Mad Men, Banana Republic, and Lucky Give Us Fall Fashion Hope

I’m going to depart a little from my standard posts to discuss something I believe falls into the “life” category of my blog. It has to do with fashion. And I want to share my excitement with you today.

I opened up my Lucky magazine this morning. It’s the September issue and my favorite one of the year. I adore fall fashion. In my previous life as a part-time fashion consultant, I helped style women in clothes appropriate for their body types. I did this job for a couple of years when my children were little and I needed something to entertain me on the side. I also had the tremendous opportunity to attend Fall Fashion Week in New York City twice thanks to my darling and fashionable friend Joann Butler. Although I have given up the business and have moved on to a rewarding and fulfilling profession teaching communications courses at the university, I admittedly haven’t given up on my love of fashion, or my desire to be a part of it.

In fact, this year, there’s reason to rejoice. (Women with curves, be prepared to sing with joy!)

Why?

Look at what the show Mad Men has done besides entertain us: it has brought back 1950s to early 1960s fashion full force. The magazines are full of 50s-early 60s inspired fashion. Pair that with the unbelievable resurgence of boots (I won’t tell you how many pairs I own; it could be rather embarrassing) combined with designers making streamlined clothing that is tailored and fitted, and we have fall fashion that women—of all shapes and sizes—can wear and feel good wearing. There is nothing better than slipping on a dress or jeans or skirt and feeling like a million bucks in it.

The cut of 1950s-1960s style clothes is flattering to all figures. With cinched waists and flared skirts cut to the knee (like, say, Marilyn Monroe wore), we get clean lines that accentuate and help showcase figures. And those of you worried about the straight-leg jean, fear not; boot cuts and flared legs are making a comeback. (Hallelujah!)

The genius of Banana Republic’s sponsorship and ad partnership with Mad Men (to help promote the show on A&E and BR’s line of clothing) is bound to work. The clothes have an air of elegance and sophistication to them, and I, for one, will be first in line to check out its fall offerings.

To further my point, on page 344 of Lucky’s latest issue, in a fashion spread entitled “The King and I,” we see retro fashion with, as they say, “maybe just a hint of Elvis.” This 50s comeback appears to be in full force, and I intend to embrace it.