The finale of Mad Men marked the end of the most interesting and unpredictable season to date. In a season where Don Drapper hit rock bottom and then climb his way back up to the top, we saw an more fragile character. We saw a man post-divorce dipping heavily into alcohol and desperately searching. Now that the season is over its time for a style recap. These are a few of my favourite styles and images from Mad Men Season Four.
At the beginning of the season, Mad Men costumer designer Janie Bryant had hinted that this seasons style would be more memorable. I couldn’t wait to see how the fashion would turn out as this is one of the few shows I regularly watch and a series that I gain inspiration from. One of Janie’s goals was to “maintain the design of their character” as she feels its more realistic.
Don Drapper (Jon Hamm) continued his power style but he also showed off a darker side. While he carried on the clean, simple style were use to seeing, his wardrobe also reflected his burdensome lifestyle.
Sally Drapper (Kiernan Shipka) is quickly becoming somewhat of a style icon. Even though a few of the episodes portrayed her as incredibly annoying with her kicking and screaming, her defiance was reflected in somewhat of a rebellious style.
Meagan (Jessica Pare), Dons secretary and wife to be really stood out. Her long legs, dark hair and simple style was accessorized just the right way. Her quiet yet classic attire let the audience know she didn’t need to be flashy to stand out. She used just the right colours which displayed confidence and seemed to emit a hidden understanding. It was sort of like she was saying, I’m smarter than I look all season.

Rosewood: White button-ups seemed to be a common theme throughout the season. Its a clean look that you can never go wrong with. Even though you saw Don’s painful nights filled with alcoholism and debauchery it was like everything was fine in the morning.
Betty Francis (January Jones), the ex-wife of Don seemed to be hiding something all season. It was if she knew she made a huge mistake. She might have been the most depressed person in the entire season. She still has that perfect smooth style that is the epitome of the era.
Great Ties: This season was filled with amazing ties. The black tie with the blue and grey stripes from episode one that Don wore might be my favourite of the season. So Crisp.
Mr. Drapper did enjoy the company of a few females over the season. Faye Miller (Cara Buono) seemed to be just what Don needed. She was smart, helpful and carries a sophisticated charm with her. I guess it was too easy.
Fashion really is the most pure expression on how you feel each day…
-G











31 comments
twocrankyguys says:
Oct 21, 2010
Great piece? But what about Peggy? And how about Trudy’s preggo nightie?
twocrankyguys says:
Oct 21, 2010
Sorry, meant that as “Great piece!” Exlamation, not question.
runtobefit says:
Oct 21, 2010
I just started watching Mad Men this season and I love it!! It’s a great show and I just really enjoy the style. The look and feel of it is amazing!
http://www.runtobefit.wordpress.com
http://twitter.com/geotravel says:
Oct 21, 2010
Your pics recalled for me the smell of stale cigarette smoke on very attractive and intelligent men and women. The show is so well written and acted.
beyondanomie says:
Oct 21, 2010
“Fashion really is the most pure expression on how you feel each day…”
Not just fashion, but clothes/style in general. What I like about clothes is that they can be used not just to express, but to guide others’ perception of ourselves too. For instance, using an example you mentioned in your post: white shirts to project an air of purity and focus, even when that is lacking in the person wearing them.
Clothes can be used as expressionism… but also as chiaroscuro.
The psychology of clothes is a topic I’ve revisited several times in my own blog, and it’s something most people just skim past. Whatever you wear, even if you don’t pay attention to clothes/style, you still send out a message about yourself. Better learn the language, and control the message!
Good post.
Rob says:
Oct 21, 2010
As a fashion misfit, gotta say that I love the style of this show.
I’ve tried to carry myself with such confidence that my lack of fashion sense would be overlooked. Needless to say, it didn’t work Lol
Anne @ The Frump Factor says:
Oct 21, 2010
I’m glad you didn’t include any photos of Don in his vomit-stained shirt! No question, though — if he DOES die face-down in a pool of it, Don will STILL be impeccably dressed.
dellajune says:
Oct 21, 2010
What I would give to meet the wardrobe designer! The essence of that fashion era has been captured perfectly. I have yet to watch this show, but I may have to check it out soon.
perfectperfectionist says:
Oct 21, 2010
I love Mad Men style. There’s something about that era that is so classy and wonderful. I couldn’t have handled living like that in reality, but I would happily steal all of the wonderful clothes.
everythingneat says:
Oct 21, 2010
Congratulations on being featured on Freshly Pressed! I’ve never watched Mad Men so I’ll be checking it out. I hope it’s easy to catch up with the story line.
cupcakesandwhiskey says:
Oct 21, 2010
First time watching the show tonight, can’t wait to get hooked!
http://cupcakesandwhiskey.wordpress.com/
flowingfingers says:
Oct 21, 2010
Great stuff, and another excellent season of MAD MEN.
Zahara says:
Oct 21, 2010
Oooooh, yeah, great post! I love mad men, it’s the only show I watch. I don’t do cable, so my fiance records mad men for me, and when I’m at his house we watch it together.
That scene where Don is standing in front of the athletic club. Whew! He looked sexier than ever to me just then! He is stunning.
And what’s up with Betty? Is she skinny enough? I don’t trust Henry.
LL says:
Oct 22, 2010
I think all men should go back to wearing hats. It’s so sexy.
María Eugenia Jaimes says:
Oct 22, 2010
(I’m a copy, and I’d love to dress like Peggy!)
barrycyrus says:
Oct 22, 2010
mad men fashion is utterly cool!
barb7802 says:
Oct 22, 2010
The show brought back memories of old TV shows. Sadly, I lost interest in the show during the 2nd season. Smoke. drink, smoke, womanize, drink. Blah, Blah! I appreciate your post. Thanks and congrats!
http://cafetodaymyblog.wordpress.com/
hearttypat says:
Oct 22, 2010
I love how Jessica Pare looks!
Pearl's twirl says:
Oct 22, 2010
MadMen is my favorite show, I even went as far as entering the contest through Banana Republic. I loved your post, congrats on being Freshly Pressed!!!
wineguider says:
Oct 22, 2010
What a great looking blog, and blog entry! Style, style, style. Thanks for the inspiration –
Wineguider, http://wineguider.wordpress.com
monicastangledweb says:
Oct 22, 2010
Mad Men has style and class. This was the best season ever. Thank you for your insight in the fashion. I hadn’t thought about it, but it really is amazing how it reflected the storyline this season. Kudos on being freshly pressed!
G-LO says:
Oct 22, 2010
Nice post! It was a great 4th season of Mad Men. I like that they put the attention back on the agency. When Don’s home life is the focus, I feel that it puts a huge drag on the show.
It’s funny to see how office style has changed over the decades. Personally, the whole business casual thing is utter nonsense, and most people can’t pull it off. Though formal business attire can be expensive, if you make the right choices, you will get alot of miles out of a well made suit. It also makes it easier to get ready for work in the morning! What can I say… my parents are tailors.
Cheers!
G-LO
missdisplaced says:
Oct 22, 2010
No Peggy? Her style as evolved as she makes more money and takes on more responsibility at the office. Roger’s grey pinstripe looks slick in that last photo. Still the top of style even today for a man to wear that.
educlaytion says:
Oct 22, 2010
Great job on getting Pressed!
http://www.eduClaytion.com
joanierobi says:
Oct 22, 2010
Fabulous post! God I love those clothes. Congrats on being ‘pressed’!
grahambelldd says:
Oct 23, 2010
Thank you for all the great comments! I do agree I should have put Peggy in there. She kinda came into her own in season four.
aimeetalks says:
Oct 28, 2010
I LOVE this TV show! I thoroughly enjoyed this blog, great work! After all this MADMEN reading I think I’ll have a cigarette…
kimadis says:
Oct 28, 2010
I want to watch this show now!
Vanessa Rima says:
Nov 4, 2010
Very nice post!
I would like to invite you to get to know my fashion blog:
http://fashionissima.com
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