8/20/2009

in

Easy modern ways to channel the style of the ladies of "Mad Men."

Elizabeth Lilly

It's hard to find anyone right now who isn't obsessed with "Mad Men."  
  
Even if one doesn't follow the dramatic story line of the tall, dark and irresistibly handsome advertising executive Don Draper (Jon Hamm), the striking iconic 60s styles worn by the female characters are also desirable. Working girls at New York's Sterling Cooper ad agency like Peggy Olsen (Elizabeth Moss) and Joan Holloway (Christina Hendricks) dress in vibrant business suits that are sultry despite conservative necklines and past-the-knee hemlines.  
  
[![15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - Show](http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/0/3/c/d/15th_Annual_Screen_0807.jpg?adImageId=2316190&imageId=3724331)](http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=mad men&iid=3724331)


A bright orange suit like Joan's in the third-season premiere won't quite cut it in today's work environment. However, this peplum dress Elle MacPherson wore on the set of her new show "The Beautiful Life" (which also stars Mischa Barton) takes the shape and length of those business suits and translates them into a contemporary wearable dress that's appropriate for work or a night on the town.  
  
[![Elle Macpherson filming The Beautiful Life in New York City](http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/e/3/0/3/Elle_Macpherson_filming_6aef.jpg?adImageId=2282896&imageId=5933340)](http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=elle macpherson&iid=5933340)


The "Carmontelle" dress is from Victoria Beckham's 2009 fall collection and most likely out of the average fashionista's price range, but lots of similar affordable options by other brands are available. A knee-grazing pencil skirt and flared-hem shirt from one's closet can also easily mimic the shape.  
  
[![Victoria Beckham fashion shoot](http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/1/c/d/0/Victoria_Beckham_fashion_4efa.jpg?adImageId=2314445&imageId=5549178)](http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=victoria beckham&iid=5549178)


Although MacPherson and Beckham (who has also been snapped wearing the dress) have physiques that are near impossible to achieve, this body-skimming shape that flares out at just the right spot is flattering on any figure. The fit is just sexy enough, with a modest length, crew neckline and cap sleeves, but it can be made even more conservative with a cropped cardigan.