'Mad' Menswear

When Banana Republic debuted its Mad Men line earlier this month, I stopped by an in-store launch party for the collection. A huge fan of the show, I was looking to add a classic touch to my wardrobe. For four television seasons, The AMC drama has been captivating audiences and re-defining (reminding us, rather) what "dapper" looks like on a man. With the help of Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant, Banana Republic brought back classic notions of style with a modern edge for both men and women.

I browsed every rack on the men's sales floor. If I wanted, I could have strutted my stuff right out of South Coast Plaza ready for a walk-on role in season 5 of the show - If I wasn't such an "Chinaman" (It was the 60s after all). But since I'm no "Don Draper" at my firm, I passed on the suit separates, fitted trousers and fedora hat, which are probably best reserved for the executive type who has someone to hand his coat and hat to when he walks into the office. I took the 65-piece 1960s-inspired collection up on one of its smallest offerings - a silver plated limited edition tie bar for $39.50.

Tie bar sales have increased in recent years and were featured in a lot of menswear magazines this past Spring. Some attribute their comeback to sharply dressed characters like Roger Sterling and Don Draper. The tie bar is a reminder of a generation that came to work dressed up and are among the few types of masculine accessories available.

I displayed a bit of ignorance the first time I wore it. Thinking it was merely a shiny ornament serving more style than function, I spent most of the morning with it clipped to the tie but not to my shirt. The point of wearing a tie bar is to keep your tie from swinging and flapping around, which of course my tie was doing (with added weight). An obvious failure on my part, but what can you expect from a guy whose generation has never had to wear a proper suit?

You can shop the Mad Men collection here.

An in-store visual reminiscent of Sterling Cooper's ad campaign for Playtex, "Are you a Jackie or a Marilyn?" from Season Two of Mad Men.

The tie bar best serves its function when worn below the breast pocket. I felt it best clipped between the third and fourth button of my shirt. I've read that some guys wear them higher for a "younger" look. Some wear them at slight angles for style, and some wear them level.