As is often the case with celebrities, Christina Hendricks looks a lot smaller in person than she does on TV. Sans the bouffant hairdo, long-line-waist bra, girdle, stockings, and slip she dons as the smoldering Joan Holloway on Mad Men, it's natural that she'd shrink a little. And yet, even off-duty, Hendricks is very much a womanly woman. "I can't just throw on a backless dress or flimsy top with spaghetti straps," the 34-year-old declares. "I need a bra!" As for that fiery red hair? "I've been dyeing it since I was about 10" — a result of an obsession with the Canadian TV series based on the Anne of Green Gables books. Here, she shares her tips for dressing a Hollywood figure that's more Monroe than Moss.
MC: Are you cool with people making such a fuss about your figure?
CH: In the beginning, it was odd to have so much attention brought to my body type. I thought, "Uh-oh, brace yourself." But everyone has been so positive. During the first season, a woman came up to me at dinner and said, "I just want to thank you — watching you has made me proud of my body." I thought, What an amazing thing for someone to say! To make anyone feel good about themselves makes me feel good.
MC: How has playing Joan Holloway affected your sense of style?
CH: I'm definitely learning from Joan. My personal style is very romantic. I'm drawn to things that have a feminine flair, whether it's a ruffle or an embellishment. Joan is much more streamlined, so I'm learning how that works on my figure. I'm a fan of the pencil skirt now. I used to think they were so conservative, but then I realized if you wear one that's tight enough, it's really sexy.
MC: What is your mantra for dressing?
CH: Highlight the things you like. I like my small waist, so whenever I wear a dress or blouse, I always make sure you can see my waistline. It gives me more of an hourglass shape.
MC: What would you say to women who want to minimize their curves?
CH: Instead of trying to downplay your curves, find a designer or style that glorifies them. There are designers who simply don't design for people with shape and there are those — like L'Wren Scott or Roland Mouret — who do exactly that. Once you find what looks best on you, stick with it.
-
Former Vanity Fair Editor Says Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will “Live to Regret” Not Keeping in Touch with the Royal Family
“That will come back to haunt them at a certain point.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Friends Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber Were Both at the Monaco Grand Prix—But Never Seen With Each Other
It has fans wondering if everything’s okay between the two.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Princess Kate’s Tiara Moment at the Royal Wedding of the Year Marked a Historic Milestone for Her
She also wore some new-to-her earrings with special significance.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J. Igoe
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors