No matter where you're going, what you're doing or who you're seeing, one thing must be right; your clothing. Like many style conscious individuals, clothing is always on your mind. You're not going out to be the most outrageous person out there you're just tailoring your look to your own individual style and preferences. There's reams of people who consciously go out there to provoke a reaction with their clothing, I'm talking about the teens with T-shirts on with 'FUCK YOU' in huge black marker across the front of them. Or the Geordie Shore crowd who wear trainers that should be on the feet of a transformer robot at the gym. No, we as a sub-culture are much more subtle than that, we turn heads with the way we construct outfits, rather than what they say on the front.For me, it all starts from the ground upwards; a classic Clarks Desert Boot, or a Delicious Junction loafer or a pair of Adidas Italia the possibilities are endless! It's always a tough decision on what footwear you are going to don. Good shoes can tell you a lot about a person so it's essential that you choose the right pair for you. Then, socks enter the game. I usually like to match my socks with my top but that's just me being me - ha! I love red socks, they always look sweet, especially with oxblood loafers. Red socks set off a look, as long as they can be seen. I first started wearing them when I saw a Style Council pic of Weller and Talbot, so cool. I try to ensure my socks match my top half but that can't always happen. Make sure the socks you are wearing can be seen it adds to the detail and boy do we love detail!
Anyway shoes and socks are now sorted, lets move onto the strides. For day to day wear I usually opt with a decent pair of jeans. Whether it be Levi's or any other brand as long as they fit right, that's me sorted. Turn ups have been a constant feature of my look since I got into the scene some 6 years ago now (2008 to be precise); I love a good set of turn ups and I feel they break up the look giving the clueless eye of the Highstreet warrior something more to oggle at. I usually buy jeans that are 2" longer on the leg giving me that ideal amount of excess material to play with. Two turn ups usually do the trick and ensure that there's some sock on show. Essential. I break the strides out usually when the occasion arises but from time to time I'll slip into a pair of tonics just so I can give them an outing.
The top half is usually the trickiest part of an outfit for me. I mean what do you go for? A button down, a knitted polo, a classic Fred Perry M12? It's all quite difficult when you have time on your hands. Recently I've been going for Grandad tees and adding a Tootal/Silk scarf over the top. This gives you simplicity with that added detail. I love seeing all the different looks the people of our scene put together it's top! I've gained a lot of inspiration from the like minded people around me, my Dad being one of them. Anyway so you've got to decide on an item to stick on top. I usually go for a classic button down, Art Gallery, Ben Sherman, Fred Perry you name it they are all ideal. A knitted polo is a classic piece too - so sixties and a great alternative to a cotton pique polo. I've broke the vintage cycling tops out on a few occasions recently and they provide that striking sleek look that really turns heads. I love the comments I receive when wearing these too, "Wiggo where's ya bike mate?" I always say when struggling to find something to wear on top, "If in doubt get a Fred Perry out!"
So we come to the jacket/coat (you can also add knitwear here if it's freezing!) Recently, I've been sticking with the classic Harrington Jacket. You can't really stray far wrong with a Harrington. Of course there's also the Levi trucker jacket, the Monkey Jacket, the Fishtail Parka among others.You can't forget the mac either, for that quintessential Weller look circa 83. I also can't wait to break out the Crombie again when the cold returns. Whatever the jacket, I always ensure that it sits right with the rest of the outfit and compliments the other pieces. And there you have it, a day in the life of a mod. This is a day to day thing for us and some days is easier than others. One thing I would say is: chuck some cracking tunes on and let the inspirations flow through you!
