It’s no secret I love the glamour of the 1950s and 60s – all restrained sexiness simmering beneath turtlenecks, button-up blouses and flirtatious full skirts. The mystique of a fabulous trench coat, demure allure of a cashmere twin set and immaculately groomed women in provocative heels. Incidentally, all the images I willed my childhood to have, but was sadly lacking in suburban Maroubra [in Sydney].
But the gals of Mad Men capture all these qualities and more. Not only is the show beautifully directed, sharply scripted (and let’s not mention all that gratuitous cigarette smoking we don’t see enough of any more), the retro styling of the three leading ladies’ wardrobes is to die for.
Whether your style is Joan, Betty or Peggy – invest in the 60s classics and embrace ladylike looks this Winter.
Here are Alex Perry’s top tips for old-school glam:
1. Channelling your inner Betty goddess
Think iconic “cupcake” glamour of petticoated full skirts cinched in at the waist, teamed with luxe knits or silky blouses, with a glimpse of lacy lingerie underneath. Reference the groomed perfection of Hitchcock’s icy blondes Grace Kelly or Tippi Hedren, and accessorise with pearls.
Personifying at-home glamour, this domestic pin-up steps out of bed wearing heels! Go for a classic pump or sling back.
2. MGM va-voom of Joan…
Look for bombshell “wiggle” dresses and pencil skirts – and buy a size smaller to ensure your hourglass curves are hugged in all the right places.
Joan is all woman and commanding in strong jewel tones and siren-like in boat necklines with ¾ sleeves. Opt for shift dresses with clean lines to show off your assets.
3. Peggy’s retro preppy cool
Embrace Peggy’s “buttoned up” brand of sexy with pleated skirts in tweed or plaid, teamed with soft blouses, funnel neck pea coats or turtleneck sweaters.
The look is a bit twee and uptight, but a bit naughty and provocative at the same time – twisted schoolgirl/secretary.
Here are Alex Perry’s 7 key items to achieve these looks:
1. Trench coat – The timeless trench is available in a variety of styles, colours and fabrics this season. Pick one that you love and wear it over anything and everything. I think it is especially gorgeous over a full petticoated skirt.
2. Pencil Skirt – remember to buy it one size to small. It will put a wiggle in your walk.
3. Cardigan –Think Lana Turner or Brigitte Bardot. Fitted, provocative, in cashmere or silk, but never boxy and never embellished. Worn draped over the shoulders, tucked into a waistband or buttoned up high.
4. Louboutin style pumps – a classic pump with slight platform and tall heel is a must for all the women of Mad Men. Preferably suede, but croc or patent leather also works.
5. Matte red lips – opaque with a depth of colour will add instant glamour.
6. Hot rollers, or daily appointment with celebrity hairstylist Joh Bailey – for perfectly coiffed hair every morning.
7. Foundation garments – All manner of bullet proof push-up bras, waist cinchers, corsets, step-ins and girdles are the behind the scenes heroes here. Do not attempt any of these looks without one or more of these secret weapons in your arsenal.
So in a nutshell, the women from Mad Men embrace all the things I believe in – the heels-at-all-times rule, tight skirts, demure twin sets, flirtatious petticoats and impeccable grooming. Call me old fashioned, but somehow home baked glamour looks much better today than it did back then in Maroubra.
Mad Men Style: Alex Perry’s Top Tips
Mad Men Style – Watching Mad Men Season 3 on Foxtel makes us want to add some old school glam to our look. So we asked Australia’s most glamorous designer, Alex Perry, which fashion pieces we should invest in to add some Mad Men Style wattage to our wardrobe.
