Kiernan Shipka Wows in Alexander McQueen, Reveals Her Style M.O.

Unlike most teenagers, 16-year-old actress Kiernan Shipka isn’t experiencing an awkward phase. For the former Mad Men star, it’s nothing but bright lights and winning smiles. “It’s kind of fun and lavender and whatnot,” she told InStyle of the stunning, ruffled Alexander McQueen design she wore to the 18th Costume Designers Guild Awards in Beverly Hills Tuesday night. Bejeweled Jimmy Choo sandals were appropriate for the occasion. “I love this, actually,” she added.

We loved it too, and proceeded to find out the talent’s secret to her always head-turning red carpet moments. But first, Shipka was eager to express why nominee Janie Bryant, Mad Men’s costume designer, is a pro. “She taught me that style can tell a story beyond the pretty clothes. She’s really magnificent,” she quipped. “She’s got the best style. In real life, I always looked at her style and thought it was incredible, growing up on the show. Really, being on a show that was focused a lot on fashion I think sparked my interest in the first place. So I couldn’t be more appreciative.”

Her eager-to-learn approach paid off, which is why Shipka knows exactly what works for her on any occasion. “I like fun stuff. I like overalls and T-shirts and jeans, and fun accessories and stuff like that. Boots. I’m kind of into a casual, but fun mode,” she added. Sure, she may be unafraid to take an experimental turn on the fashion road, but when it’s good, it’s good. “I do this thing where I find an outfit that I like, then I wear it quite a bit until I get sick of it,” she admitted. “It’s usually different variations on the same thing. I’m very persistent with it because once I find something I like, it’s probably a week I’m just wearing the same outfit.”

You do you, Kiernan.

—With reporting by Scott Huver