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| PICT: AMCTV |
Did you watch Mad Men last night?
The return of – what I think – is one of the best American period shows on TV has now moved from the swinging sixties into the early 1970’s. Which means a dramatic change in the sets and the fashions.
Besides the men – of course (oh, Don Draper what will we do without you?) – the ladies of Mad Men are what makes the show a step-back in fashion time worth taking notes from.
The late fifties and sixties style of previous seasons gave us a glimpse of retro fashion at its finest – and was much copied. The Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant even produced a sell-out collection inspired by the show for high street store Banana Republic back in 2011.
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| The limited edition Mad Men collection at Banana Republic from 2011 |
On a show that is framed for its immaculate attention to detail and on portraying the time period as it really was – it will be interesting to see these how the costumes in the final 7 #endofanera episodes unfold.
As much as I want it to all be boho babes, Halston and Valley of the Dolls the series starts at the beginning of the psychedelic decade with bell bottoms, itchy nylon and dizzying prints showing a more accurate picture.
From the opening episode you can see the cast have been thrown head first with the best – and the worst of seventies fashion. (The men may have come of worse though with the handlebar moustaches, longer hair and sideburns – poor Roger Sterling!)
I think its brave of a show that is infamous for its stylish costumes to give a more realistic view of the fashions from the decade that style forgot! Proving as always that the storytelling of Mad Men is so much more than a ‘fashion’ show.
One thing that is on trend though is the timing – as the 1970’s vibe is one of the biggest fashion trends of the summer – as seen on catwalks from Louis Vuitton and Tom Ford to Chloe and Gucci.
Thankfully though the designers – and the high street – are focusing on the more ‘chic’ side of the 1970’s. Think A-line skirts, fedora hats, maxi dresses and fringing.
Here’s my pick of seventies inspired fashion on the high street now:
Macrame waistcoat £49 Monsoon
Fleur Silk shirt from £53 Boden
Fringe bag £69 Accessorize
Paisley shift dress £39.50 Marks & Spencer
Top £29.99 and wide trouser £39.99 H&M
Glasses £16 Topshop
Ring £56 Lola Rose at Monsoon
Peep toe wedge £58 Next
Suede skirt £199 Autograph at Marks & Spencer
Bell sleeve shift dress £65 Topshop
And, complete your look with these vintage inspired make-up buys (no glitter, blue eyeshadow or over glossed lips to be seen):
Guerlain Météorites Perles de Blush (Blush Pearl) £34.50
Benefit Roller Lash £19.50
Batiste Paisley £2.99
Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in Coachella Coral £23
Bella Freud 1970 Eau de Parfum £65
No.7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in Gay Geranium £9.95
ooh I am loving the 70s vibe, my brit mums dress is a paisley print number from oasis I love it, the music, style hair its all so cool x
Well you will be very on trend Sarah- look forward to seeing you xx
Can you believe I have never watched Mad Men?! Ludicrous. It is interesting to see the whole 70's vibe coming back into style. I love the choices you've picked out. That suede skirt and peep toe wedge are fabulous. I would love those teamed with a nice white t-shirt. I also adore those two lipstick colours. As a lipstick fan I may have to treat myself. Hugs Mrs H xxxx
They are fab lipsticks – I have the No & one and its a great shade. I cannot believe you haven't watched Mad Men – you will love it!
Love the fringed bag (and the m&s skirt obvs). Can't wait to wear it and watch it x
The M&S skirt is going to be a sell-out thats for sure! Yes – the bag is growing on me too xx
I absolutely love the 70's fashion in the shops but I just don't think it's quite my style, I so wish it was though. I saw some fab flares in H&M too. I love watching Man Men for the style alone, their make up is always so flawless! xx
Yes the hair and make-up is perfect – its such a stylish show. Try the flares you never know? x
Just watching it now, love it! The fashion in this episode is really great isn;t it.
The fashion has been so great in every series – so sad its ending – enjoy the episode xx
I adore the fashion – I will be taking inspiration from this fab era and show and applying it to my wardrobe this season! Thanks xx
Psst, I'm with Mrs H, I've never watched Mad Men either!
Those blush pearls look interesting!
Jenna at Tinyfootsteps xx
love it i don't think i could pull of the 70's look y self but i do love the make up!
Love the banana republic selection.
…But let's be honest, nobody is going to look as good in any of it as Joan 😉