‘Mad Men’ Steers Fashion’s Future
Like the rest of the country, my husband and I are obsessed with Mad Men. It’s in no small part because of the show’s amazing wardrobe. From hottie Joan to prim but sexy Betty, not to mention the men’s buttery suits, the aesthetic is captivating.
AMC knows what’s up. They’ve launched a new blog to discuss Mad Men (and women) fashion every week. It’s written by Fashionista blogger Faran Krentcil, and she gives helpful tips about how to duplicate the show’s sartorial artistry. My recent favorite was Betty’s riding outfit:
maybe the most interesting scene of Betty’s is when she’s horse-bound. Her boots and blazer could have been a uniform, except for the gleam of red lipstick under Betty’s helmet. That turned the whole thing from sportswear into showmanship, the same way Betty can slice her domestic duties into something less chore and more art. Hermes reinvented the horseman’s uniform by doing just that, but a boy’s blazer from Brooks Brothers will work too (it’ll look shrunken on you - very sexy), and try Sigerson Morrison for those impossibly straight and tall boots.
For mimicking Joan’s hubba hubba hourglass look, Krentcil suggests Moschino, Cynthia Rowley, Club Monaco; for Peggy’s oddly alluring look, Marc Jacobs. But the best way to recreate your favorite Mad Men character? Hit the vintage shops. Or eBay! Searching for “Mad Men” mostly brings up DVDs of the show… but I also found this vintage Palm Beach suit (isn’t is swell?!) and this “1960’s Wall Street Suit,” also tagged with “Mad Men.” And I guarantee you this seller wouldn’t be asking $50 for an old vintage Sears sweater pre-Mad Men. It’s only a matter of time before more sellers catch on.
Some designers say in this AdAge article that Americans have been comfortable for too long, and it’s time we got back to a more tailored look. I agree even though I totally have hippie DNA. But we don’t have to be uncomfortable to look good. Unless you think the only way to be comfy is to wear a garbage bag.