Mad Men Countdown: Betty Draper/Francis

Alright my vintage lovers: So i have begun my sometimes more than annual rewatch of Mad Men. Whatever shall I do when Netflix decides to get rid of it? I have seen the series in its entirety around 11 times now (I know, I have a problem!)

I thought I might start a small series of countdowns for the top looks of certain characters. Up first is the complicated if not fussy (and sometimes down right cold) Betty Draper/Francis. Her look, to us, comes off as elegant and chic though in the series she has had some series fashion faux pas. Onto the countdown:

Country Club Chic:

Betty working her "Main Line" look at a country club. This is the height of preppy fashion and will remain so well in the 1990's. Love the little beaded racket and ball detail on her shoulder.

 Derby Day with the Sterlings:

Maternity wear in the 1960's was geared to infantilize women, so details like ribbons and bows were common. Again she is in white, but this has a more "bridal" feel to it. Love the shear sleeves (you know those itched like crazy)

 Polka-Dot Wonder:

Betty hosts an 'around the world' themed dinner for Don and his coworkers. Betty of course puts on this fabulous cupcake style dress, which though a little more modernized because of the spaghetti straps and graphic print. She then proceeds to wear it for the next 24 hours as she hunts for clues about Don's cheating.

Seen Here.

 Italian Bombshell:

Betty wows on their trip to Italy in this stunning and super mod look. She makes her appointment in the salon in fluent Italian and her husband proceeds to pretend to pick her up for the night. Love LOVE those large dangle earrings and the graphic two toned eye shadow which will dominate the mid to late sixties.

 Water Tower Meeting:

Betty wears this "dressed up housewife" look to meet Henry Francis to discuss his helping save a community from building a huge water tower. Everything about this look is perfect.

 Mrs. Robinson:

After deciding to go back to school Betty takes a nasty spill. Some boys manage to get her to the hospital where they tell the nurse her name is "Mrs. Robinson"(like from The Graduate). This is exactly how a mature, political wife is supposed to dress. She is still a beautiful woman but dressing respectably is a must.

Betty goes through a hard time of weight gain (which she is unhappy about) but eventually gets back into her amazing wardrobe. This is pure 60's awesomeness...from the beading, to the chiffon, to that hair. Betty was back.

Lastly, a more casual look. She is a wife and mom on the go, headed to see Bobby at summer camp. When she gets lost a handsome stranger (read her ex husband Don) comes to her rescue. I left this one in here because it is perfectly spot on for the period. She also has a bit of padding in this costume to make her hips and bust just a little fuller. This outfit is also notable because she and Don hook up at this first day of camp.

There you have it my friends. I couldn't include all of her looks, just ones that were truly iconic and important in the series. Who should I do next?

XOXOXOXO