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Mad about Mad Men: 1960s styles are hot in fall fashions

By Dahlia Jean Weinstein

You don’t have to be a Madison Avenue ad exec., a sexy secretary or a Stepford wife to appreciate the classic, sophisticated silhouettes from the early ’60s.

Inspired by characters from AMC’s award-winning cable series, Mad Men, fashion designers are showcasing the series’ highly-stylized aesthetic. Inspiration from Mad Men’s stand-out characters can be found in the hottest fall fashion collections. These modern interpretations of ’60s style should be part of every man’s – and woman’s – wardrobe.

Dapper Don Draper: The Don Draper character is the creative director and partner at Sterling Cooper ad agency. He’s also a womanizer, but you don’t have to be Don Juan to capture his sense of style. Every man should own an impeccably-tailored, two-button sharkskin suit. Gray tones dominate this slim-fit look and sharkskin sheen was a ’60s staple. Add a white French-cuff shirt, a shadow-stripe Chevron tie and a slick hairdo to top off this sophisticated look.

Hottie Joan Holloway:

Joan Holloway manages the ad agency’s secretaries – and garners the attention of the agency’s men – with her sexy, hourglass shape. Joan embodies the beauty of a full-figured woman. If you’re a smaller woman, you can pack on the padding – breast and butt – to get that curvaceous shape, or just pick up some form-fitting staples: pencil skirts, fitted sweaters and shapely sheath dresses. Add a bold brooch or statement jewelry and you’ll achieve that sexy, SEXretary look.

Darling Betty Draper: Former fashion model Betty Draper is Don’s wife, the mother of his two children — with a third on the way — and is innocent to the ways of the world – or is she?

Don’t let her Stepford wife style fool you. Betty is less overt than Joan, but she knows sexy – and sweet. Betty’s closet consists of cinched-waist dresses, fitted Capris, floral-print sweater sets and strands of pearls, of course. As Betty’s behavior becomes more daring this season, she might start stealing some looks from Joan’s closet.

If you haven’t seen Mad Men, program your TiVo or DVR to catch up on the first two seasons before the third season premieres Aug. 16. If you are already a fan of the show, which character’s style do you emulate? Dapper Don? Jaw-dropping Joan? Beautiful Betty? Whatever your signature style, you’ll be as mad about these looks as we are.

SHOPPING DETAILS
(Top photo) COCKTAIL HOUR: On Betty Draper, left: Kay Unger red raw silk dress with black sequins detail ($450), Manolo Blahnik peep-toe, high heels with bow detail ($785). Both at Neiman Marcus.  Black faceted-glass, large-button earrings ($12), black crochet wrist gloves with bow detail ($20). Both at Boss Unlimited: Vintage Clothing, Jewelry & Accessories. Black onyx choker ($350). At Morrison & Trattner Design.

On Don Draper: Ermenegildo Zegna gray sharkskin two-button suit ($2,595), Ermenegildo Zegna twill dress shirt ($245), Brioni gray shadow-stripe Chevron tie ($195) and Ferragamo wing-tip, lace-up shoes ($495). All at Neiman Marcus.

On Joan Holloway: Zac Posen pastel pink stretch dress with ruching ($1,550), Manolo Blahnik pink snakeskin heels ($845). Both at Neiman Marcus. Long pearl drop earrings ($120). At Morrison & Trattner.

(From left to right)
QUEEN OF THE KITCHEN: Betty Draper: Kay Unger purple cinch-waist dress ($330), Neiman Marcus brand floral cashmere sweater ($340). Both at Neiman Marcus. Faux single pearl strand ($25), faux white pearl cluster, clip-on earrings ($12). Both at Boss Unlimited: Vintage Clothing, Jewelry & Accessories.

BEAUTY IN BLUE: Joan Holloway Neiman Marcus label turquoise turtleneck ($195). At Neiman Marcus. Black faceted-glass, large-button earrings ($12). At Boss Unlimited: Vintage Clothing, Jewelry & Accessories. Black onyx choker ($350). At Morrison & Trattner Design.

CASUAL FRIDAY: Betty Draper: Channel white retro sunglasses ($320). Piazza Sempione pink knit, short swing sweater with big-button detail ($845), Theory black Capri pants ($225), Manolo Blahnik black suede flats ($395). Don Draper: Ermenegildo Zegna twill dress shirt ($245). At Neiman Marcus. Pulligan vintage, wool, v-neck sweater vest ($26), Palm Beach by Beau Brummel vintage brown, blue and tan variegated tie ($30), Vintage, bBlue subtle plaid sharkskin slacks ($35). At Boss Unlimited: Vintage Clothing, Jewelry & Accessories.

SEX-RETARY: Joan Holloway: Faux white pearl cluster, clip-on earrings ($12), faux gold tassel brooch ($12). Both at Boss Unlimited: Vintage Clothing, Jewelry & Accessories. Neiman Marcus brand rust cashmere ruched sweater ($220). Ralph Lauren brown-toned tweed suit jacket ($998). Both at Neiman Marcus.
 
ON THE TOWN Betty Draper: Carmen Marc Valvo black and gold cocktail dress ($595). At Neiman Marcus. Faux champagne pearls ($18). At Boss Unlimited: Vintage Clothing, Jewelry & Accessories. Long pearl drop earrings ($120). At Morrison & Trattner Design.

SEXY SHEATH: Joan Holloway: David Meister hot pink, pleated-neck sheath dress ($325). Long pearl drop earrings ($120). At Morrison & Trattner Design. Stylists own crystal pink and green and faux gold brooch, one-of-a-kind styles ($25 – $65). At Morrison & Trattner Design.

WHERE TO BUY:
Neiman Marcus: Cherry Creek Shopping Center, 3030 E.1st Ave, Denver; 303-329-2600; www.neimanmarcus.com. 

Boss Unlimited: 10 S. Broadway, Denver; 303-871-0373; www.bossvintage.com. This boutique carries an amazing selection of vintage clothes, jewelry and accessories from the 1920s through the 1980s. If you are looking for something truly special, ask co-owners Cynthia and Ron Wright to show you their one-of-a-kind finds that are not on display. Boss also provides services to the motion picture, theatre and television industry.
 
Morrison & Trattner Design: Denver designers Wendy Morrison and Judy Trattner offer one-of-a-kind statement pieces for jewelry lovers. By appointment only: call Wendy, 303-881-6340 or Judy, 303-931-5667.
 
CREDITS:
Photographer: Joe Mahoney
Stylist: Dahlia Jean Weinstein
Makeup: Kelsey Zabawa, The Look Beauty Boutique, 75 S. Madison Street, Suite 100; 303-322-4902
Hair: Tasha Valenti, The Look Beauty Boutique
Models: Marie Fontenot, Natalie Moore and Brian Johannsen/Donna Baldwin Talent
Location:Arapahoe Acres historic “Pool House,” owned by restoration and renovation specialist Dave Steers, and his wife, Yvonne Steers. For fun facts about the house, click here.

Special thanks:
Realtor: Shannon Stanbro; www.5280mod.com
Arapahoe Acres homeowners Dave and Yvonne Steers
Katelyn Simkins, makeup artist

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