The Closet Coach

If you’ve paid any attention to fashion news last month, you heard that Banana Republic introduced a new collection in collaboration with “Mad Men” costume designer Janie Bryant containing pieces inspired by the show and the era in which it’s set.

They even held a contest in conjunction with AMC with the grand prize of a walk-on part for the entrant with the best photo of themselves in full “Mad Men” style.

I’m a huge fan of “Mad Men” so these two things gave me an idea. Could I create a look in full “Mad Men” style using pieces I already have in my closet?

Here’s my attempt at “Mad Men” style–without going to Banana Republic.

Step 1 was a bracelet sleeve length cardigan; there are two in the “Mad Men” collection. I happened to have two, a grey one with a white polka dot pattern and another in a gold-and-brown animal print.

Step 2 was a blouse to wear underneath the cardigan. I don’t have any pussy bow blouses (yet), but I did have this Peter Pan collar shirt I bought on consignment. It seemed appropriate for an outfit evoking the early to mid ‘60s. Because the shirt is white with black piping, that determined which cardigan to wear.

Step 3 was to choose a bottom piece. Although I have several pairs of cropped pants, none of them had quite the right cigarette pant silhouette. I decided to go with a grey pencil skirt, another classic ’60s shape.

Step 4 was shoes. Many of the looks in the “Mad Men” collection featured black pumps, so it was an easy choice to pull out my black kitten heels.

The final step: accessories. Some of the looks were belted and with the cardigan over the waist of the pencil skirt, I felt like this outfit needed one, too. With all that grey, I could’ve gone with black, but I thought the red had a nice pop. And what ’60s outfit is complete without a strand of pearls?

So there you have it: my version of Banana Republic/“Mad Men” style.

• How do you think I did?
• What’s your favorite “Mad Men” look?

Shirt: Consignment. (similar, $70 from Topshop)
Cardigan: Old Navy. (similar, on sale for $14 at Lord & Taylor)
Skirt: Elie Tahari. (similar, $59 at J. Jill)
Belt: Target. (similar, $38 at Lord & Taylor)
Shoes: Nine West. (similar, $139 from Endless)
Outfit level: 4.

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Related posts:

1. Inspired by “Mad Men”: How to be your own costume designer
2. Ask the Closet Coach: Casual men’s shoes