The Mad Men Fashion File - How to Dress Like a Mad Woman

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Mad Men's costume designer Janie Bryant was once asked if the show's vintage style rubs off on her current wardrobe. "Sure," she replied, "But there's a fine line between looking like you've been influenced by the early '60s, and looking like you're going to a theme party for the early '60s!" In other words: A little period styling goes a very long way. With that in mind, we thumbed through current collections in search of the perfect outfit for a Mad world.

The Wealthy Housewife
For a little bit of Grace Kelly by way of Ossining, think about slim pants. These tapered slacks from Max Studio were inspired specifically by the sporty, elegant silhouette of the movie star princess.

The Young Socialite
Having more disposable income like Trudy doesn't make all your problems go away, especially when you're trying to walk the line between sassy and sweet. This dress (in black) from Betsey Johnson does just that, using shapes inspired by '60s debutantes but with a little wink of sex appeal.

The Bombshell
Anyone can pull off this look, but the secret is knowing your shape and accentuating your best parts, a la Joan. Whether you're getting a start up agency off the ground, or in charge of something more established, this curve-enhancing number from Paul & Joe is the perfect mix of business and bombshell.

The Up-and-Comer
Peggy might have been a late-bloomer, but Season 3 proved she is as capable of exploiting her office (and bedroom) talents as anyone else. This pussy-bow blouse from Thakoon takes Peggy's trusty accessory to a whole new level. You can find it at ShopBop.

The Free-Spirit
A nonchalant lifestyle isn't as easy as it might seem: Transitioning from schoolteacher to the other woman requires the perfect outfit. Laundry By Shelley Segal makes a great sheath dress (available at at Bluefly) that's both modern and a little zany -- and perhaps inspired by the Draper's bathroom wallpaper.

The Enchantress
Echoing the glam, black-tie outfits of Mad Men's fancier themes is a bit of a fashion dream -- especially since long, bugle-beaded evening gowns aren't quite practical. Nanette Lepore has a coat (also available at Bluefly) with a gilded sheen and vintage buttons that project Bobbie's sassy yet regal attitude, even if you've just got jeans underneath.

The Glam Factor

And then there are days when you wake up and thank the lord it's not 1963 -- you can wear jeans, sneakers, and a don't-mess-with-me scowl for your husband. On those days, there's a three-second way to channel some vintage glamour -- a streak of deep red lipstick from Revlon that's thick, matte and inspired by the complicated beauty of the early '60s -- just like your favorite TV show.

For Mad Women and Mad Men
At Sterling Cooper, men and women have separate jobs, distinct salaries, and a different set of office politics to avoid. What they do have in common? Styling accessories, like Ray Ban sunglasses, the shades worn by everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Bob Dylan. Don Draper has a pair; so does Jane Siegel.

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Filed under: Fashion File

Comments

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Mad Men is my favorite show and I absolutely adore Joan, she is the true bombshell on that show and most women would give anything to have her figure and dress like her but why you are promoting modern crappy made clothing astounds me when real vintage clothing can be found very easily such as on this site

http://shop.ebay.com/bombshell*frocks/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p4340

Become a fan on facebook and get ½ price shipping...
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vintage-Clothing-BombshellFrocks/130123821838?v=wall

And yes I am plugging myself but only because I cringe to see someone trying to pass off modern as vintage....there's NOTHING like real vintage and that's exactly why most of the clothing worn on Mad Men IS real vintage so why promote modern?

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I have been a fan of Mad Men since the beginning and am surprised and irked at the copy cat promos. Why not promote from withing your own fan base? More fabulous vintage can be found in my store figure8studio dot com.

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Mention Mad Men and receive FREE shipping.

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Mad Men, I miss you so much. I wish you would come back soon : (

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The lipstick should be Cherries in the Snow, named by famed beauty Louise M. Henrikson in the late 50's.

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Cherries in the Snow...midah, that was my mom's shade!

Here is a cool ad from 1953....I do believe Revlon still makes that color, even now.

http://cherriesnow.essentialwriters.com/files/2009/04/cherries_in_the_snow_1953.jpg

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2flashbak58-So glad to have your link. My daughter loves vintage and look so good wearing it. She is almost a Betty look a like. We are always looking for vintage clothing.

@figure8Studio- LOVE your clothes!!! Absolutely beautiful!

Glad you are both "plugging" yourselves. Good things to have. Thanks!!


@AL- I am right there with you. I miss being able to watch Mad Men. There are so many different aspects of the show that I love so much, but one being the fashion, make up and the set design. They all make me feel as if I have stepped back into time.

@SCFan- Thank you for the link. Love everything I can get my hands on. You always have wonderful posts. The vintage ads were wonderful! Reminds me of Betty Boop!

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Trudy's mohair sweater in episode 12 (when she and Pete are cuddling and planning on the couch) is so right-on! I remember that all the girls in high school had to have them, in every color.

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I have to agree with you all! Vintage clothing is easily found at many great stores on the web and in most cities. The quality is usually fantastic and you will get a one-of-a-kind look.

Mad Men uses real vintage clothes, fabrics and materials for an authentic look that works. It is worth looking into vintage clothing companies - why look cookie cutter?

I have to admit I'm a bit embarrassed they let this blog go through with modern clothing.

Stop in and say hi! http://www.wallflowervintage.com

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Thank you jeffe64!♥ We acquired stock from two vintage stores, we are like kids in a candy store :) What I have in my store is only the tip of the iceberg.

I don't mind the modern ads so much because we all have to pay bills. I know some sellers of vintage don't but I also sell modern in my store, it was the promotion coming from someone associated directly with the blogs or fan base that prompted my comment. I have been reading these blogs since they began appearing on the AMC website and posting for some time. I never promoted my store before in any of the threads I posted to and if you click on my ID it takes you to my blog not even directly to my store.

I honestly believe the vintage community is probably the biggest supporter of Mad Men.

And this is just mho but I really didnt see anything resembling the vintage worn in Mad Men's decade in those ads.

Its good seeing other vintage sellers posting to the thread.

I miss the show so much I am watching again from the beginning, its hard but only one episode at a time and only on Sunday at 10 PM :)

Please feel free to friend us on FB

http://www.facebook.com/figure8studio

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Love love love that Pendleton Wool coat for sale.

My Mom had a Pendleton jacket (similar to the one Lucy wore after she and Ricky moved to the country! ha)

She finally sold it in a garage sale but, oh how I wish I still had it.

That ivory evening gown ensemble would be gorgeous on any of the Mad Men gals.

Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

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...And that Hawaiian Sun Party Dress would be soooo adorable on Trudy or Betty!

Thanks again for a look at these gorgeous items!

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Oooooo, I just noticed it's (the Hawaiian party dress) a "plus" size....wow, wouldn't that look gorgeous on our voluptuous Joanie?

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I am missing my weekly adventures of Mad Men. I have been watching since the first season.
I was working in the late 60's and early 70's and knew women like Joan and Peggy. Of course the men were much like they are portrayed on Mad Men. I used to call them Kings in Little Kingdoms (only to myself and family).
But most of all I watch the jewelry the women wear. In the first season, Joan had a copper necklace that looked like it could be Rebajes. I was trying to figure if Joan would have worn that...and Betty had inexpensive costume jewelry on when I expected her to be wearing Miriam Haskell. But recently, the "Betty Draper" in my life passed away and her family asked me to go through her jewelry. Well, there was Haskell, but there was also Sarah Coventry, Coro, Napier and other more common pieces. I realized then that Mad Men had put the right jewelry on Betty. That it is the woman, so powerful and dazzling, mysterious and subtle, that makes the jewelry attractive.
Alison Phalan

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Hello Holiday Shoppers!

We here at Renovare Interiors would like to offer a 10% discount to our loyal friends on your holiday shopping with us. We are selling the Mad Men Joan Harris Sterling Silver Neck Chain Pens like crazy. Please check the link below and order yours today! Happy Holidays to all and remain well in all ways!

http://renovare-interiors.com/mad.htm

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They dress so good on the madmen show. The women and the men dress good. The dressing on this show is so good.
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Why not promote from withing your own fan base? More fabulous vintage can be found in my store figure8studio dot com.ecommerce store

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The outfits of Mad Men are awesome.
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These are not like a Mad. These are like a bomb. Their dressing are awesome. All old movies are superb. Their style, their acting, all are awesome. I am a huge fan of god father movie. Many few people notice that in movie "god father". Their is a wedding scene in starting and that bride and groom wears a original black diamond wedding rings. Their dressing was good and realistic. For this reason I say:"Old Is Gold".

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Made are those women who not use jewellery. Because jewellery is beauty of women. Mostly women like Platinum wedding rings because it is very splendid rings.

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I have to say I am glad Ms. Bryant said what she did about people trying too hard to pull of the 1960's inspired look and it turning out to look more like a costume. I have seen more than a few of the types who think they are avant garde and they just look silly. I think you have to have the body and style in order to do it right. I, for one, would not, so I don't try. However, I do enjoy looking at the show very much. The clothing brings back memories of my mother, (5 feet 5, 120lbs) wearing that crazy teased beehive with a french twist bun in the back that when she came home from the beauty parlor, she would gingerly sleep on her side so as not to wreck it!!! :-) She would wear those pencil skirts and stockings, not pany hose, the ones you would have those tabs in order to keep them up!!!

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Very funny article you share. This is actually not a madness. Designing a good thing is an art. People love this. I am specially go to the Edinburgh hairdresser for the craze of the fashion. Many rich people surf their money on their fashion and latest dress.

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The women and the men dress good. The dressing on this show is so good.
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Peggy might have been a late-bloomer, but Season 3 proved she is as capable of exploiting her office (and bedroom) talents as anyone else. This pussy-bow blouse from Thakoon takes Peggy's trusty accessory to a whole new level. You can find it at ShopBop. learn golf cambridgedomain name generator

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Why not promote from withing your own fan base? More fabulous vintage can be found in my store figure8studio dot com.nanny housekeeper

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Good review. But I have not liked the deep red lipstick from Revlon and "like Ray Ban sunglasses". Amanda from mahjong association.

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I love this era. It is rich with style.
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Thanks again for a look at these gorgeous items!
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Fashion is what girls like in teen age and women's in older age.
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These are really great! I particularly love the blouse from Thakoon. Thanks for posting these :)

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This segmentation really help the people who wants to understand the women fashion market.By the way i enjoyed the last para of this article i.e of Mad man and mad women.

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It is good be here. The style and dresses shown here are awesome. Fashion always attracts the people. These styling accessories are really impressive.
Thanks.

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For being a bombshell,one needs to have a certain body type ,the more curvier the better it will be.Your article was very informative,detail oriented a guide for people who wants to get into this business.
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I absolutely adore Mad Men style, I find it an endless inspiration. The style is so evocative and combined with the incredible cinematography, the effect is other-worldly. Original footage from the actual time period is never as realistic or breathtaking. Please check out my blog! I am mesmerized by Janie Bryant!
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Interesting, I didn't know that to dress like a Mad Women, there were so many flavors! Some cool Party Dresses for mad women.

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Love, love, love Mad Men! Love the fashion for both men and women. Love all the fancy places they go to. Love how they always have babysitters available. Thank goodness we now have services like Sittercity.com.

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Mad men is the best show on TV at them minute. I love everythign about the show, especially the outfits. I think the jewellery is the best, especially the diamond rings.

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It was a Size 14 bombshell, lobbed into the anorexic world of fashion and Ginault ads.Ginault watch company (www.ginault.com), based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, keeps a comprehensive collections of vintage and new Rolex timepieces to preserve the legacy of Swiss haute horlogerie. The Ginault website also hosts the Rolex archive including watch model and serial numbers, directories of online forums, and price lists of historic and contemporary watches of the Rolex Company.

And Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone certainly caused an explosion when she declared last week that the curvaceous female stars of hit TV show Mad Men make ideal role models for young girls.

The Minister earned criticism for arguing that the buxom, hourglass figures of actresses such as Christina Hendricks were both healthy and empowering.

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Mad Men is such a great show. The actors outfits are perfect for the time period. I love the glamor wear they use in the show. Maui wedding packages

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Mad Men is such a great show. The actors outfits are perfect for the time period. I love the glamor wear they use in the show. Maui wedding packages

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Not a bad article, thx for keeping me sane during my working hours. Good site indeed :)
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I absolutely adore new york dress Mad Men style, I find it an endless inspiration. The style is so evocative and combined with the incredible cinematography, the effect is other-worldly.

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The clothing brings back memories of my mother, (5 feet 5, 120lbs) wearing that crazy teased beehive with a french twist bun in the back that when she came home from the beauty parlor, she would gingerly sleep on her side so as not to wreck it!!! seo orange county
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I just noticed all the fiorelli jewellery they are wearing in the photo. it's strange how these things come in and out of fashion. I mean, I bet my Grandma was wearing this stuff in the sixties and now it's all the rage again. Maybe I should have asked my Grandma's advice when buying a Valentine's Day present this year!

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they should dress up not too boring :) ..
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There are so many different crest whitening strips aspects of the show that I love so much, but one being the fashion, make up and the set design. They all make me feel as if I have stepped back into time.
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I have a major girl crush on Betty Draper. I love her long dresses! And her hair is always perfect.
Fun fact, and since you are a bigger MM fan then I you probably know this, but did you know when they were doing the casting call they were vigilant about none of the women having plastic surgery since in the 50′s there was no fake boobs/botox/nose jobs whathaveyou and they wanted to make sure everything was really true to the time period.

Thanks
Melissa

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I have a major girl crush on Betty Draper. I love her long dresses! And her hair is always perfect.

Fun fact, and since you are a bigger MM fan then I you probably know this, but did you know when they were doing the casting call they were vigilant about none of the women having plastic surgery since in the 50′s there was no fake boobs/botox/nose jobs whathaveyou and they wanted to make sure everything was really true to the time period.

Thanks
Melissa