12 ways Mad Men has influenced Men’s Style

Men’s Style, Mad Men & YOU!

When Mad Men first hit the network in 2007, it brought with it a unique take on men’s fashion. The television show not only has a cult-like following of devoted fans, but also a following of fashion designers and ordinary men who are interested in seeing how the characters will be dressed in each episode.

The show is set in the 1960s, a great period for men’s fashion. Many of the most popular trends of the time have been brought back on the show, reviving old favourites with a slightly modern twist. Mad Men influences can be seen in every type of clothing store that offers men’s fashion.

Mad Men Style, Suits & Clothing Trends

Take a look below for 12 trends that have been inspired by the characters on Mad Men.

1. Retro-inspired accessories are now available everywhere – Retro-inspired accessories used to be hard to find, but now almost every store has some amount of 1960s glamour. Character-favourite accessories include monogrammed belt buckles, belts, cuff links, collar bars, tie tacks, tie bars, brimmed fedoras and walking hats.

2. Bright coloured polos – Once the preppy man’s shirt of choice, polos are now a staple in the fashion-conscious man’s closet. Whether you’re pairing it with a simple jacket or a dark pair of slacks, polo shirts offer the perfect blend of casual comfort and polished style. Polo shirts are appropriate for work or just to wear around the house.

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3. Sports coats are back – It’s hard to believe there used to be a time that grown men didn’t necessarily have a sports coat in their closet. Thankfully, those days are gone; in part because of the fashionable men on Mad Men. The characters are often seen in sports coats regardless of the situation and now the fashion staple is finding its way back into regular rotations.

4. Adding pops of colour – While grey and brown are still the colours of choice for most men, more and more accessories are becoming available in bold colours. Colour accents can bring life and excitement to an outfit without being overbearing or unprofessional. Because of this, many men choose to express themselves through colourful accessories rather than more daring choices like a colourful shirt or jacket.

5. Getting dressed involves more than just clothing – No outfit is complete until it’s properly accessorised. Mad Men has shown males that adding a tie or a pair of cuff-links can be just what they need to create the perfect outfit to highlight their strong points.

6. Good grooming – Thank goodness the days of shaggy hair and beard stubble are over (well, full beards are still “in” but that’s another story). Mad Men is bringing back the virtue of good grooming, showing that a nice haircut and a thorough shave can go a long way to making one look polished and professional. Granted, the stars of the show have a whole team of make-up and hair artists working for them, but you should be able to achieve a similar look if you keep your hair trimmed and aren’t afraid to add a little product.

7. Skinny ties are back – No longer just for teenage boys, grocery baggers and punk rockers, skinny ties have found their way into closets of honest-to-goodness men. The skinny tie offers a more casual feel than a regular tie, and men of all ages can pull off the look if they pair the accessory with a solid-colour jacket.

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8. Short sleeve button-down shirts in the summer – For a while, short sleeve button-down shirts took a hiatus from the regular rotation of most men. In the 1960s, short sleeve button-downs were a popular summertime choice for men of all ages and thanks to the characters of Mad Men, the cool alternative to the long sleeve look is finally finding a place in the forefront of men’s summer style.

9. Long jackets for cool weather – When the weather cools down, it’s time to bring out the jackets. However, for most men there’s no clear choice in which cold-weather accessory to choose, especially if their job requires them to dress up in a suit. Mad Men has the answer for this situation too – insert the casual trench. Unlike a traditional rain-repelling trench coat, the casual wool trench offers protection against cold without putting a damper on your style.

10. Plaid is everywhere – Whether it’s a pair of shorts, a pair of pants or even a blazer, plaid is back. This isn’t the grungy plaid that plagued the 1990s, but rather a more polished pattern that looks great in the office or at home in the back yard. If you’re going to do plaid, set aside your style inhibitions and go for something bold. Choose a monotone design for formal gatherings or work and experiment with a multi-colour design for more casual use.

11. Easy wear fabrics are a must – Instead of taking your suit and shirt to the cleaner, choose easy wear fabrics and do the cleaning at home. The 1960s were all about style, but they were also about convenience. Innovation in home cleaning appliances and products meant that most men and their wives were looking to take care of the clothing at home. When choosing a jacket or shirt, look for clothing that requires minimal maintenance.

12. Vests – Whether it’s a vest under a suit jacket or a vest on its own, adding this simple style staple to your wardrobe can give you the perfect solution when you’re just not sure what to wear. Vests can easily be dressed up or dressed down as the situation requires. Choose a vest that matches your suit jacket and contrasts against your shirt for the best effect.

Conclusion

As the storyline of Mad Men continued to evolve, so dis the character’s fashion choices. For men, the show highlights the simple, sophisticated and classy looks favoured by men in the 1960s. When adapting your favourite styles to your own wardrobe, step outside your comfort zone and try patterns or bold colours. If you do, you’ll look every bit as great as your favourite characters from the show.