The Sting's Wardrobe: More Than Just Hats (A Theory)

Okay, so I finally watched "The Sting" and while the plot was wild (major props to Redford and Newman, obvi), I couldn't stop focusing on the COSTUMES. Like, seriously, every character is dripping in early 20th-century style. But here's my thing: I think the clothes are actually a *key* part of the con itself, especially when it comes to Lonnegan (the mob boss played by Robert Shaw). Think about it: Lonnegan is all about projecting power and wealth, right? So his tailored suits, the expensive fabrics, even the *way* he wears his hat, it's all part of his image. He's basically begging to be taken for a ride because vanity is his weakness. And then you have Gondorff (Newman), who changes his style depending on which part of the con he's playing. When he's 'Shaw,' the drunken gambler, he's got that rumpled, slightly-too-big suit and the loosened tie. He's *supposed* to look like a loser, someone Lonnegan can easily manipulate. And Hooker (Redford) is always polished but not *too* polished, just enough to look like he has money but is still maybe a little naive. It's all calculated! There's a scene at the racetrack where everyone is in their element style-wise. It just hit me that the whole movie is about image and perception and I think the director used the clothes to tell that part of the story subtly but super effectively. It's genius, honestly. The costumes aren't just there for period detail; they're actually tools used by the characters to trick each other. Lonnegan's fancy look is basically advertising his greed. Maybe I'm overthinking it, but I think it adds another layer to the movie's cleverness. And I can't help but wonder, did the costume designer get any awards? Cause they DESERVE them! Anyone else notice this or am I just fashion-obsessed? I need someone to tell me if I'm onto something, because I might watch it again just to pay closer attention to the details. I'm curious as to how closely the costumes follow the historical context that they are set in, too.