The 1950’s were some of the most stylized times with harmonious color palettes, structured hats, tailored coats, and matching driving gloves. Fans of the 1950’s fashion would fall in love with the costumes of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Donna Zakowska, the costume designer for the series, did a fabulous job designing each detail on an outfit and capturing the essence of the moment through the costumes.
Each character’s costume is lovingly designed for them specifically, suiting their personality and plot-lines, such as Midge in her monochromatic color palettes and Susie with her suspenders. While Zakowska did a beautiful job, not every character is fashionable as Mrs. Maisel and so not every outfit is as glamorous as the next. Here are the 5 best outfits on the show and the 5 worst.
Best: Midge’s Red Dress
When Joel saw Midge in her red dress in season 1, episode 2, fans can only assume that he instantly regretted leaving her. This is by far one of Midge’s best looks in the whole series. The red of the dress showed her newfound strength and independence while it also beautifully flattered her with its sweetheart neckline, wide belt, and full skirt.
Her dainty necklace gorgeously compliments the neckline and the red lipstick expertly matches the red of the dress. Leave it to Midge to think of every detail of the outfit all the way down to the perfect shade of lipstick.
Worst: Joel’s Turtleneck
Joel’s black moth-eaten turtleneck matched his performance as they were both train wrecks. But even before the moths attacked the turtleneck, it still wasn’t a great look for the hopeful comedian. The turtleneck looked out of place with his gray business slacks and slick black shoes.
Maybe if Joel had dressed better his act wouldn’t have bombed quite so hard. Since Joel stole Bob Newhart’s jokes, he should have stolen his sense of style as well. Bob Newhart at least wore a sports coat and a button-down if he wasn’t in a suit; not a moth-eaten turtleneck.
Best: Midge’s First Black Dress
Midge really became the performer she was always meant to be when she donned the elegant black dress with pearls and matching black gloves in season 1, episode 8 “Thank You and Good Night”. This black dress similar to the red dress beautifully flattered Midge while amplifying her persona.
The details in the dress such as the slender belt and bows on the straps really made it the stunning look it was. Midge’s attitude seems to come a lot from her outfits and this black dress was the perfect one for the occasion as it exuded confidence and truly made her Mrs. Maisel.
Worst: Abe’s Romper
While Abe is not exactly the most stylish one of the series, he has had moments where he looked quite dapper and he’s had moments where he looked less than dapper like the time he wore a romper in season 2, episode 4 “We’re Going to the Catskills”. Abe’s almost skin toned romper with bright blue stripes was quite the sight with its wide collar and skinny belt.
Abe must have really wanted to make sure this romper stayed in place because not only did it have the skinny belt but it also had straps that went around his shoes. Joel might have made a few mistakes in his time, but he did not deserve to see Abe in his romper in person.
Best: Midge’s Checkered Outfit
Midge not only wows fans in her glamorous dresses but also in her casual car riding apparel like her black-and-white checkered outfit. While riding back to the city with Benjamin in season 2, episode 5, Midge wore a checkered crop coat with matching shorts and a baby pink button-down.
But the real show stopper of this get-up was the pink scarf with little white polka dots that protected her freshly curled hair. The black and white with the pink all masterfully complement each other and the polka dots flatter the checkered pattern. Midge manages to look adorable and stunning even during a simple car ride.
Worst: Susie’s Plumber Costume
Susie is not one to dress up, but even she would have to admit her plumber outfit was not one of the best looks of the series. Her blue and white striped shirt that had hints of brown along with her too-big blue pants were not the most flattering on the pretend plumber.
The worn-out belt did not do this outfit any favors. The bright red from her plumber, Pamela, also clashed with the rest of the ensemble. It was a clever disguise but not the most appealing one. Luckily she had her trust newsboy hat for the costume’s only saving grace.
Best: Rose’s Green Jacket in Paris
Midge is not the only one who looks gorgeous in a tailored coat and a structured hat. Rose wowed fans with her olive green and dark purple ensemble in season 2, episode 2 “Mid-way to Mid-town.”
As Rose and Abe blissfully explored Paris, Rose looked the part of a Parisian woman in her deep rich tones. The coat flowed beautifully as the love birds walked along the streets and danced on the bridge. But always the practical one, Rose stayed warm in her matching gloves and structured hat. Midge obviously gets her great sense of style from her mother.
Worst: Rose and Midge’s Salon Outfit
It’s difficult to look stunning all of the time even for Midge and Rose. Midge and Rose are constantly making fans jaws drop with their fabulous outfits, but even they need a break from the glamour. The best time to push on pause on being elegant is when you are at the beauty parlor.
In their bright floral yellow and pink coverings the women are able to relax with curlers in their hair. Even their pants and skirt matched the coverings. They can take a break from glamour but not from monochromatic color palettes.
Best: Benjamin’s Suit and Trench Coat
Midge and Benjamin are match made in fashion heaven. Benjamin is a handsome man with plenty of style. In season 2, episode 7 “Look She Made a Hat,” Benjamin took Midge to an art gallery and later a bar where artists hang out. While Midge looked stunning in her black and white dress, she was not the only one who dressed to the nines for the occasion. Benjamin was very dapper looking in his tailored suit and charcoal gray trench coat.
His suit and coat were not the same color but they were harmonious which made for quite the handsome ensemble.
Worst: Midge’s Workout Gear
One of Midge’s signature colors is pink. She has pink dresses, coats, gloves, and workout gear. In season 1 episode 2, Midge and Imogene attend an exercise class and Midge wore a pair of baby-pink shorts, a tight pink shirt, and dainty flats. This is not exactly the ideal outfit to wear when working out as it looks more like a cute picnic outfit than it does a workout one. And gasp, the flats are not matching with the rest of her pink ensemble.
While it’s an adorable outfit, it’s one of the worst because it looks uncomfortable to work out in and Midge was at exercise class after all.
