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The Mad Men Guide to Dressing for Curvy Gals

In my previous post, I mentioned how much I loved Mad Men fashion and how it’s perfectly suited for full-figured women. Here are a few basic rules for interpreting Mad Men fashion in everyday wear.
1. Pick a strong statement color. If wearing a dress, go for a solid, and if wearing separates, stick with shades of the same color, but in different textures. Jewel tones are always rich and sultry, and all over prints work if you’re going for a later 60s style.
2. Choose styles that belt at or near your natural waist. If you go too high, you’ll venture into empire waist or baby-doll territory, and you’ll ruin the hourglass lines you’re going for.Always, always wear a belt! It accentuates the smallest part of your middle and amps up your hourglass figure.
3. Rock the pearls, statement earrings, brooches, and signature necklaces (like Joan’s golden pen necklace).
4. Try out a 60s inspired hairstyle…Try a messy beehive, or experiment with teasing and side ponytails until you find a style that “feels” 60s-ish.
5. Look for portrait collars or boat neck styles…they draw attention to your face, and generally lay nicely over your bust, creating a ridiculously flattering look.
6. Skirts should reach to the knee or just below, and they should be A-line, or pencil skirts–if you’re going for a Joan look…Full skirts and shirtwaisted dresses work for Betty looks. 
7. Add a modern element/touch to the outfit so that it doesn’t look like you’re on your way to a costume party. Shoes are an easy way to modernize the outfit…pick an animal print or those with a funky color or texture.
8. Wear a red lip–even if it feels too bright. Red lipstick was a trademark of the era, and thank God, it’s back in style again.
Check back every Monday for my series called…Mad Men Monday! I’ll be regularly debuting work-appropriate Mad Men inspired outfits.
Until then…xoxo