Joan Harris vs. Peggy Olson – Mad Men Lingerie Style!

Who isn’t in love with Mad Men right now? Unsurprisingly Christina Hendricks aka Joan Harris appears to be the world’s current belle, with her wonderfully glamorous outfits and celebrated curves. Harris-mania is not only hitting the media and influencing the fashion-conscious, it’s shaping the way we think about lingerie: emails asking about the availability of Harris/Olson/Draper style lingerie and Mad Men-inspired press releases are entering our inbox ever more frequently.

Mad Men’s Peggy and Joan

While we adore the Harris style and beauty, we think Peggy’s ‘ugly betty’ character is underrated – the once timid girl has toughened and the don’t-mess-with-me lady is gradually emerging as the butterfly we were all waiting for!

We’re not trying to get a cat fight going and it’s not about who’s got better what-nots, we’re taking a good look at the lingerie that make those outfits look so wonderfully wonderful. We’re talking well-fitting bras and knickers that give you Joan and Peggy’s look, and the shapewear that will help create those famous curves, whoever you decide you want to be!

Mad Men’s Joan Harris – Lingerie

A Joan-style bust needs support – and unless you are a creature of gravity-defying awesomeness, an accentuated bust line a la Mad Men is likely to need more than just any old bra. Those hoping for the pointy boobed look can take a look at What Katie Did‘s gorgeous Harlow Bra (up to an F cup) and Made by Niki’s Sheer Wireless Bra (up to a FF cup). Those with dimensions above an F cup can go for a good full-cup bra, which will look fabulous under a tight-fitting jumper or dress. We love Rigby & Peller’s Vintage Full Cup Bra and their Alondra Full Cup in black – both go up to a fabulous H cup and will give you the shape you’re looking for. If you’re a fan of lower-cut tops and like to reveal a little more, Rigby & Peller also do Plunge versions of the Vintage and Alondra style.

Once you’ve established your favourite style of bra, it’s on to shapewear – the trick to the Joan Harris look is to create sculpted curves that highlight waist, bust and bottom (without being tarty). Since Knickers started five years ago, a lot has happened to shapewear – it is no longer a garment you need to hide, in fact my recent experience with new label Mission Control makes me want to run around showing everyone what great knickers I’m wearing! I don’t, but you get my point. For larger cup ladies, it’s advisable to go for ‘bra-less’ shapewear; shapewear brands rarely cater for anything over an E cup and that’s if you’re lucky. Maidenform’s Ultimate Waistnipper is a firm favourite for doing what it says it will – I’ve found it even gives my bust a wee bit of extra oomph in the right direction, leaving it desirably Mad Men perky. We also love Mission Control for their range in sexy shapewear knickers – their Boudoir Contour Knickers are perfect for that smooth bottom feel and look, and if you’re looking for a derrière and waist smoother in one, try their Alias Sculpting Knickers. Miraclesuit are also at the top of our list for their range in control wear, including high waist slips and thigh slimmers.

To finish off the look, why not go for stockings and a girdle? Velda Lauder’s gorgeously seductive Mesh Panty Girdle is one of our favourites with its sexy soft ruffles and practical, metal suspender clasps. We also love the Underbust Girdle by What Katie Did.

We’re thinking Joan Harris would work overtime to buy herself the best stockings and we’re loving the authentic 50s style Tentation Stockings by Cervin.

(Oh, and while it might not be lingerie, we adore Joan’s pen necklace – currently at the top of the wishlist is this 1928 gold pen necklace!)

Peggy Olson’s Lingerie Style

Peggy Olson’s look is a cuter, girlier image than that of Joan Harris: working with a smaller frame is a different ball game, though no less coveted. Those with Peggy proportions are less restricted in terms of bra choice and the distinctive, cone-shaped bra is perfect for those hoping to get the look. If you want to splash out, Rigby & Peller’s Platinum Retro Bra is a winner and those looking to boost their profile will love the additional padding. Kiss Me Deadly’s Longline Jolie Bra (up to DD cup) will give the desired effect when worn under a cute office dress and if you’re a fan of stockings, go for the ever popular Vargas Dress, which supports your bust and gives you that streamlined look. Want to go with your own bra? Go for a Kiss Me Deadly roll on girdle – I can vouch for its functional sexiness!

Peggy might be less curvy than Joan, but shapewear will still be of benefit, to accentuate and celebrate femininity. Again, Maidenform comes out as one of the favourites for shapewear – whether you’re trying to conceal, highlight or both! Anything that nips in at the waist will give the bust and bottom an opportunity to shine and will naturally emphasise your middle. If restriction on bra sizing is not as much of an issue, why not go for a functional yet sexy all-in-one? We’re thinking along the lines of a Corselette that will nip, tuck and support and be sexy.

Peggy’s bright mind suggests that an evening worth remembering is going to have to be accompanied by a great pair of stockings – her day to day wear might involve sensible, durable legwear, but take her on a night out and we reckon she’ll go for Blush nylons!