If I was mildly obsessed with the character of Betty Draper on MadMen a few weeks ago, I’m now completely obsessed. Seeing as all the style magazines are calling Fall 2009 the return of the ladylike dresser, Betty’s clothes are not only the definition of a Park Avenue Princess- but also are ridiculously in style right now. The best part about the Park Avenue Princess or Betty Draper look is that it’s a look that with slight updates is always stylish and it allows for investment purchases to be made around the core pieces of the look while incorporating “of the moment” trends into the look in less expensive ways like accessories. While Betty Draper might have been circa 1960, with a few slight slight updates, she is totally fall 2009 and right up there in PAP (Park Avenue Princess, it’s getting too long to type 100 times) territory with other stylish TV PAP queen Charlotte York.
So what would Mrs. Draper have to update, and more importantly- how can we all incorporate the look to a modern day PAP?
Modern women seem to have lost the allure of the skirts and dresses that defined women back in the 50/60′s. With the cultural phenomenon of women entering the workforce and gaining equality with men, pants and trousers became more the norm than the exception. While I am not advocating burning all your pants, a modern day PAP should wear dresses and skirts more often than not. Make it something you’re known for. Dresses from this time frame are very flattering to the curves: snug and fitted at the waist and ribcage and flowy and loose at the hips.
The other thing is color- the women of MadMen are famous for it, and so are modern day PAPs. Those hokey 80′s books on “finding your color” actually are useful for something- figure out which colors flatter your skin and hair colors, and then work on making them a constant in your wardrobe. Betty is of the same fair and blonde coloring as me, and I always get compliments when I wear turquoise and deep purple colors- and on the show you’ll see she wears jewel tones quite a bit. Fair and red headed look great in tomato reds (as demonstrated below by Joan on Mad Men) and darker skinned ladies tend to look great in metallics and other colors that tend to wipe us ghosts out.
Add some stylish accessories: Part of the glamazon factor of what separates ex-model Betty from hohum housewife to the stylish maven she portrays is her use of accessories. Be it a hadband to cap off a polished look, a little pair of gloves or that “just right” clutch- you have to work the accessories to a whole new level. PAPs should also take heed to this- while gloves might be horribly outdated to wear during the day, it would be a real touch of class to see them come out at night.
It seems that traditional PAPs love horseriding. I’ve only rode a horse once, but had the time of my life doing it. What really appeals to me is the outfits- they are the ultimate definition of PAP athleticism, no? Oh, it makes me want to pack up my desk and head over to the mall to find a pair of riding boots. It comes down to having a hobby that you love, and incorporating it into your life. It doesn’t have to be riding (although that has an adorable outfit) but doing something that you love will have an impact on your style.
For even more Betty-
- To get more info about the show’s costume designer Janie Bryant, check out this interview on Glamour- really great. I love that Betty is inspired by her grandma and Grace Kelly.
- Another great link to check out is Rambling Fancy’s blog post about where you can find gorgeous patterns to sew your own vintage dresses- or to take to a seamstress.
- There are all kinds of Polyvore type sets about Betty out there- I like this Splendora one myself
- More great dresses and Mad Men Love from Couture Carrie
Related posts:
- Betty Draper Dresses – Part Deux Since my post the other day about Betty Draper’s style...
- Betty Draper’s Style is… 2009? I was watching this week’s MadMen episode (OMFG, I was...
- Dressing Like a MadMen Housewife: Betty Draper Edition I’m going to start a new regular feature on the...
- What Exactly is a Park Avenue Princess? This has again come up, and seeing as it’s the...
- Park Avenue Princess Essential: #4 – The Ballet Flat Every Park Avenue Princess (I’ve been asked to stop referring...
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I have never seen the show Mad Men; but I have seen enough stills to know that I adore the style. To me, Betty has a little bit of Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl, and Sex and the City’s Charlotte rolled into her. Love this post!
Fabulous post – Love her style also – My husband wants me to dress like that too! I think I may look through my clothes and see what I can adjust to make it more PAP!!
Hey darling! I love your blog!
Thanks for posting your finds! They look so chic!
you wrote: I’ve only rode a horse once
I’ve only ridden a horse once
You might want to look at the UK site: http://www.itsjustdarling.com – some great things if you want to mimic Grace or Audrey.