"Mad Men" is once again the runaway season hit. With its witty banter, beautiful cinematography and talented scriptwriting, how could it miss? The show was an obvious winner, but who knew what mayhem the show's fashions would bring?! Betty, Joan, Don and Roger are the show's standout fashionistas. You may not like how they live their lives, but man, do their outfits rock!
Betty and Joan
Betty and Joan are an obvious fashion dichotomy. Betty, with her Grace Kelly looks and simple housewife demeanor continually steals the show. Always perfectly coifed with never a hair out of place, Betty epitomizes the upscale, 1960's housewife. Remember her riding look? Amazing figure, no respectful housewife would dare eat a morsel more; spotless clothes topped with matching scarf and dazzling pear earrings. She's always a stunner, but without over doing it.
Joan is not glitzy or flamboyant, but rather aware of how she can best capture, and flaunt, her best assets. Forward in her talk and fashions, Joan purposefully emphasizes her beauty. Joan is often seen in hues of green, which of course compliments her gorgeous, red hair. All of her outfits are perfectly tailored and made to hug each curve. She wears soft, feminine and inviting fabrics. She makes no apologies for her femininity and stays true to herself.
Don and Roger
Don Draper, the TV show's star, is a breathtaking man from almost all perspectives. Unmistakably handsome, he is always the head-turner in his sharp, yet simple suits and skinny ties. Not only is his appearance crisp, but so is his business style. He has never a moment too chit-chat or talk shop, yet brilliant in his own right as an ad man.
Roger Sterling, the older, quintessential '60's white collar business owner, is comfortable in his more formal, three piece suits. The three piece suit has the flair of showmanship or performance. What other way to present yourself as a business man who creates images?
Peggy, Rachel, Midge, and Joy
As each character develops, their garbs fit who they are more and more. Peggy Olsen, the show's awkward, single woman trying to make a name for herself in the ad world, has changed her fashion style as the show progresses. Starting out at Sterling and Cooper as Don Draper's secretary, Peggy lived in boxy shaped dresses and thick cotton skirts. She clearly was uncomfortable with herself or unsure of who she was. She has now settled for girlish, non-offensive smocks. She's often seen with peter pan collars and bow details. Sporting a stylish, short bob, Peggy has started to come into her own.
Don invariable introduces new women to the show who come and go. The department store owner, Rachel Menkes, had an obvious understanding of how to pair stylish, side-swept hair with sensual low cut tops. The hippie movement in the 60's is not evident on the show since the setting is upscale New York. However, Midge, another one of Don's women, favors the bohemian, billowy skirts and loose, un-styled hair. The West Coast, breezy '60s sensibility had a brief cameo when Don meets up with Joy. Out in California, Joy and her friends wear light-colored sheath dresses and styled, yet not complicated hairstyles.
Conclusion
There is no lack of style or intrigue in the "Mad Men" lineup. Tailored suits and stylish women are in no short supply. However, as with all great shows, it is the inner mystique and intrigue of the characters and story line that ultimately drives the show to the ratings, and awards, it deserves. And if you happen to spot a sweater you "must have", all the better.
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