Sharp Stylings #1

We can learn so much from yesterday’s fashion icons.  And living in a post-Mad Men world means we can even enjoy aspects of current male fashions! Every Friday, I’d like to start your weekend off right with a little style inspiration from either then or now. (And please, if you have a better name for this section than 'Fashion Friday' (ugh), I'd love to hear it and would be most appreciative!)

Let’s take a look this week at an immaculate pre-‘Tin Soldier’, pre-‘Lazy Sunday’, pre-Humble Pie, pre-Packet of Three Steve Marriott. I’m not down on any of that, mind you, but this right here… hands-down, one of my favorite images from Richard Barnes’s Mods book:

My friends, you've just been served. Cold gaze, relaxed stance, beautiful suit… Even without the tie, Steve’s just raised the bar on lookin’ sharp. Let’s dissect this one real quick:

1. Back-comb hair style – Right there, my favorite ‘Mod’ hair style. Bangs parted down the middle, sides going down to the bottom of the ear, and a back-comb about 3 inches up from the top of his head.  Young guys take note: take advantage of this look while you still have enough hair!

2. Thin, high-cut lapel – Very well-cut lapel with the roll almost an inch above the top button. Even when that top button is unbuttoned, the lapel still lays so that the jacket looks closed to the top. Sweet!

3. Ring – You don’t need to be Hal Jordan to rock the ring. (Hmm… this might be a dated reference by the end of the summer movie season.) 

4. Narrow, chisel-toe shoes – Pants are cut a little high with no break. For us short people, gives the illusion that we’re taller than we are, but I don’t really recommend you try this at home unless you’re well under 5’8”. Personally, I think Steve just knew his shoes couldn’t be blocked by any trouser fabric. Can you blame him? Look at the stitching around the laces and the toe on those things!

That’s it for this week. Keep stylin’ in the free world!