How to Wear Sixties Mod
The mod 1960s look is back and thankfully it looks nothing like Liz Hurley in an Austin Powers movie. There are no white patent knee high boots and floral mini skirts that throw your modesty out the window. There is certainly no need to back comb your hair into a beehive.This season the throwback to my favourite era – the 1960s – is subtle, timeless and oh so so stylish. What I love about the fashion from this era is that it’s so adaptable to to looking casual but smart, going to work and for evening wear.
It’s all about the subtle touches that give a gentle nod to the era rather than the exaggerated styles of the 1970s or the instantly recognizable silhouette of the 1950s. It helps to think about the timeless style of Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 classic film Breakfast at Tiffany’s if you’re needing a bit of inspiration. I try not to think of the “style icons” from when I grew up – the late 80s and 90s. Two foot high fringe that defied gravity and “baby-tees” that bared my torso paired with red dungarees (shudder). Back to Audrey Hepburn.
1. Block heels
A block heel is so very quintessentially Sixties. Not only does it look super chic but it provides you with slight heel without the pain of regular high heels. They’re just about the only kind of heel I can handle on a daily basis. The new shape that I keep seeing in high street AW11 collections is the classic ballet pump restyled with a block heel – very ladylike. The iconic and often imitated Pilgrim pumps with silver buckles is also a classic Sixties style that was designed by Roger Vivier and worn by Catherine Deneuve in the film Belle du Jour. River Island have made a lovely leopard print pair with gold detailing on the heel that I have my eye on.
2. Structured handbag
A Sixties handbag does not slouch. Perfect for incorporating into your work wardrobe – invest in a structured handbag in snake print, croc leather or in a punchy colour. Mini-bags are everywehre this season – some of them are ridiculously tiny (pack of mints and a single key is not how I roll) but a reasonably sized small boxy shaped bag with a cross-body strap is a stylish and hands-free alternative to a clutch bag.
3. Shift dress
This can be fitted on top and flared at the skirt or a tunic shape with front pockets – either way it’s easily customized for winter if you just wear it with a fine-knit roll neck jumper or a long sleeved blouse underneath. Go for interesting colours like mustard and teal and look for details like piping. Whistles have done this shape really well this season – I want at least four of them right now!
4. Capri trousers and Peter Pan collars
Okay okay, I know the seasons are turning. But it hasn’t started snowing yet so you can still bare your ankles without looking bonkers for at least another month and a half. Slim cut ones are best paired with a colourful knit short sleeve top with a Peter Pan collar. Wear with ankle boots for a bit of an edge (just a touch).
5. Cocoon Shape Coat
This shape is the most forgiving and super comfortable to boot. The silhouette is all softly rounded shoulders and loose around the body. It can be short or knee length and looks best in colours that aren’t black, navy or grey. Marks & Spencer have made an amazing bright orange one this season that will be sure to make you stand out even from eight feet away during a hail storm. Ideal.
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