How to Dress for a "Mad Men" Party

If you've been invited to a Mad Men themed party, you'll probably want to dress in a style based upon the show's first season or two, which were set in 1960 and 1962.  Clothes from those years were so glamorous, and are lots of fun.  Sorry guys, but this post is just for the gals!

What should you wear? A glamourous full skirted dress in an evening fabric will do. Here are pictures of several styles in brocade, chiffon, satin, and taffeta. Colors are clear and bright, black, white, or metallic brocades.


A skirt with a bit less flair, or a fitted sheath also works. A fitted dress should be jazzed up with lots of jewelry.


Beaded sweaters or cropped jackets, sometimes with fur trim, can be worn over the dress if it is a cool evening. Swing coats and fur stoles are also appropriate.

Lots of sparkly rhinestone jewelry is appropriate, in necklaces, bracelets, brooches and earrings.


Shoes should be spike or kitten heels with pointed toes.


In makeup, go for a strong defined brow line, black eyeliner and heavy mascara, and a strong lip color. Hair is either pulled back tight to the head with a chignon, or teased high with a flip at the ends.

Most of all, have fun, and have a martini!

Mad Men Season 4 Fashion Prediction

Season 4 of Mad Men starts this Sunday, July 25 on AMC!!! If you love Mad Men as much as I do, you've been dying for any and all details, but this year AMC is keeping a tight lid on things. I guess even the cast doesn't know what will happen until they show up for rehearsal. If we assume that things will pick up right where they left off with Don starting his own agency, then the show will be set in 1964 this year. Mon dieu, I only have 2 magazines from 1964 in my collection. That is a situation I must correct! In the meantime, I thought I'd give you a taste of what was going on in fashion in 1964, so you have an idea of what to expect from Betty, Joan, and all the gals.


In 1964, the sheath dress reigns supreme. Full skirted styles are completely gone from fashion magazines, and I think they will play less of a role on the show this year. Even though fashion magazines don't show them, it takes a couple of years for real women to catch up, so I'm sure we'll see one or two, especially on Betty.

You may see some pleated styles, but those skirts will not be worn with crinolines.

The look is simple and elegant with less emphasis on the waist. Expect to see dresses that skim the body from shoulder to hem. Blouson bodices over fitted skirts are also popular.

Architectural seaming was made popular by Jackie Kennedy. Expect to see influences from her fashion sense on the show this year, especially on Betty.

Tailored garments with simple lines will also point to Jackie's ongoing influence.

Cowl necklines, stand-away collars, and rolled collars are very popular, as are abstract prints. Keep in mind, however, that you probably wont' see many hats on the show this year. Even though magazines are still showing them, younger women like Betty, Joan, and Peggy consider them old fashioned by 1964.

Suits are important, with boxy jackets over slim skirts.

Expect to see lots of pretty blouses worn with skirts or slim pants...

....and kitten heeled shoes!

Evening gowns will have simple cuts with empire or raised waistlines. Hair is becoming pouffier and we might see some blue eyeshadow or pale lipstick.....maybe.

Be patient through the commercial at the beginning. It's worth it!