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

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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!

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)

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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Good times. A sinful Peggy buttons up to go to church with the fam. (Season 2, Episode 4)

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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Ugh. Dinner with Duck, in matching outfits. Try not to imagine them doing it. (Season 3, Episode 5)

Demure outfit used as cover for evil death stare at strict mother. Top marks. (Season 3, Episode 4)
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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)

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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Suntanned, messy, happy Peggy steals the limelight from pretty much anyone around her, including Zou Bisou Bisou Megan. Hooray! (Season 5, Episode 1)

Peggy's hair means business. We'll take our assertive presentation in synthetic fibers, please. (Season 5, Episode 1)
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Softening for the late-’60s, and flirting with mom hair. (Season 6, Episode 7)

Channelling a Christmas gift-wrap vibe for an awkward, sorry, award ceremony. (Season 6, Episode 5)
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Yeah, Peggy. Hell yeah! Also, props to Pete, whose comb-over and jacket combo could make an unkempt bear look elegant. (Season 7)

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
Elisabeth Moss talks Mad Men, Broadway and feminism
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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