Vintage Fashion London

Looking Back Is Fashion Forward

Monday

23

April 2012

Mad Men Series: Megan Draper, the Mod-ish Sex Kitten

Written by , Posted in Be Inspired by Vintage, Vintage Fashion, Vintage Trends

Photo Courtesy of Michael Yarish/AMC Megan and Don Draper in Season 5 Episode 3

Since making her first appearance at the end of Season 4 on Mad Men, Megan Draper (Jessica Paré) has been a controversial character. With her flash bang fast engagement to Don Draper (John Hamm) last season, her sexy serenade and cleaning up in her undies this season, Megan has definitely made an impression .

Megan and Don Draper in Season 5 Episode 3 Michael YarishAMC

Photo Courtesy of Michael Yarish/AMC 'Megan and Don Draper in Season 5 Episode 3'

One thing that is sure about Megan Draper, she is a new breed of woman. One who is not afraid to be bold, say what she means and let her sexuality shine… not that she flaunts her sexuality, but more that she isn’t afraid of letting it show. Unlike other female characters who wield their sexuality like a weapon (Joan) or others who only feel comfortable hiding it behind the doors of the bedroom—or the office (Betty and Peggy)—Megan is indicative of a new kind of American woman. This new breed experiences her societal adolescence during the 1960s and really comes into her own in the 1970s. This is the beginning of the sexual revolution of which part included challenging traditional gender roles. It was truly the beginning of a new era. And Megan Draper is on the forefront of that .

You can take the cues from her fashion sense that she is different from the other female characters on the show. I think her style can best be described as part French sex kitten, à la Bridgette Bardot, and one part mod. The clothing she wears is the most different from the others as well as the most different from the previous era of poufy skirts and pearls .

 

Megan Draper Lookbook #1 Zou Bisou Bisou

Most notably, of course, would the sexy outfit she wore at Don Draper’s fortieth birthday party while singing the French pop hit, Zou Bisou Bisou, in the Season five opener—a black mini trapeze dress with sheer, butterfly sleeves and embellished with a sparkly rhinestone collar and wrist trim. French-inspired, the dress Megan wore was a real vintage piece, but with reconstructed pleated silk chiffon sleeves, according to Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant .

See the original below in this video of Megan singing.

And, if you want to get the Megan Draper’s Zou Bisou Bisou look, here is a modern reinterpretation.

Zou Bisou Bisou

Megan Draper Lookbook #1 Zou Bisou Bisou

Dress: Kensie Sheer Sleeve Dress is available at Zappos.
Shoes: Franco Sarto Uri Pumps at Macys.
Hosiery: Commando Everyday Black Crochet Tights are a must and can be found at Bare Necessities.
Earrings: Nina ‘Maegan’ Filigree Chandelier Earrings are at Nordstrom.
Ring: Judith Jack Sterling Silver Marcasite Luminous Crystal Cocktail Ring can be found at Bloomingdale’s.

 

Megan Draper Lookbook #2 Chevron Chic

Another show-stopping and unique to Meghan look was the coral and white chevron coat and coral shift dress ensemble that she wore in the same episode as the party. Sadly, I wish I could say that I am able to share a modern version with you, but I was unable to find anything quite like that gorgeous coat .

I was able to create this look, which I hope does pay homage to the original.

Megan Draper Lookbook #2 Chevron Chic

Megan Draper Lookbook #2 Chevron Chic

Dress: Missoni Boatneck Chevron Dress at Saks.
Coat: Seamed White Coat is from Zara.
Shoes: Tokyo Heel Cobalt Suede Shoes are at ModCloth and not quite the same as the neutral ones Megan wore with her outfit, but certainly more fun.
Hair: Stone Petal Clip is from Anthropologie and is a nod to the jelly bean pin wore on the show.
Earrings: Empress White “Belknap” Earrings are available at Tarina Tarantino.

 

Megan Draper Lookbook #3 Racing Stripes

This is outfit, also based on one Megan wore in the first episode of Season 5, is probably my favorite from all the ones I put together for you. Megan wore a sexy racing stripe pencil skirt with a flouncily ruffled and polka-dotted blouse. If you want to get the look….

Racing Stripes

Megan Draper Lookbook #3 Racing Stripes

Skirt: Navy “Scuba” Skirt is from Rag & Bone and is at Neiman Marcus.
Blouse: Yellow Ria Polka-Dot Blouse can also be purchased from Neiman Marcus.
Shoes: Yellow Evie Oxford Peep-Toe Pumps are from J. Crew.
Sunglasses: Striped Salmiakki Sunglasses at Modcloth.

 

Megan Draper Lookbook #4 Short Chevron

The last look I am going to share with you is not based on one of Megan’s outfits from the show, but more inspired by what I imagine her wearing. It’s bold, sexy, flirty, mod and smart looking, just like her.

Short Chevron

Megan Draper Lookbook #4 Short Chevron

Dress: Swell Fayette Dress from Swell.
Shoes: Bass Glenbrook Heeled Saddle Shoes are from Bass and at Zappos.
Necklace: 25th Floor Bali Choker Necklace at Urban Outfitters.
Earrings: Nanni Sterling Silver Tassel Earrings are at Overstock.

 

By Jen Wallace

 

All images uploaded are copyright © of their respective owners.

Share This Article

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    *

    You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>