Mad Men: the title of this show might refer to the boys, but it was the strong female characters that pulled us in. Peggy’s peter pan collared work wear, Joan’s curve hugging pencilskirts or Betty’s pristinely pretty princess frocks: they all take us back to an age when women still had to fight for equality, but looked ravishing doing so. The stylish sixties are back, baby! This is the time to discover longer skirtlengths, ladylike silhouettes (cinch those waists!) and cute little details like bows, gloves and hats. Our three leading ladies may differ in various aspects of their being, but they are always pristinely puttogether!
PEGGY OLSON: DETAILS
Peggy Olson used to be a secretary, barely set free from her Catholic schoolgirl roots. Her ambition and keen mind got her ahead to a position as copywriter, feminist and progressive madwoman. The thing that is so great about this character’s style, is that you can see all these facets of her personal history in her outfits: she usually dresses in rather serious colors, like greys or muted blues, greens and yellows. When she wears print, she goes for a more masculine print like plaid as opposed to florals, but she expresses her inner girliness in the little details. Innocent collars, headbands, cute bows and pretty hats. She has found her own style by merging a more business appropriate seriousness with her innocent, girly background.
For a modern Peggy look, buy these beautiful pieces! This checkered pinafore layered over a simple Peter Pan collared blouse like this one would be SO Peggy. Don’t forget some sensible, versatile heels, like these adorable kitten heel slingbacks!
My version of Peggy: a checkered shirtdress in serious colors, sensible loafer heels and a cardigan to keep warm underneatb the office airco.
JOAN HOLLOWAY: SILHOUETTE
Joan’s philosophy is: if you’ve got it, flaunt it. But don’t be mistaken, Joan is a class act! With bodacious curves for days and bright red hair, a girl must learn to get used to some male attention. Our Joan knows what her assets are (pun intended), and she dresses them to perfection. She’s probably the best role model for fuller figured girls that are having a hard time finding the middle ground between sexy and sophisticated: tailored to fit her curves, solid, vibrant colors and a signature silhouette: Joan always wears her dresses kneelength and curvehugging: no full skirts for this babe. Keeping the fit slim and low on the fuss-factor allows her to cover up her girls without looking too boxy. Find a good waist cinching belt and rock those curves!
Joan would approve: this structured pencildress is modest enough, but VERY sexy, especially if you have the curves to fill it out. Still too bare on top? Wear a scarf!
Joan shows us how it’s done.
My version of Joan: skintight, vibrant red and soft to the touch velvet: it doesn’t get more Joan than this!
BETTY DRAPER: ENCHANTMENT
Betty may be a housewife without a day to day job, but Mrs. Draper is an actress and she plays every role to perfection. The doting mom, waiting for her husband in a pristine shirtdress in perfect hair and make up, even after running the household for an entire day. Daddy’s little girl, in virginal whites and girly headbands. The trophy wife with movie star good looks: his very own Grace Kelly. Girl puts a spell on you. The sad thing is that her appearance is about the only thing she has under control. Betty clings to clean, classy, classicly feminine looks like full skirts, florals and pastels. Immaculate ice queen, unable to confide in anyone about her insecurities and loneliness.
Be like Betty: this embroidered prom dress by River Island would look perfect on Bets! Do it like they did: hang this cardigan over your shoulders the way you would if your date would lend you his jacket on a cold night out, instead of putting your arms through the sleeves: small change, major ladylike impact!
My version of Betty: polkadots, puff sleeves, full skirt and an icy expression. Betty is known to wear greys and blacks when she’s in her wronged wife role, like when she visits her shrink.
We’ve been seeing sixties influences in many highstreet S/S2011 collections like H&M’s, so Mad Style is definitely current. Which lovely lady is your favorite, and will you be dressing in darling dresses come spring? For more 60s inspiration, check out our EIU vintage guide!
THE STYLING DUTCHMAN
