Betty Draper was, IMO, one of the most memorable characters of Mad Men . Not only was she sassy and strong, but her wardrobe was to die for. To channel this feisty, fashionable femme, you might just want to delve into plus size Betty Draper fashion to make your '50s and '60s style dreams come true.
For most of the series, Betty was a straight size woman. However, her character "gained weight" as the show progressed. Although much can be said of the offensive nature of fat suits and of putting thin actors in them (not to mention the fact that getting fat was essentially supposed to be the worst thing to ever happen to Betty), she obviously looked gorgeous as a pseudo plus size woman, and proved that her style is one easily adaptable to babes of all sizes. Betty's wardrobe consisted of the most fashionable items of the era, and she always looked perfectly polished and put-together.
Betty Draper would usually put in extra effort for special occasions and parties, for which she would wear couture-esque gowns and bedazzled jewels. Needless to say, she had a lot of disposable income to spend on the latest styles. We may not all have her budget, but there are ways in which to channel Betty Draper in everyday life without breaking the bank. And there are tons of options for plus size babes. Here's how to become a plus size Betty Draper IRL.
1. The Floral Frock
Betty loved a floral pattern. She tended to wear a beautiful bouquet of flowers adorning the most trendy gowns of the time.
Iconic By UV Plus Size 1950s Light Pink Floral Carnaby Swing Dress, $98, Unique Vintage
Keep it light and airy like Betty in a pretty floral frock with spaghetti straps.
"Ophelia" Turquoise Floral Print Swing Dress, $59, Lindy Bop USA
Accentuate the bust with a sweetheart neckline finished with a ruched panel. This bright style is available in sizes XXS to 6XL.
Unique Vintage Plus Size 1950s Black & Red Rose Belted Fleur Swing Dress, $138, Unique Vintage
Come over all romantic in a red rose patterned dress that would be perfect for Valentine's Day.
2. The Vintage Bathing Suit
Betty flaunted her bikini when bikinis were new on the fashion scene. Although her husband Don didn't approve, I personally thought she looked stunning in her retro two-piece.
Cherry Bombshell Drawstring Side Hip-Hugger Swimsuit Bottom, $48, Black Cat Bikinis | Cherry Bombshell Underwire Top, $70, Black Cat Bikinis
This incredible two-piece is giving off all of Betty's retro, confident vibes. The bottoms are available up to a size 6X while the top goes up to a 44H.
Unique Vintage Plus Size Retro Hot Pink Monroe Halter Bikini Top, $40, Unique Vintage | Unique Vintage Plus Size Hot Pink Monroe Bikini Bottom, $44, Unique Vintage
Look pretty in pink in a two-piece bathing suit that screams Betty Draper.
Unique Vintage Plus Size Mrs. West Black Floral Halter Bikini Swim Top, $40, Unique Vintage | Unique Vintage Plus Size Black Floral High Waist Bardot Bikini Bottom, $48, Unique Vintage
Why not channel Betty's love of florals and retro swimwear into this feminine, flowery bikini?
Bathing Beauty One-Piece Swimsuit In Emerald, $90, Mod Cloth
For ladies who prefer a one-piece, this gorgeous, green swimsuit will make a splash this summer.
3. Pearl Earrings
Betty always accessorized and she wore pearls aplenty, including on her ears.
Rhinestone Framed Pearl Stud Earrings, $9, Claires
This pair of pearly earrings will add a luxe touch to your outfit.
4. The Pussy Bow Blouse
Betty seemed to love dressing up for every occasion, even if it was just to pop to the supermarket or attend a doctor's appointment. A pussy bow blouse is an easy way to make any outfit more formal, while lending it a vintage vibe.
Simply Be Pussy Bow Blouse, $57, Simply Be
This pretty blue blouse has Betty Draper written all over it.
Plus Size Self-Tie Neckline Shirt, $20, Forever 21
A classic, white shirt with a black neck tie will give your ensemble a formal feel, which makes this blouse perfect for work.
South Florida Spree Top in Dew Blue Dots, $40, Mod Cloth
This sweet, dotted style is all kinds of adorable!
5. The Classic Red Lipstick
Betty was rarely seen without a full face of makeup on, and she was often sporting a scarlet lip.
Lipstick / Brooke Candy In "Mind Control," $17, Mac Cosmetics
Inject some vintage glamour into your look with a killer red pout.
6. The Fitted Wiggle Dress
Betty liked to show off her figure and an easy way to do this was to wear a wiggle dress. Don't forget the gloves and pearls to match.
"Tiffany" Classy Vintage 1950s Collared Pencil Wiggle Dress, $54, Lindy Bop USA
You'll be the most stylish gal in the office in this monochrome wiggle dress.
Cheerily Beloved Dress, $100, Mod Cloth
For a more formal affair, choose this lovely blue number with floral embroidery that is available in sizes up to a size 26.
"Margarita" Black Red Polka Dot Wiggle Dress, $54, Lindy Bop USA
Fun-loving ladies are sure to adore this quirky, polka dot wiggle dress, which can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion. It's available in sizes XS to 6XL.
7. The Formal Coat
Betty had a coat collection that could turn any gal into a green-eyed monster. They came in a range of colors and styles, but they all added a formal finish to her outfits.
Waffle Textured Coat, $55, Simply Be
Copy Betty in this cool, blue coat, available in sizes 6 to 28.
Joanna Hope Shawl Collar Coat, $72, Simply Be
Channel Betty's classic charm in a houndstooth coat with an oversized collar. It's also available in sizes 6 to 28.
Scarlett & Jo Trench Coat, $150, Simply Be
Look utterly lovely in a pristine, off-white coat that would be perfect for special occasions.
Betty Draper taught us how to look gorgeous at any size, so channel her timeless elegance and make a statement in vintage and retro-inspired pieces.
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Images: AMC (9); Courtesy Brands
