Working to look sharp for a rare evening out on the town can actually be easy. The tough job is trying to look sharp on a daily, casual basis. Yeah, you might have your Friday night suit at your beck and call, but what does it matter if you spend the rest of your time in target t-shirts and jeans? Every Friday, I'd like to offer up some style inspiration for tightening up your casual look, because let's face it... sometimes you just don't feel like wearing a tie, but still want to keep it sharp.
Like my friend Susan (who sent me the photo) said, "Style over 70." And sure 'nuff, Charlie Watts, in his 70s, just kicks out the style even when he's not posing for photo shoots or playing with the band. Here he is just keeping it casual:
Seriously, how many guys from those mid-'60s bands still carry this kind of style in their older years? He's even got a pair of striped socks to throw in a splash of 'pow' to a grey color scheme. But everything in this photo, from the coat, scarf, and vest down to those striped socks and loafers, captures a warm, casual look for a cool day.
But no matter how cold it was that day, it doesn't come near Charlie Watt's cool hang.
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Charlie was always dapper. Keith Richards says he had a "walk-in cupboard of impeccable Saville Row suits." Charlie is almost a Mod in the very earliest, elitist, jazz-influenced, circa 1960 way. He has always been a jazz fan and always been a fan of pricey, custom-made clothing.
ReplyDeleteThis proves an important point which I have been thinking about. Of all the various types of fashion and style, Mod, like its first cousin Ivy League, is a style that is NOT limited to youth. To be dressed punk rock at age 50 is at best a costume for an occasion. It cannot be part of a lifestyle. Mod however, can be adapted to almost any age and situation -- clean living under difficult circumstances is not limited to people under 30.
One thing that prevents the look from working on a mature person is being overweight. For the Mod look to work well, you have to stay fit, or at least tolerably slim. I say this as someone who struggles to do so.
If I got skinnier and had a little more money (both goals, and both possible) I would edge my wardrobe a little bit more in the Mod direction.
You put this very well and I (almost) completely agree with you! Your point about the difference between an aging punk and an aging mod is one I've made before in conversation.
DeleteThe only thing I disagree with is the weight thing, only because that's a tough one. I think guys who are heavier can still put off a good look, but I understand it is more difficult.
But, that said, a good exercise/diet regime for anyone of any size is always encouraged!
As I mentioned, keeping fit is a challenge. But wanting to wear sharp clothes makes you even more focused on keeping trim. Yes, well selected and well cut clothes can work on a heavier man, especially a suit. Also, Mary Quant pointed out that the kids in the 60s had all been protein deprived in childhood due to wartime rationing, so they were all skinny as adults and looked great in clothes! We don't want to go that far. But in the USA in 2013 there is little risk of that.
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