Well, mark down another amazing week for Agent Carter! This week’s episode, “Smoke And Mirrors,” did not disappoint as we got a better look at Peggy’s past. As always, the show was filled with some incredible fashions! And I’m here to recreate a couple for you and adapt them into outfits you can wear every day. I do my best to find pieces that are in the spirit of Agent Carter while keeping the price tag low…most of the time.
This week, we’re doing things a little differently; we’ll be looking at one of Peggy’s outfits but also getting into some mens fashion as well! We’ll be recreating Dr. Wilkes’s costume. So, if you’re a guy looking to put some vintage flair into your wardrobe, you’re in the right place! And later, I’ll have entire articles dedicated to Jarvis, Howard Stark, Sousa and maybe even Jack!
ABC/Richard Cartwright
First up, we have Peggy’s daytime outfit – I call it “Peggy’s Gone Kidnapping” because that’s pretty much what she does in this episode when she and Jarvis grab the thug that works for Whitney and her Senator hubby. She’s wearing some classic wide leg, high waisted trousers in blue-green and a button down blouse in a really nice shade of coral.
PopWrapped/Michelle Dawson
For our version, I found these wonderful 1940’s Swing Trousers in Dogtooth Green for $80 on a website called Vivien Of Holloway. It’s a UK-based site so the prices are all in pounds, but you can easily convert the currency using Google. Vivien Of Holloway ships worldwide and offers free worldwide shipping on orders over $220.
The blouse is a basic short sleeve, tailored blouse in coral. You can find it on Amazon for $24. The red retro-inspired sunglasses can also be found on Amazon and will only cost you $8.
Frankly, I ran into trouble with the shoes because I found two pairs that I loved for this outfit and couldn’t decide on one – so I decided to include both. First, are the Miz Mooz Judy retro-style pumps. They have a nice, thick 40’s heel and a cool, double Mary Jane strap. The color is “forest” and I found them on Zappos for $130. The other pair, I thought were so vintage that if I didn’t include them, I just wouldn’t be doing my job. They also provide a nice, cost effective alternative if you don’t want to spend more than $100 on shoes. The UK Grieff Oxford Sandal has a lower heel and a single ankle strap. You can find them on Amazon for only $66.
Dr. Wilkes (Reggie Austin) is one of my favorite new characters in the Agent Carter universe. He’s sweet, handsome, brilliant, charming and he can make tasty, tasty wine. What more could a woman possibly want? I would marry this guy in a heartbeat. And Wilkes looks great in a lavender shirt! His suit is a grey, windowpane plaid, worn with striped, button suspenders and (I’m assuming) wingtip shoes. His vintage tie is grey with a bold red and white pattern. When he meets Peggy at the club, he’s wearing his suit jacket with an ivory pocket square. No gentleman went without a pocket square in the 40’s!
While I was researching websites for men’s vintage fashions, I discovered that it’s actually more cost effective for men to buy real vintage neckties than something new that looks vintage. And not only is it more cost effective, but the ties are much nicer. I found a website called American Vintage Classics and lost many, many hours looking through their inventory. They have a huge collection of vintage clothes for men and women. But their 1940’s ties are the best! 40’s ties are heavily influenced by the Art Deco movement, with bold, beautiful patterns, bright colors and a wider, shorter shape than modern ties.
PopWrapped/Michelle Dawson
Not long ago, Agent Carter costume designer, Giovanna Melton, posted on twitter about Wilkes’s tie, saying the pattern looked like something seen beneath the lens of a microscope and she felt it was perfect for a scientist. For our version of Dr. Wilkes’s outfit, I chose a vintage tie from American Vintage Classics. The minute I saw the tie, I remembered Melton’s words and the red and white clover-shaped pattern reminded me of blood cells (or perhaps red wine?) under a microscope and definitely worthy of a scientist! The tie is 4 1/2 inches wide, was made under the label Miller’s For Men, listed in excellent condition and only costs $30.
The other items are fairly common. I found the suit at Men’s Warehouse and on clearance for more than 50% off. It’s a grey, windowpane plaid pattern suit from Perry Ellis. Normally, the suit would cost $500 but it’s on sale for only $200. It comes in a variety of sizes and it has some really good reviews!
I found the shirt at Calvin Klein. It’s a textured long sleeve dress shirt in lavender. I liked the texture because it seemed to fill out the shirt more. Men’s shirts from the 1940’s were made of a much sturdier material than you will find today. The shirt is listed at $80, but once you add it to your basket, it’s actually 40% off and will only cost around $48.
The suspenders are from Geoffrey Beene and feature a vertical striped pattern, button clasps and clips. You can find them on Amazon for $24. Remember, most modern trousers won’t come with suspender buttons already sewn into them. Some stores will do it on request when you purchase a suit from them or for a few dollars, you can take your new trousers to a tailor and have them sew in the suspender buttons for you.
The shoes are from Stacey Adams. Known for their vintage style Oxfords and wingtips, Stacy Adams produces really nice men’s dress shoes that will last you for years. This particular design is called “Garrick” and I felt it fit Dr. Wilkes rather well. You can get the shoes in black or brown and there are a ton of sizes available. The shoes are listed at $90.
Last, but not least, the pocket square. An iconic sign of the consummate gentleman, the pocket square (or handkerchief) was first carried as a symbol of status. But if you hold to a more romantic view, gentlemen carried handkerchiefs to always be prepared if a lady was in need. To lend a handkerchief is considered to be gallant and chivalrous and clearly, Dr. Wilkes is both. The ivory pocket square can be found at Men’s Warehouse for $20.
Well, I hope you’re inspired to get creative with your wardrobe. In my opinion, there’s no better character to connect with for fashion, brains, strength and general bad-assery than Agent Peggy Carter. Be sure to check out my articles for outfits from previous episodes, “The Lady In The Lake,” “A View In The Dark,” and “Better Angels.” Until next week!
