Top 10 Mad Men Outfits We Want

Betty looks picture perfect in this extravagant black and pink ball gown heavily reminiscent of the ‘50s. She wears this dress to a Coca-Cola modelling audition and both the dress and the job offer Betty a way to experience the life she had before marrying Don. While she ends up getting the job, the audition process sheds an unflattering light on Betty’s mindset. In the waiting room, Betty looks as though she is a relic of the past compared to the sleek, understated outfits worn by the other girls auditioning for the job. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t look incredible. Aside from the sentimental value, the sheer construction and extravagance of this dress make it iconic.

Megan looks perfectly in place when she wears a coral chevron jacket and matching coral sheath dress to have a meal with Don. However, while she may look sweet, Don realizes that she is anything but the docile and submissive girl that he wants her to be. Megan disappoints Don when she tells him that the sherbert tastes “like perfume”. However, sherbet is what Don wanted and, in a fit of rage, Don leaves Megan stranded in the restaurant’s parking lot. This outfit showcases Megan’s multitudes: the coral highlights her playfulness, but the overall fit and cohesion emphasize that Megan is put together and independent.

Throughout the series, it is clear that Betty strives to maintain an innocent and traditionally feminine outward appearance. She typically chooses conservative silhouettes and light colors, which is what makes this slinky black number stand out in Betty’s fashion repertoire. While on a trip with Don in Rome, Betty wears a strappy black dress accessorized with a long necklace that matches her pearl earrings. She happens to catch the eyes of two men seated near her who begin to flirt with her in Italian. This look is definitely more femme fatale than it is domestic housewife.

Joan wears this tight black dress and embellished black cape during a night on the town, but ends said night feeling dejected after being told about Roger Sterling’s heart attack. The dress functions perfectly in both situations. While socializing, Joan leaves the cape off, choosing to keep her look simple while highlighting the dress’ flattering silhouette. However, the all-black also acts as an outfit of mourning. Roger survived the attack but she is wearing the cape when she receives the news of his delicate state, and it creates a more conservative and somber look, which is fitting for the occasion.

Megan always epitomized cool and this outfit perfectly encapsulates that sentiment. This baby blue dress, with its billowing sheer pleated sleeves and bow detailing on the front, was definitely made to be viewed in slow motion. Her silver earrings and blue eyeshadow further work to tie the whole look together. As Don watches Megan approach him at LAX, the audience can definitely see why he’s infatuated with her. The combination of the scene composition and Megan’s dress makes her appear ethereal and otherworldly. Her cool and calm composure definitely works to emphasize the effect of the dress.

Even when she’s sad, Betty still manages to look refined and beautiful. This white chiffon dress with colorful polka dots is referred to as Betty’s “Sad Clown” look by “Mad Men” costume designer Janie Bryant. Sad clown is an apt description for Betty’s state as while, on the outside, she appears to be cheerful and put together in her bright dress, on the inside, she is gripped with anxiety regarding Don’s infidelity. Furthermore, the light and white nature of the dress emphasizes Betty’s innocence. When she confronts Don directly, the dress makes her appear almost childlike when compared to Don’s dark, brooding suit.

Joan wears this figure-hugging red dress with a bow detail on the back to an office Christmas party. This red ensemble tied in perfectly with Joan’s hair, lipstick, and her fiery personality, which all work together to exude confidence. The long bow at the back of her dress seems simultaneously flirtatious and a little subversive, which definitely sums Joan up well. She understands that sexism in the office runs rampant and that men objectify her, but she often outsmarts them using her sexuality and beauty. This dress is so captivating that Roger Sterling specifically asks her to wear it at the office party because he thinks it makes her look like a present.

Since her introduction to the show, Megan has always been hailed as a modern woman. During Don’s surprise birthday party, she makes this fact abundantly clear when she begins a performance of the French song “Zou Bisou Bisou” while wearing a black shift dress with sheer sleeves paired with black fishnets. Everything from the dress to her eye makeup to her choice of song exudes ‘60s style. Her performance clearly makes Don uncomfortable as he watches her slink across the apartment in front of the ogling party guests. However, with this performance and ensemble, Megan proves that Don’s scrutiny can’t change the fact that she’s unashamed of her sexuality and modernity.

Betty’s life throughout the series is largely consumed by her role as a mother and a wife, which is why glimpses into Betty’s life before Don and the kids can feel so illuminating. This beautifully ornate silk romper was given to Betty by an Italian designer named Giovanni and it represents Betty’s past. The silhouette, which is a departure from Betty’s typical dresses, highlights how domesticated Betty has become since her days as a model. The piece is bittersweet and sentimental, for - while it is beautiful - it represents a life of excitement that Betty has given up in favor of conforming to society’s expectations for women.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

Betty’s Blue Coat
“The Wheel”

Joan’s Black Dress with Red Roses
“My Old Kentucky Home”

Betty’s White Lace Dress
“My Old Kentucky Home”

Joan's Sparkly Blue Dress
“The Forecast”

Peggy's Turtleneck & Pantsuit
“In Care Of”

Throughout the series, Peggy undergoes a massive personal transformation and her clothing undoubtedly reflects this change. While she often wore dull-colored and unassuming pieces in season one, she eventually began to explore more interesting fashion choices as her confidence and career improved. The simple colorful patterned plaid shirt and navy skirt, worn in the final season, highlight how Peggy is effortlessly cool. Her outfit is understated, but the colors and silhouette suit her perfectly. This outfit proves that Peggy knows the power in who she is and what she does: not only her bold red lipstick and her dark sunglasses, but also most importantly in the way she carries herself while wearing this outfit.