a retro business-chic ensemble with brown leather T-strap pumps (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Business Chic in Cream Leather Skirt Suit and Brown Pumps

The previous day, Kendrick was pictured wearing the same T-strap pumps following her appearance on The View, where she talked about her debut directorial movie, Woman of the Hour.

The Mr. Right star donned a cream-colored skirt suit that drew attention to her slim legs. While her miniskirt hung just over her thighs, her double-breasted jacket featured a contemporary bulky design with vintage-style buttons that matched her shoes.

Though it seemed clunky across the arms and shoulders, I liked how it was nipped in at the waist to accentuate her form.

Anna Kendrick leaves The View in a cream leather skirt suit featuring a bulky double-breasted blazer and a mini-skirtAnna Kendrick leaves The View in a cream leather skirt suit featuring a bulky double-breasted blazer and a mini-skirt (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)

She kept her accessories simple, wearing just a pair of diamond earrings and carrying her essentials in a burgundy handbag that tied the look together.

Wearing her long tresses down her back, Anna shielded her eyes behind oval-shaped sunglasses and wore peachy blush and lipstick.

Anna Kendrick teams her sexy businesswear with brown T-strap pumpsAnna Kendrick teams her sexy businesswear with brown T-strap pumps (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)

Embracing Milkmaid Style in Staud Navy Dress and Santoni Boots

Earlier in the day, Anna Kendrick was pictured outside the ABC studios in a navy-blue cotton poplin dress by Staud, a Los Angeles-based fashion label known for its understated elegance and grace.

Though her outfit was simple, I was drawn to its retro charm, which fits the era of her new movie.

The $285 “Wells” dress reminds me so much of a cottagecore milkmaid dress sans the frilly blouse with puff sleeves underneath. It has a square neckline, a fitted corset bodice, and a flowing A-line midi skirt, key features of a milkmaid dress. I particularly like the relaxed countryside feel it offers.

Anna Kendrick embraces cottagecore milkmaid style in a navy blue Staud midi dress featuring a square neckline, a fitted corset bodice, and a flared midi skirtAnna Kendrick embraces cottagecore milkmaid style in a navy blue Staud midi dress featuring a square neckline, a fitted corset bodice, and a flared midi skirt (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

The Accountant star accessorized the ensemble with gold rings, hoop earrings, and a double-layer gold chain necklace. To protect her eyes, she wore vintage square-shaped sunglasses, which went well with her brown leather purse.

While cottage-core dresses are popular in the summer, I like how Kendrick finished the look with a pair of Santoni knee-high boots, which is seasonally appropriate.

They are crafted in Italy from brown suede and are designed with round toes, side zips, and 3.5-inch covered block heels. You can get these fall and winter-ready boots for $1,700 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Anna Kendrick finishes her summery midi dress with seasonally appropriate Santoni knee-high suede bootsAnna Kendrick finishes her summery midi dress with seasonally appropriate Santoni knee-high suede boots (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)

Retro Feminine in Mint Green Markarian Lace Dress and Brown Pumps

Ahead of her The View appearance, Anna Kendrick was spotted outside the studio in another retro-style dress, looking very feminine.

This time, she opted for romantic lace, wearing a mint green midi dress by Markarian, a New York City-based luxury womenswear label known for its whimsical and ethereal creations.

I love how its fitted silhouette skims Kendrick’s figure, accentuating her bust, waist, and hips. It’s cut from non-stretch crochet lace fabric, with a seamed waist and a scoop neck held in place by self-tie woven shoulder straps.

It also has a scoop back and a rear slit, which gives the romantic dress a seductive touch, finished with a scalloped hem that ends at the mid-calf.

Anna Kendrick channels the 1970s housewife in a mint green lace dress by MarkarianAnna Kendrick channels the 1970s housewife in a mint green lace dress by Markarian (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)

I like that Anna carefully selected her accessories, including a bold flower ring and dangling floral earrings, to go with the dress’s lovely floral lace.

She shielded her eyes behind black oval-shaped sunglasses, wore minimal soft pink makeup, and fashioned her tresses in lovely curls that fell over her chest.

To complete the look, she carried the Strathberry “Ace” bag in burgundy croc-embossed leather and slipped into her favorite brown leather T-strap pumps.

Anna Kendrick completes her feminine retro ensemble with a long wavy hairstyle, floral earrings and rings, and a burgundy Strathberry bagAnna Kendrick completes her feminine retro ensemble with a long wavy hairstyle, floral earrings and rings, and a burgundy Strathberry bag (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)