Mad Men fever has well and truly hit our shores.
I have been an addict for the past two seasons and am waiting anxiously to see what’s next. But rather than dragging out that time pondering the prospect, I’ve come up with a special presentation for you all to work a little Mad Men into your every day. I bring you the first of the The Mad Man Style Files!
I am a Joan Holloway fan through and through. I love her wardrobe, her hair, her attitude and her way with the snide remark. Even if your tongue is not as sharp as Joan’s, your style certainly can be. There is a particular formula to her style that you can either choose to adopt fully or create your own modern take on the look.
*Fitted to waist and hips.
In a time when lycra had not yet made its fashion debut, designers had to rely solely on skillful tailoring to achieve Joan’s fitted look. This means more darting, seaming and pleating than you see on the average garment today. Belting with a skinny belt made of the same fabric as the dress was common practice in a more casual day dress look, but you’ll find that Joan’s look relies on clever rouching, cropped jackets or perfectly placed rear darts to achieve the same waisted focus.
*High Scooped Neckline.
Joan’s figure is a deadly weapon, all the more so for its lack of overt sexuality. You won’t see Joan’s bosoms falling from a plunging v-neck, just her sculptured collar bones appearing above a modest neckline hinting at what lies beneath. Like Alfred Hitchcock, Ms Holloway knows the art of suggestion is more powerful than having to spell it out.
*Knee Grazing Length.
This one plays not only into the afore mentioned art of subtly, but also plays a key role in creating the perfect hour glass shape. By bringing the eye in at knee level, it echos the curve of the waist giving it further impact.
*Solid Jewel Colours.
This is one woman who knows how to make the most of her assets. With her flame red hair, confusing the issue with vivid prints en massse would only detract from her striking features. Instead, by choosing solid jewel tones that compliment her hair colour, they serve to frame her natural assets allowing us to focus on her silhouette.
*Shaping Underwear.
Commonly called Foundation Garments, these are the precursors to Spanx and all those style of underwear. Without the aid of the stretch clothing we have today, woman relied more heavily on their underwear to give them the perfect shape they needed. (If only there was a bit more usage of these we wouldn’t be subjected to the multi boob phenomenon we see so much of now). To get the perfect Joan shape, you need the perfect Joan underwear. It lifts, taughtens and holds you in in all the right places. Rather than relying on the dress to hold it together, this removes the straining, lumps and bumps, giving you Joan’s sleek smooth shape.
*Sleek 60’s Coif.
Joan’s hair truly is her crowing glory. Not only striking in colour, but with such style, polish and variety, waiting to see how she arrives next is a pleasure. There is much thought that goes into each style. Even the softer ‘bed head’ do’s have a more sculptural quality that says, ” I look this good on purpose”. Each style has similar design elements. Height at the crown, side swept fringe (bangs) to highlight her eyes, and a shorter length to show off her alabaster neck.
*Signature Necklace.
A strong personality can carry off a signature item with apolmb. Rather than being a show pony for an extensive jewellery collection, Joan’s choices are simple, only extending to the glittery in the earring department or on a big night out. In each and every office scene, Joan sports a sleek silver pen necklace. It is simple, practical and comes with the unspoken adgenda of business, but not at the expense of style.
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*** Coming Up: Joan Hollway Hair – A Super Kawaii Mama Tutorial! ***
I was...
Ohhh, I just got my hair cut short, short, short, more of a Pob than Joan’s but sleek and short. Can’t wait for the hair installment.
Ooooh love it! Love Joan and the whole “Mad Men” style, so your feature is brilliant! I just cut my hair, too (anxiously waiting for it to grow back, of course). I do, however, have a few Joan-esque dresses.
Rabia: Yes, I saw the new hair cut. It may be difficult for the tutorial I have this week, but perfect for some others that are coming up as part of this series. You could do some perfect Joan hair with what you’ve created there.
Rebecca: There is something quite different in the fabric to the modern ones of today. It seems to have more density, which was likely the case.
Imelda: Quite possibly in the history of television… ever.
Lovely post I adore her style – the dress at the top is amazing!
Joan is THE sexiest woman on TV…I can’t wait for season 3 to start..only 4 months to go.
Joan’s body is a key peice. I adore her style but I don’t have the body
XXASAB
ASAB: Don’t worry my dear, give it another 10 or so years and see what happens. I may just have a more age appropriate one for you up my sleeve.
I LOVE Christina Hendricks, she is so gorgeous. And I just reserved season 1 of Mad Men from the library. Yay!
Wow, she can really work a pen necklace. I kinda want one. And I think I’m going to have to add this show to my Netflix list.
I always love to see more & more posts on Joan! There’s an excellent dress at B&Lu that screams Joanie style, for plus-sized women.
I love Joan’s style and wit as well. I just wonder if any of those outfits could be comfortable at all. I’ve got Joan’s body, but I sit at a desk most of the day. I don’t think I could handle those tight dresses all day!
I also really like party dress Betty, not to be confused with depressed, house coat, chain smoking Betty.
It looks as though for the next few months, I’ll be sporting the pregnant Peggy.
Corey: Well you’re in luck. The whole gaggle of gals are coming in for my treatment, so you’ll be able to find a suitable style icon over the next month here.
Ashe: There are some fabulous dresses of this style around at the moment. If only they would start bring back the underwear, we could start a super sexy revolution – no silicone required!
Stephanie: You can actually buy that one I’ve shown here if you’re so inclined. And yes, do add it. Joan has to be heard to be believed.
Gen: I love her in Life too. Smaller role, but still so smoldering.
I also just cut my hair short and have been quite frustrated trying to figure out what to do with it, so I too am eagerly awaiting the hair tutorial. The interesting thing is that without my exceedingly long locks to hide my figure, I have found my waist. I AM curvy, so this post is very timely to help me get a look that accentuates my waist and not my un-flat tummy.
BTW, WHERE can one purchase those undergarments? I completely need those!
she is so beautiful and those clothes really suit her
This woman is so insanely gorgeous – I don’t watch the show (no cable) but I’ve seen outtakes and I’ve also seen the actor on other programs… Body is a deadly weapon indeed!
I am definitely a Joan fan all the way! Great post!
Can’t wait for that hair tutorial! I’ve got the color, but I’m not sure if I could manage the style. She sure is va-va-voom, and couldn’t we all use a bit more of that?
Loooooove the look. It’s amazing how some key design elements can make for such a well rounded look.
Luckily there’s more and more of these kinds of dresses around. Lots in Portmans at the moment and Cue actually.
Can’t wait for the hair tutorial, though mine is now getting a bit long to make it easy to do – a trip to the hairdresser is in order.
I love Mad Men and Joan is my favourite character. The undergarments are key to the look as it makes her voluptuous and upright at the same time!
Floraposte: The hair tutorail should be perfect for your hair, as mine is down past my shoulders and that’s what I had to work with.
Esz: Funny you should say that. I think those two stores have all my pocket money from the last two months!
Tiki Mama: Oh Yes! This will be perfect for you! I am jealous of the red hair at the moment. Because my internet has been shaped until tomorrow, the hair tutorial will appear later in the week. But I want to see you in the contest.
Sandra: thanks!.
K.Line: OMG, you are missing out. Even if not fot he outfits, the dialogue is razor sharp and has more legendary lines that you can poke a stick at.
Andrea: Stunning that woman, and her skin.. divine.
Bekster: Well the tutorial may work on your shorter hair, it is harder for me to do a tutorial on shorter hair as mine is long. But if anyone wants to volunteer to be a hair model and is in Melbourne, drop me a line! As for the undergarments, you can either go with the modern version (Spanx and their friends) but I prefer the vintage type. I get mine either from Ebay, Etsy, local old lady lingere stores that have dead stock. Their are even some online stores that cater for this, although they tend to run to the pretty rather than the “industrial” like these are. I’ll compile a list for you.
Best post ever! She makes me feel good about having a curvy body. I could use those breasts though!
Thats it.
I have to get my hands on this series on DVD and study every wardrobe piece in minute detail! No wonder everyone is raving about this show (apparently the story line isn’t bad either
After watching your amazing hair tutorials (srsly the best I’ve seen on youtube), I came to your website, and it was so perfect that the first post I saw was about Joan Holloway, a favorite television character of mine. I’m really looking forward to the tutorial and browsing through more of your posts!
Kayleigh: Thank you. I really enjoy doing all my tutorials and have plans for so many more. Enjoy the blog and stick around for more Mad Men fun to come.
VV: If you do not it is possible that you will spend the rest of your days cursing its absence from your life. Okay, maybe not, but I guarantee you that even if you were blind you’d find this one a cracker.
Wanderlusting: Ditto. I think a bullet bra has to go on the must have list. It will make up for any shortage in that area. Besides which, you could put out the eyes of any would be attacker at 20 paces.
I’m so THRILLED that we get to see Mad Men! Lovelovelove the stylishness. I aspire to being DRESSED, not just thrown together, more often…
as you said, “If only they would start bring back the underwear, we could start a super sexy revolution – no silicone required!” – oh yes yes please! Won’t some manufacturer LISTEN for once and not try and sell us skimpy nothings that don’t do what we need? Arrgh!
Oh yes !!! joan is my favorite too. To see a woman on TV who has a figure is a real pleasure. She is a living work of art.
Amazing analysys and explanations. Her style and presence translates even through still image.
I’m probably the worst for loving the styling of that show without ever actually watching it. I’m so ashamed. =|
Sometimes I wish we all still dressed like this… so chic!
Ahhh! Joan Holloway makes me proud to be a woman. In this day and age of young, tacky teen celebrities, it is a joy to see an actual woman being celebrated in the media. I hope this trend continues long after Mad Men is gone from the air.
Ella: I agree. I for one intend to continue dresseing the way I always do long after this show is gone. Let’s all keep it up and create somepositive peer pressure for a change!
Yes, I love Joanie’s style too! Getting hold of the appropriate clothes/accessories is not too difficult: I live in UK and some of the older haberdashers (yes, they do exist still) will sell girdles with suspenders attached. Essential wear. They often sell tan stockings for that retro feel as department stores tend only to have black. Again, for UK readers of this posting, “Joanie” dresses can be found at LK Bennett – perfect jewel colours and heels to match. (Don’t forget to wear the undergarments when trying on!)Search out charity shops for the handbags and compacts to keep noses shine-free. I love this website so please keep up the good work and give us more Joan-inspired looks!