Then vs. Now: How Mod Lovers Are Putting The Mod Into Modern Outfits

Rebelling against the conventional? Mod says, “Yes, please”. And do so with clean lines, sharp tailoring, and striking geometric patterns that capture the spirit of that generation, hungry for style and self-expression. 

And because Mod was not just about fleeting clothing trends, but knowing how to have a vibrant lifestyle, the style has persevered to this day. Decades later, it continues to resonate, reinventing itself over and over again. And yet, it remains true to itself. 

So, what does Mod fashion today look like? Well, we took to the streets to have a look, and here’s what we discovered: 

Taking A Quick Peek Back

But first, take a sneak peek at the past. Classic Mod fashion was instantly recognisable. For women, it’s the miniskirts and shift dresses with cool, bold geometric prints, often paired with Chelsea boots. 

For men, it was about embracing sharply tailored suits, rollnecks, Harrington jackets, and polished black loafers. These were men who embodied what smart and modern truly meant. 

Twiggy, The Who, Mary Quant, and Jean Shrimpton were all over the magazines of the time, boldly defining the cultural revolution, declaring independence from the status quo, leading the youth identity on a paved way to what modern style is today. 

Modern Mod Style: The Pieces That Still Inspire

And what does it look like today? Well, what we see in the clean, tailored silhouettes of the modern mod still holds onto the movement’s original essentials. The Mods of today also love the classic cut, the graphic patterns, and the colour blocking. 

Accessories, however, are really what have taken the starring role. Statement eyewear, distinctive bags, and standout polished shoes are all details that take the modern Mod outfits to the next level. 

Interestingly, what has really remained at the core of Mod fashion is the freedom to interpret the classic elements in your own way. Being rebellious about it is highly encouraged as well!

Side-by-Side Style Comparison

Okay, so what’s the real difference, then? 

Mini Dresses & Shift Silhouettes

For women, back in the 1960s, mini dresses predominantly existed in prints with short hemlines and a sharp A-line cut. That was really the look of the day. Now, these silhouettes still live and breathe, but in updated fabrics and more sustainable materials. The modern mod woman loves a minimalist print alongside her vintage-inspired patterns. And she‘s all about comfort and style coming together. 

Tailoring & Outerwear

The classics featured boxy blazers, Harrington jackets, and Combie coats. The contemporaries, though, prefer oversized fits, gender-fluid tailoring, and heritage fabrics. Oftentimes, marrying traditional craftsmanship with modern trends for a bit of edgy, futuristic spice. 

The Evolution of Footwear

Mary Janes, brogues, and Chelsea boots set the tone with every step in the original Mod scene. The modern versions? They like to come with a platform sole, while sneakers (the modern staple) have started incorporating retro details for that one-of-a-kind mix of vintage charm and modern street style.

The Hair

The beehive hairstyles, the graphic eyeline, the bold, the striking. The modern ‘20s are nodding to these beauty staples but softening them for everyday wear. The style may be a bit less rigid and more approachable now, but the signature edge? That’s not lost at all. 

How Today’s Mods Make It Work

Vintage enthusiasts are proving to be very skilful in mixing Mod-inspired vintage treasures with what the contemporary staple dictates. Slow fashion and quality reworked pieces are what modern mods prefer to use, as vintage fashion is often tightly connected to the growing awareness of sustainability in style.

Another way in which the modern world has given Mod new life is, not surprisingly, through social media. Instagram and TikTok have propelled the Mod revival, with influencers and stylists spotlighting and introducing the movement all over again for a new generation. Creative content and styling ideas are driving the wheels of fashion and have given it renewed life and relevance among Gen Z as well. 

Styling Tips to Put The Mod Into Your Modern Look

Here are some simple ways you can nail the style, reviving the movement that shapes generations: 

For the ladies:

• Pair a vintage mini dress with a modern oversized blazer for contemporary, easy and a pinch of retro charm. 

• Layer monochrome Mod pieces with bright statement accessories like bold bags, colourful shoes, and jewellery. This way, you make it uniquely yours. 

• Mix tailoring with sporty and casual pieces. Your suit jacket paired with sneakers? It’s a vibe. 

For the men and androgynous styling:

• Slim-cut trousers work very well when paired with fitted shirts. It’s an instant modern reinterpretation of the classic sharp silhouette. 

• Add desert boots to offer a subtle nod to the old-time Mod footwear. 

Invest in key Mod staples that are still relevant today: knee-high boots, a crisp tailored suit, monkey jackets and Sta-Prest trousers to build a wardrobe that works across seasons.

Mod Revival Clothing: Carrying the Mod Spirit Forward

We’re not only acknowledging the past when reviving vintage fashion. We reinvent it, preserving the spirit of the times, of the movement alive. Mod is still relevant because it will always cater to the spirit of the youth, the need for rebellion and self-expression. It’s no surprise it so seamlessly jumps through the decades, morphing into the new trends, always breathing, living in the present. 

All it takes to ride the new wave of Mod is to embrace the iconic elements and adapt them to what’s in fashion today. But always incorporate your own personal style story for a fresh, fearless twist on a classic that never dies.