Dressing Swank-y

We'll leave matters of plot to the critics, but on the fashion front, P.S. I Love You, out next week, is tops. Eager to get Hilary Swank's look? While the film jokes that it all came from eBay (a seemingly magical land where even struggling New Yorkers can afford Chanel), you can score a similar style using our handy little shopping guide.

''One of the things we really wanted to do was make Hilary look like she's never looked before.'' — Wendy Finerman, P.S. producer, on Swank's wardrobe

— The best part of P.S. is the parade of coats, trenches, and toppers. For modern girl-about-town, try a Loeffler Randall cape. ($425; at Nordstrom)
— An obi-style patent-leather belt helps Swank's character hold it all together. Go faux with a sash from Forever 21. ($8)
— To draw inspiration for the character's look, the costume designers turned to that style-icon-for-all, Audrey Hepburn. So naturally only the most elegant handbag would do. Hers is vintage, but Rebecca Minkoff's Morning After Mini is an instant classic. ($550; Bloomingdale's)
— What Swank's character knows: trendy on the shoes, classic on the wristwear. Keep time timelessly with a nappa-strapped watch by Coach. ($228)
— ''I didn't have to put on 15 pounds of muscle or pass as a boy,'' says Swank, explaining the joys of making P.S. ''I get to wear a lot of pretty clothes and shoes, which I enjoy doing in real life.'' You too can show your demure side with the Viola black-and-ivory striped skirt. ($98)

P.P.S. But No Shoes for You!
Like any good New Yorker, Swank's character is a shoe obsessive. These particular kicks, a departure from her usual chic style, form a key plot point. But don't go looking for them in stores — shoe artist Llorraine Neithardt crafted them especially for close friend and P.S. director Richard LaGravenese.