Amy Adams.

Byline: KATE SULLIVAN

It's hard not to attach the word "adorable" to Amy Adams. But in truth, the diminutive adjective refers to her roles, not the actress herself. And it certainly doesn't describe her wardrobe. Far from the cartoon-princess and small-town-girl parts that made her famous, Adams easily pulls off sexy and sophisticated. Her penchant for strapless gowns with sweetheart necklines reveals skin without showing too much; a sheer black dress with nude-colored lining has the effect of veiling her body. Adams steers clear of looks that are corny and wholesome. The occasional romantic accentsruffles or a boware subtle, and her color choices, jewel tones of plum, scarlet, and sapphire blue, are sure and womanly.

The Nonblonde

Before she dyed her natural strawberry blonde hair a golden red five years ago, Adams says she was always cast as "the bitchy girl." Now, bright-eyed innocents are more her terrain. The actress chose the shade because the change wouldn't be too drastic, says her current colorist, Tracey Cunningham. And in case a role calls for hair versatility, Cunningham uses a semipermanent gloss that rinses out in two months.

CAPTION(S):

January 25, 2009.

Wearing a Giambattista Valli gown and H. Stern earrings at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.