Mad Style

Peggy Olson: 50s Throw-back on a Mission

Peggy’s style hasn’t always been the greatest – in fact, she’s been downright frumpy at times (and her juvenile curled pony-tail doesn’t help). But when Peggy gets it together, watch out! That said, Peggy represents what is likely a very realistic depiction of style in the early 60s – someone who is still wearing the clothes she bought a few years ago, but slowly embracing some new looks. Both her personality (and therefore fashion choices) land her between Betty and Joan – a little naïve but growing more sure of herself. Fresh-faced Elizabeth Moss, the actress playing Peggy, actually has a very petite figure – one we’re only starting to see.

Our Miss Peggy: She's a basket of kisses and then some.

Retro-recreationist, Stop Staring, has a bang-on outfit of Peggy’s – the Doll Swing dress – but because it is so very 1950s, I fear anyone wearing it might look and feel as if they’re playing dress-up. Instead, I’ve opted to focus on two Peggy looks that have become timeless classics.

Let’s not forget that Mad Men hedges on the era of Jackie K. – and while the show is a touch too early in the chronology to fully embrace the less-boxy bolero and fabulously chunky jewelry eventually sported by the most stylish First Lady ever – Peggy was getting close with her matching jacket and skirt ensemble.
While J.Crew’s wool herringbone Astrid jacket and skirt ($159 and $100, respectively) are more Rachel Menken than Peggy Olson – I figure this is direction Peggy is going (maybe with another $5 a week raise?). Since we’re at J.Crew, it’s hard to resist the ode-to-the-60s Fleur Patterned Peep-toe heels ($228). Pricey, yes. Captivating, you betcha. JC Penney’s American Living Tuxedo Blouse ($42) adds a clean sturdiness often seen in Peggy’s outfits.

She means business: And she knows it.

We know Peggy has a thing about frugalness (can we really blame her?) and in honor of the penny-pinching one, I’ve tried to pull this one together as cheaply as possible. Start with a fitted blouse – like Savile Row’s Grace Stripe Tie Neck Shirt ($30). Tuck it in (repeat, tuck it in – let’s not be afraid of our waists) to a classic pencil skirt. Old Navy carries a very affordable grey version for $20. Jana Mary Jane Peep Toes for $25 and the faux crocodile Sarah Tote for $23 – both available at Payless complete the style for less than Don Draper’s DUI charge. Now, there’s a bargain!

Looked good then: Looks good today.