We all love Mad Men. In fact, not only do I personally swoon over John “The Hamster” Hamm, but I’m also all over the fashion of the late fifties to mid-sixties. I know, retro is in; this is old news. But Madmen helps us laymen get our memories refreshed as to exactly how cute the days o’ Eisenhower and how socially acceptable alcoholism really was.
1. Pointy tits
If Dita Von Teese can do it, gosh darn it, you could probably, too. Pointy tits are in because they make you look dangerous…ly cute! They’re from those old-ass bras that ladies wore that made their boobies looked like alien apparati. Now, we’re modern gals and don’t have to wear uncomfortable cone tit harnesses, but a bit of retro in the cleavagey area ain’t no thang, lil lady! The whole secretary pool does it.
2. Anklereveals
The fifties weren’t the dark ages, people. A cheerleader or soda gal could freely show their ankles as much as they could showcase their pointytits. Am I right? The cold war of pantaloons doesn’t have to be won with slacks. Take it from Betty Draper, a cute ankle-bearing capri with some flats is CLASSIC.
3. Silky Silk
Every dress doesn’t have to be made of…(cringe) cotton! Or even those older, itchier fabrics like wool, rayon, fiberglass…the fifties and sixties embrace feminine materials like silk, feathers and other soft stuff. You know..stuff I can’t really think of right now. But stuff that makes you look like a pillow, or a sexy tent.
4. The Baby Doll
More kids than adults, the fifties and sixties let their daughters wear some short, flirty stuff! Take a look at Susie Draper, who has some CUTE stuff, am I right? Drew Barrymore pulls of a modernized babydoll look, which takes a retro fabric (bonus points) with the flirty cut and some leggings. So get baby-ish! Just make sure it doesn’t look like you’re wearing a diaper under that getup…that’d be cray-zay.
5. Salmon
The name says it all. It’s a fish, a color, and a way of life. Plus, it goes great with pastels. So take a minute and think about it: you plus salmon equals retro fashionista. And if you add buttons, it’s even sexier, guaranteed. In fact, additional points if you have a salmon convertible as an accessory. This color palette is practically a staple at Sterling Cooper, and especially well worn by our favorite office manager, Joan.
6. Bedazzles
The fifties and sixties were all about baubles- the bigger the better. I bet they sold out of so much lucite in those two decades…anyhow, I digress. Big jewelery- be it rhinestones or plastic, gives you a chic look that’s not only aged (in a GOOD WAY) but bold! And if you don’t go bold, people, might as well go home.
7. Tight Pants
Here’s one for the dudes. Now, I know big ‘ol pants falling off your ass is all the rage, but in the late fifties early sixties, men knew how to be MEN. And that means tight, fitted pants to show off what you got (good calves, you pervert)! So do like hambone does, and don’t be afraid to look like a professional….style expert!
8. Trenchy
No, it’s not reminiscent of stalker, it’s reminiscent of cute, Audrey Hepburnesque confidence that says, “hey, I’m cute, but I’m also prepared for the rain.” Trench looks are flirty, but in an adult way. Peggy Olson has one in every color! So, do you wanna be a stylish grown up, or caught again in the rain with no trench? You be the judge.
9. Sweaters
Be a sweater god, boys. A hoodie? So blase. Go with a comfortable yet sophisticated sweater with some understated patterns and a sexy neckline. It’s worn in the office or for an after-work romp. It’s almost like he’s been out walking the spaniels on a crisp fall day. Hey, maybe he has. I don’t know, I’m not his mom.
10. Drama!
Let’s wrap this sucker up with another pic of Dita, goddess of retro. The last Mad Men reminder is to do it up! Drama is king in upscale new york attire, so impress your husband’s employees with something that screams unabashed glamour. Remember, Mad Men might be an office drama, but it sure as hell isn’t stuffy.
If you like this please follow me and I'll follow you back :) Thank you.
