'Mad Men' inspires yet another return to retro fashion

For fans of the AMC show, "Mad Men," the wait is over.

Season four of the award-winning drama premiered last Sunday.

Set in the early 1960's, the show is about a group of executives at the New York ad agency Sterling Cooper. Jon Hamm plays the instantly iconic role of Don Draper, the agency's mysterious creative director.

At the end of season three, following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Draper and a few other execs left Sterling Cooper to form their own agency.

With a meticulous attention to detail and absolute dedication to recreating the era, "Mad Men" has emerged as the most stylish show on television.

Much of that has to do with Janie Bryant, the show's brilliant costume designer.

She's responsible for Betty Draper's swing coats, full-skirted dresses, cardigans, pearls, equestrian chic and full-on evening glamour. Joan Holloway, the office femme fatale, has a classic hourglass figure that is displayed in fitted separates and curve-skimming dresses. Jewel tones set off her gorgeous pale skin and red hair.

The men's style is just as noteworthy. Sharp, tailored suits, narrow ties, pocket squares, polished brogues, cuff links, overcoats and fedoras.

Bryant recently talked about what people can expect from the upcoming season that picks up after the Kennedy assassination in late 1963.

The most intriguing element will be the introduction of the mod fashion movement and how it will effect what the characters wear. But don't expect Betty Draper to start wearing white go-go boots.

"It's like anybody's life, you add pieces to your closet but you're not changing your whole style with every trend," says Bryant.

Bryant is also launching her first collection of ready-to-wear for QVC. The 1960s-inspired collection is mostly statement pieces such as faux-fur jackets, cardigans, jewelry and a handbag.

Also in the works for Bryant is a style guide. Look for it in the fall.

To help kick off the new season of "Mad Men," Banana Republic partnered with the television show for the second year in a row. The retailer launched its "Mad About Style" campaign that includes displays in store windows, a how-to style guide, online instructional videos and a contest where one lucky customer will win a walk-on role.

To enter, pick up a "ticket" at any Banana Republic store before Aug. 11. The ticket has a code that allows customers to upload photos of their best "Mad Men" style.

Series creator Matthew Weiner will select the winner.