Style Icon: Betty Draper from Mad Men

Ever since I started watching Mad Men, I've admired Betty Draper's clothing. Her classic sense of style is refreshing in a time when skinny jeans and Uggs with short shorts have become the norm. Here's some things that I think represent Betty Draper's fifties/sixties housewife and mom style - but are still modern enough to wear today.

Pearls are a girl's best friend...oh wait, that's diamonds! Oh well, they're both pretty. The only jewelry needed for this look are some small pearl earrings and a long strand of pearls you can double up or wear long.

For a typical day around the house, Bets can often be found in something simple - a cardigan or sweater set and full skirt or a dress. A crinoline under the skirt helps it to poof out if it's not already a full skirt. As far as colors, she tends towards pastels, florals and creams.

When Betty has to get dressed up for a fancy dinner out with Don, she goes all out. She always looks sophisticated and put together. (Of course it might help that she has a housekeeper to watch her kids and clean her house while she's preparing!) She generally chooses jewel toned full-length evening gowns, like the ones below.

(Also - I'm thinking about making this a feature on my blog - posting every so often about a style icon I like. What do you think? Also also - if you're really interested in Mad Men style, their costume designer has a book coming out!)