Yeah, you know what it is, blue and gray, blue and gray, blue and gray! Those are our college’s colors of course, but it also seems to be the only colors we see around campus in the colder months. Where are the bright colors, the patterns, the texture? I’ll tell you where — the runways.
Let’s get graphic. I’m talking in-your-face, loud and proud, “look at me!” oversized and manipulated patterns. With all the stripes, dots and checkers hitting the runway for spring 2013, it seems like Twiggy might have persuaded designers to return to the mod fashion era. Everyone from Ralph Lauren to Michael Kors to Marc Jacobs has become obsessed with putting the mod back in modern.
The mod fashion scene developed in England in the 1950s and lasted until the mid 1960s. The trend was created by and for the young and the restless, which explains why the style is notably colorful, graphic and boxy. I’m sure if we cracked out the 1962 yearbook, we’d see some fashionistas wearing red and white striped dresses with matching hats and fake eyelashes. But should we expect to see modern-day Blue Jays sporting white go-go boots and checkered knee high socks? Don’t worry, we’re safe from looking like Austin Powers extras.
Mod 2013 has kept the best of original mod style while throwing out the worst of 1960. Designers have kept the oversized patterns (predominantly stripes), bright colors and short hemlines. They’ve also kept big eye lashes and big sunglasses as accessories. You can get this style at places like Francescas, Forever 21 and Sears.
What designers have not yet decided on: the famed boxy silhouette. Since the early 2000s, clothing has become more focused on body-hugging, so designers and consumers alike are hesitant to wear anything that isn’t form-fitted. You have to admit, we all do love our skinny jeans, body con skirts and yoga pants. Fellas, I see you walking around campus in your “straight leg” denim, so I know men also like wearing tighter clothing (don’t be ashamed of those runner legs!) However, some designers have decided to keep with original mod and hide our natural frame. The result is a mixture of loose and tight clothing which leaves you in charge of wearing what you like. Whether you steal grandma’s dress or buy skinny striped trousers, you’ll be on trend.
Now the big question: How do I wear this? This depends on how far you want to dive into the trend. What’s great about mod is that it’s very blank, meaning pieces can be worn alone or with other pieces. If you only want to test it out, start with just one piece. Next time you head to the Blue Bean to work on a group project, wear a pink and white striped blouse tucked into jeans or a skirt paired with a gold skinny belt and flats. If you have your eye on that hottie who sits two seats away from you in Nicarry, wear bright yellow skinny pants and a green and white checkered shirt to grab his attention. If you want to make heads turn, strut your stuff in a black and white houndstooth a-line skirt and a black and white striped shirt paired with purple tights and oversized earrings during the dinner rush at the Marketplace.
I understand that some of you might be afraid of patterns because they can transform your body, and I always say you know your body best. But mod is all about the exaggeration of pattern, and the golden rule is that usually larger patterns make you look smaller (except dots; big dots are bad news for any body shape). Don’t forget that some of these pieces will come in looser, box shapes which will allow you to hide any body parts you’re uncomfortable showing. For instance, you can take a box dress with a swirl pattern (choose a swirl that spirals near the waist) and belt it! Ta-da! Your waist looks small and you’re hiding your tummy, hips, butt and other general problem areas. Remember I said big dots were bad? Well, small dots are good! You can wear dot print pants with a bright top and a scarf to recreate a cute, vintage look for your study date at Folklore.