Casual Friday #13: Charlie Watts

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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Casual Fridays #9: Corduroy

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.

As you all know by now, 1990s' Britpop wasn't really my bag. 1990s Acid Jazz, on the other hand, hit me in all the right spots! I started getting into it, probably thanks to that first Paul Weller album and the first Jazzmatazz album which featured Dee C. Lee, Donald Byrd, and Roy Ayers. When I first started reading about Acid Jazz, the Mod thing, for the most part, was dead, media-wise. New Acid Jazz acts were probably the closest thing to Mod that I could read about when it came to the music scene at the time. And for me, it made sense... acts playing funky soul, funky jazz, etc., bringing that sound forward and looking cool doing it.

And during those days, I was mad thirsty for anything related to Mod style. The nearest contemporary inspiration available was from the stylings of bands like The James Taylor Quartet, Mother Earth, and Cordoroy. I used to pick up On the One magazine which featured pretty cool fashion spreads on 'jazz' style of the time. And although I never got into the whole 'love beads' look, I dug what some of these guys sported on a casual basis. Check out Corduroy, for instance:

From the Mod Speed blog.

These dudes used to rock the short hair, Levis jacket, rolled-neck sweater, and narrow trousers look. And for me, this became a template for my own casual look back then. In the image above, check out the fellow in back. Nice white jean jacket, probably Levis pants to match, and a pair of sharp, leather shoes.

For me, this was a look that was clean, mellow, relaxed, and sharp as hell. I don't wear this look too often these days, not because I don't like it, but because I'm more into a dressier look. But on warmer weekend days, if I'm just going to hang out in our local neighborhood and I don't feel like picking out a dress shirt (because those days exist), I'll most likely follow the Corduroy lead here with my olive green Wrangler jean jacket (or light blue Levis jacket), short-sleeve button-down shirt, sta-prest, and a pair of loafers.

For me, this look is casual done cool. Y'know what else is cool? Corduroy!

And for the Acid Jazz heads out there, hope you're as excited about the 25th Anniversary Box set as I am! And read on for a great interview with Acid Jazz man, Eddie Pillar.

Casual Fridays #7: Steve Marriott

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.

Can you ever really get enough photos of 1960s Steve Marriott? Nah! Here is one of my faves of the guy just cold kickin' it Mod style:

First off, he's got that classic Marriot hairstyle going on. Notice that his sides only go down to around the bottom of his ear, though? These days, Mod dudes look like they're reaching 'skinbyrd' levels of fringe. Wonder if Paul Weller's to blame for that?

Secondly, take a look at that great cardigan! Monochromatic blues with great striping down the center, nice flat collar, and chest pocket with navy/white striping. For years, I wanted a cardigan like this. Well, that search ended a while ago thanks to these guys! What I like about Steve's use of this cardigan here is how he matched it up with those brown trousers (browns 'n' blues, always a winner!).

Speaking of those trousers, Mod guys take note! See how un-tapered they are? Admittedly, it took me several years to come around to this style of trouser hem width, but once I did, I never looked back. These trousers are tighter around the thighs and come down straight toward the shoe, without tapering at the ankle. Perfect trousers without looking peg-legged!

Then we end with the white chisel-toed steps. Personally, I don't know if I can pull off white shoes anymore, but these look fantastic! Nice detailing up the sides, great toe, and a small, clean heal that contrasts with the uppers.

This, my friends, is how you play it casual. Now, start the weekend off with some Small Faces goodness.

Sharp Stylings #20: Paul McCartney

First off, if you haven't yet, don't forget to enter the Mod Male drawing I posted about a couple of days ago for a chance to win a small set of men's accessories: 2 vintage Ernst ties, a brand-new pocket square, and a brand-new pair of Bugatchi Uomo socks! For full details (and photos of items), visit the last Mod Male blog post, Gifts for the Mod Male in YOUR Life. But for the short version, all you have to do is one of two things:

1. Become a follower of this blog, if you're not already, and leave a comment on the blog telling me what your favorite clothing accessory (male or female) is. Or,
2. 'Like' the MOD MALE Facebook page and leave a comment on the page, telling me what your favorite clothing accessory (male or female) is.

Contest ends Tuesday, December 21st, at 6:00pm PST! Good luck!

Now, let's move on with this week's post...
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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. Hopefully, my fellow Mod enthusiasts will find the whole or some detail of the whole to appreciate and maybe even adopt.

I try not to spend too much time dealing in casual clothes on this blog, because really, it's too easy to fall into a casual way of dressing, leaving behind the suit and ties. And me, I love suits and ties!

That said, I have been dressing more casually lately and that could very well be due to all the Thanksgiving weight I've picked up in preparation for the Christmas weight coming up. Sometimes, those suit jackets don't feel so comfortable at this time of year.

I'm sure most Mod types are satisfied with a more 'sporty' casual look: sneakers (generally Adidas), Fred Perry polo shirt, and jeans. Personally, I think Mods should raise the bar on casual though. Let's take a look at a 1967 shot of Paul McCartney:

Click this pic to enlarge!

Now, I know some of you want to stop me right here and calmly tell me, "BUT THE BEATLES WEREN'T MODS!" I know that. I don't think the Beatles ever claimed to be Mods. And yes, I know 'Mods were not Beatles fans.' Anyone who's taken Mod 101 (i.e., page 13 of the Mods book) knows that.

But really, who cares? In fact, if you listen to actual original Mods (not just Richard Barnes) you'd find that many of them DID like the Beatles, along with other 'pop' music of the day. Heck, the Beatles deserve all the accolades they get! I still LOVE them!

But, I digress... what were were talking about... oh yes! Casual wear! Up above, Paul McCartney is straight rockin' a great casual outfit. I wish I had this in color, but check it out: cotton, paisley shirt with button-down collar (unbuttoned, in this case... tsk, tsk, Paul), suede jacket with what also looks like a button-down collar (interesting...), slim-fitting slacks with an ever-so-slight flare, and a pair of nice, narrow, slip-on shoes.

This, my friends, is how you pull off casual. Sure, Paul McCartney was never a Mod*, but that doesn't mean he wasn't influenced in some way by their style. And now it comes full circle as I find some influence in what he's wearing right here.

So, my advice? Raise your casual look up a notch if you haven't already!

*And please, no 'mocker' comments.