Style Inspiration: Mad Men

Since 2007, Mad Men has graced our TV screens and not only provided us with absorbing drama but it has also provided a weekly source of style inspiration. If you're anything like me, I regularly lust after the outfits, hair styles and beauty of the three main female characters: Joan, Betty and Peggy. If you have never watched an episode of Mad Men then stop what you are doing and buy the box-set now, you won't regret it, trust me! As a fellow redhead, Christina Hendricks' character Joan is a particular source of inspiration, but all of the main characters have very different but equally beautiful styles. I absolutely adore 50s & 60s hair and beauty in all it's forms from Betty's signature waves to Joan's beehive up dos and the iconic make-up trends featured in the programme.

Image: Deirdre Boyer

I also adore the wardrobes of the three main characters who each have their own different body shape. My favourite in particular is Joan Holloway with her gorgeous red locks and hourglass figure. Her style is effortlessly tailored and always fitted perfectly to her shape; you will usually see her wearing fitted blouses and tailored jackets or stylish wrap dresses and fitted knitwear. Each episode, I find myself just as absorbed by the beautiful outfits as I am with the drama of the series. If I could afford to purchase the entire wardrobes of the three main characters I definitely would, but unfortunately I am not rich enough so I will have to stick to channelling 50s & 60s vibes through hair and make-up instead.

 A few simple ways to channel a Mad Men inspired look

1) Strong eye make-up: Lots of lashes and lining of the eye lid. Use an eye-liner cream and brush and start at the inner corner sweeping across the eye lid getting thicker as you approach the outer corner of the eye. Make sure you ensure there is no skin showing in between the lashes and the eye liner applied, then use a decent volumising mascara and apply 2-3 coats to the top lashes to ensure ultimate volume, in order to achieve that beautiful bambi-eyed look.

2) Big, beehive hair: Adding height to your up dos adds a 60s vibe to your look. Use a volumising powder to achieve the thickness required and then lots of hairspray to hold the style in place, you definitely wouldn't see Joan with a single strand of hair out of place!

3) A bright matte lip: Ruby red lips were a statement look in this era and should be kept matte with no gloss. Other colours will work with the look too such as Joan's pale pink shade, just make sure they are matte and keep eye make-up neutral whilst rocking a bold lip.

4) Accessorise: Whether it's adding a strand of pearls to your outfit à la Betty or adding a brooch or scarf in the style of Joan, adding simple accessories can instantly update your look.

The new season of Mad Men starts in the UK on Sat 19th April at 9pm on Sky Atlantic/Sky Atlantic HD and I intend to become completely absorbed in the stylish world of Madison Avenue in the 60s and see what visual delights Season 7 has to offer. I am definitely living in the wrong era that's for sure! Enjoy Season 7. Thanks for reading....

 Adele x



Photo credits: Deirdre Boyer at  http://www.flickr.com/photos/deirdreboyer/4896060141/