There are plenty of things to love about AMC show Mad Men, from the business rivalries, to the vintage cars, to the the dysfunctional relationships. But the fashion department is one area where the show really towers above the rest. It's a fashion contest and even though Don, Roger and the ladies always win, Pete doesn't trail too far behind.
The account executive and future junior partner not only grows career-wise but also fashion-wise during his time on the show. Perhaps the only area of his life that stagnates is his love life. Part of that can be blamed to bad influences. Below are some details about Pete's attire that you probably missed.
He Sort Of Has A 'Uniform' In The Early Seasons
In later seasons, Pete successfully imitates Don's style as well as his playboy attitude, but at the start of the series, he plays it really safe. Pete wears a blue suit to the point where its easy to identify him without looking at his face. Given that his bosses neither have the kindest words nor actions, it makes sense for him not to take fashion risks and offend them.
The blue suits give him a private-school look. His costume makes him look like a teenager from a wealthy family, with his youthful face putting the stamp. Unlike a couple of other employees who wear blazers and pants of varying colors at times, Pete maintains his 'uniform' without any shame.
The Uniqueness Of His Ties
Pete's costume loyalty extends to thin ties that have narrow lapels. This choice is similar to that of Don and Roger. The tie choice helps him stand out from his colleagues who usually keep their ties thick and dark. Pete is also the only devotee of the tie clip. Other characters are seen with clips from time to time but Pete tends to have one most of the time.
Another noticeable thing about Pete Campbell's ties is that they are always diagonally-striped and multi-colored. His favorite ties is powder-blue in color which is also the same tie he wore in Buckley School, where he was educated. He enjoys wearing Dartmouth green too.
Loose Trousers
Despite Pete looking really good from waist-up, his trousers let him down in Season 1 & 2. He wears them loose, which gives the impression that he is still growing into the outfit.
The bagginess doesn't put such a big dent on his general look since a couple of other male office employees at Sterling Cooper are guilty of the same. But when he stands next to Roger and Don, the bagginess is easy to notice. Luckily, this is something that changes in later seasons.
The King Of Pyjamas
Pete might have plenty of competition in almost every other fashion department but when it comes to pajamas, he does know how to pick the best. When your career prospects keep looking good, you have no choice but to be extravagant even in your sleep.
He has a variety of pajamas, all with different patterns. Throughout the series, he wears checked pajamas made of heavy fabric as well as striped pajamas. When in California, he wears light pajamas made of silk to go with the hot weather. Some of the pajamas have the designs of overcoats while some come with pants.
Love For Suspenders
Suspenders might no longer be popular but in the '60s, they were important fashion accessories. Instead of belts, a lot of men would wear suspenders. Pete does the same in the AMC series.
Pete's suspenders are hard to notice because he mostly has his coat on. But on the rare occasions that he bows down to the heat, the suspenders securing his trousers are visible. They also make him appear much taller than he is, which is a good thing in an office where each person is trying to intimidate the other.
Costume Choice At Informal Events
Outside the office, Pete likes to ditch the blue suit for cooler outfits. During non-business functions away from the office, he has been spotted wearing blazers with different patterns. He prefers brown or maroon when he is out mingling with the elites.
From very early in the series, his outfits at informal events are far more advanced than what he wears in the office. It can be argued that he doesn't want to come off as much of a threat to Don at first. The executive is known for competing with everyone, including his subordinates, for recognition as well as lovers.
His Turning Point
Pete truly sees the light in Season 6. It's when he truly graduates from ordinary outfits to Don and Roger's school of fashion. His fashion sense also had something to do with his promotion. He has more authority in the office, hence he can't afford to dress like his junior colleagues.
During an interview with GQ, Janie Bryant, the show's costume designer, the decision to alter Pete's look came from above. She said: "Matt Weiner had said to me that he wanted Pete to look dashing. So that was really part of that costume design and I think he does look dashing. I think he does have a different kind of appeal this season."
Style Change After Relocating To California
In the season 6 finale, Pete drives out west to open up a new agency branch in California. There, his style changes drastically to match his environment. He wears suits less often and adopts a carefree attitude. He dresses as a casual jet-setter, making sure to include sunglasses and flashy shirts.
The reason for the drastic change can be traced to the fact that he is no longer facing the constraints of suburban life. There is less scrutiny too from his superiors. His marital problems are still a thorn in his life, hence his desire to try and enjoy life a bit more while he is away.
Choice Of Footwear
Pete enjoys alternating between black and brown shoes. Most of his shoes are Johnsonian wingtips. His footwear choice works because anything he wears on top doesn't contradict what's on his feet.
The character is rarely spotted without his shoes, except when he is ready to go bed. On such occasions, he prefers to wear ordinary sandals. He also likes to walk barefoot whenever he is home. When you have very clean floors, you can afford to do that. Trudy happens to be very hygienic, so that explains Pete's confidence.
Adopting A Pocket Square
At first, Pete doesn't wear a pocket square. But in later seasons, he is frequently seen with one. The reason for him adopting this fashion accessory has more to do with the changing times than personal choice.
According to costume designer Janie Bryant, pocket squares that matched with ties were always popular with the older gentlemen, some of whom had served in the military. But they weren't popular with younger men until the late '60s. This explains why Pete takes long to start wearing pocket squares yet men like Roger wear them from very early on in the series.