Perhaps we can divide Man Men fans into two camps:

The ones who watched Sunday's season finale and thought, "Oh god, what happens next?!"

And the ones who watched Sunday's season finale and thought, "Oh god, what will they wear in Season 3?!"

Naturally, I'm part of the second camp, though I'd be lying if I didn't admit a surging curiosity for the next episode's circumstances: Will we be in a different ad agency altogether? Will Betty Draper hold a baby instead of a martini? And what year will it be? Which naturally circles back to, "What will they wear?!" A prediction, based on absolutely nothing except my gut: Next season will start in 1963, the morning before Kennedy gets shot.

OK, onto the clothes.

Obviously, Betty's opening silhouette was breathtaking, and also quite symbolic: Her giant skirt spread out so wide, it foreshadowed the expansion of her stomach and hips sometime in the future. It also looked a bit "Humpty Dumpty" to me, but Betty's already had several great falls, and really, how many more can she take?

It was a great costume, but I'm more interested in discussing the champagne-colored jacquard suit that Betty wears before and after (and briefly during) her transgression in the bar. The first thing that struck me about it is that it isn't that sexy -- at least, not compared to Betty Draper's Greatest Hits like the Valentine gown, the pink princess frock from dinner with Jimmy and Bobbie, and the ill-received bikini from a few episodes back. Even her riding costume has more sex in it than this proper jacket and skirt. So what gives? I think it's a signal (albeit an obvious one) that this affair has nothing to do with Betty's physical needs -- it's more about revenge. It's also interesting, and appreciated, that Betty's suit is a pale gold -- a good contrast to her platinum wedding and engagement rings, which she's still wearing. And maybe there's a bit of role play here, too: Don wears a suit; Don screws around. Betty has decided to screw around; Betty's damn well going to wear a suit, too. PREDICTION: Next season, Betty will wear a Marimekko shift as a maternity dress.

Continue reading "The Mad Men Fashion File - Betty's Suit, Peggy Revenge and Predictions for Next Season" »