I’m sure I’m not the first blogger to do a DRESSING LIKE JOAN HOLLOWAY post. Nor should I be, because this is a style that is completely worth idolizing and emulating. Christina Hendricks is the first woman on television that I’ve been able to look up to, looks-wise, and that she’s a complete bombshell just makes matters better. (It probably helps that I finally have access to a pin-up boutique of sorts in town, too.) And even for those of us who aren’t hourglassy, early sixties class is effortlessly pretty and sexy without trying too hard. I’ll probably be doing DRESS LIKE posts for all of the Mad women, but I just had to start with my girl.
We begin with this, ModCloth’s Fiery Personality Frock. There are dozens of dresses possible to achieve this look, and the brands Stop Staring!, Bettie Page, and Pin-Up Couture are good places to start the search. (Stop Staring! even makes what they call the “Mad Men dress,” but I wanted to use a red one to match the example photo.) Pin-up/retro dresses are form-fitting and they fit the woman’s body properly; it’s not just the situation of making everything based on the proportions of the smallest size. Curves are hugged, assets are emphasized. It’s not too low-cut. It’s a classy kind of sexy. The hemline is also always below the knee, a refreshing change from recent fashions.
The shoes are pretty straightforward, but for Joan, heels are a must. And nothing too flashy.
And, of course, the pen necklace is a must. Having one of these is actually really practical as well as aesthetically pleasing; it’s better than having to rummage around for a pen in your purse when the waiter forgets to bring one with your receipt. The brand 1928 makes one that’s very reasonable and the perfect addition to anyone’s collection. (In fact, inspired by it, I’m starting a collection of practical necklaces. I have a turtle-shaped clock necklace too.)
Showing it all is so overrated. Sixties sexy is where it’s at.
–your fangirl heroine.
