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The style evolution of Mad Men's Peggy Olson

From girl-next-door to sophisticated career woman, Peggy Olson's outfits have told her character's story in glorious technicolor

Written by
Sophie Harris
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Without doubt, Peggy Olson is Mad Men's most interesting and richly textured character. While Don has the charisma and Joan has the sizzle, Peggy is to Mad Men what George Harrison was to the Beatles—the dark horse, and therefore everyone's fave. In our interview with Elisabeth Moss, we talk to the actress about Mad Men, Broadway and feminism, and you can admire her formidable sense of real-life style in our behind-the-scenes photos from the shoot. But for now, let's feast our eyes on Peggy's evolution in Mad Men, as refracted through her magnificent (and often terrible) outfits. Viva Peggy!

Photograph: Courtesy/ Doug Hyun / AMC

Aw. Our first glimpse of Brooklyn girl Peggy has her in a drab, good-girl frock, her spangly proto-scrunchie an indication of the creative sparkle behind the bangs. (Season 1, Episode 1)
Photograph: Courtesy/ Carin Baer / AMC

Peggy has her first big ad idea, while sitting in on a lipstick focus group. Note larger scrunchie. She's upstaged, as ever, by Joan, even with her back turned and head cut off. (Season 1, Episode 6)
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Photograph: Courtesy/ Carin Baer / AMC

Good times. A sinful Peggy buttons up to go to church with the fam. (Season 2, Episode 4)
Photograph: Courtesy/ Carin Baer / AMC

Red frock, red hair and a knowing glance at Pete Campbell—whose wife Trudy somehow still seems to have the upper hand. (Season 2, Episode 2)
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Photograph: Courtesy/ Carin Baer / AMC

Ugh. Dinner with Duck, in matching outfits. Try not to imagine them doing it. (Season 3, Episode 5)
Photograph: Courtesy/ Carin Baer / AMC

Demure outfit used as cover for evil death stare at strict mother. Top marks. (Season 3, Episode 4)
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Photograph: Courtesy/ Michael Yarish / AMC

Yes! Here comes Beatnik Peggy, led astray (to her delight) by plastic-coat–wearing free spirit, Joyce Ramsey. Our official favorite Peggy. (Season 4, Episode 4)
Photograph: Courtesy/ Michael Yarish / AMC

Toting a jaunty hat and kid gloves for the most somber elevator ride ever, with Joan and Faye. (Season 4, Episode 9)
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Photograph: Courtesy/ Ron Jaffe/AMC

Suntanned, messy, happy Peggy steals the limelight from pretty much anyone around her, including Zou Bisou Bisou Megan. Hooray! (Season 5, Episode 1)
Photograph: Courtesy/ Michael Yarish/AMC

Peggy's hair means business. We'll take our assertive presentation in synthetic fibers, please. (Season 5, Episode 1)
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Photograph: Courtesy/ Michael Yarish

Softening for the late-’60s, and flirting with mom hair. (Season 6, Episode 7)
Photograph: Courtesy/ Michael Yarish/AMC

Channelling a Christmas gift-wrap vibe for an awkward, sorry, award ceremony. (Season 6, Episode 5)
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Photograph: Courtesy/ Frank Ockenfels 3/AMC

Yeah, Peggy. Hell yeah! Also, props to Pete, whose comb-over and jacket combo could make an unkempt bear look elegant. (Season 7)
Photograph: Courtesy Jaimie Trueblood/AMC

Who cares that there's nothing on the presentation boards? Peggy gets the job! (Season 7, Episode 7)

See more Elisabeth Moss

Elisabeth Moss talks Mad Men, Broadway and feminism
  • Theater

On a frigid evening, Elisabeth Moss ducks into midtown trattoria Casa Nonna, sheds her winter hat and wool coat and slides into a corner booth. Although she’s been pulling long hours and hasn’t had a day off in 10—she’s starring in The Heidi Chronicles, a revival of the Pulitzer Prize–winning play by Wendy Wasserstein—she seems upbeat, even jocular.

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