When you think of the term “Mod Fashion,” what comes to mind? Perhaps, fashion icons like Twiggy or Mary Quant. Maybe you think of A-line mini skirts and patent-leather go-go boots. Whatever you may think of, these iconic elements of mod fashion define symbols in a huge and influential part of fashion history, and are a direct reflection of the culture of the time. 

The mod movement, which started in London, was born out of a push for individuality and youth rebellion. Every element of the movement, down to its name (short for modernist), reflects the desire for freshness and youth. 

Mods, a name coined at the time for individuals who identified with the mod movement, could be found as early as the 1950s in England. At the time, the movement was largely underground and was associated most with modern jazz music and American R&B. 

These music genres played an integral role in shaping the identity of Mods, ultimately reflecting their modernity and push for individuality. As the years went on, Mods gained more visibility and traction with England’s youth and ultimately evolved into what we know today, according to Museum of Youth Culture writer Christine Feldman-Barrett. 

Despite its roots in jazz and American R&B, the mod movement also became associated with British invasion groups like The Beatles and The Who. Within the theme of pushing modernity, mods took a more avant-garde take on already trending European fashion, incorporating clean lines and vibrant hues. 

Two important key elements of mod fashion are color and pattern. Bright primary colors were a staple in the mod aesthetic; They were worn in new ways like stockings, footwear, and even makeup. Oftentimes these bright colors were incorporated into patterns such as, plaid and houndstooth. 

Another important element from this time was lines. From trapeze silhouettes to the striking shapes of the hairstyles, lines were everything. One big reason was that clothing was now starting to be made fully out of synthetic fibers, Lilah Ramzi wrote in Vogue. This catapulted the contrast to the more form-tailored cotton dresses of the 1950s and angular shift dresses. 

Another large influence on the line element was the space race and the global obsession with futurism. This phenomenon also heavily influenced the use of goggle-like sunglasses along with stark white clothing, and go-go boots, inspired by designers such as André Courrèges. 

Within the theme of modernism, clothing saw impacts from political and social movements through the rise of mini-skirts and men in women’s clothing. 

In post-war Britain, younger crowds were able to focus their efforts on challenging injustices like feminism and find more creative, and even rebellious, forms of self-expression. One way this manifested was through androgyny. Mod hairstyles featured women with pixie and bowl cuts, often characterized by sharp angles. 

Men’s fashion featured ornate button-ups with pointed-toe heeled boots. All of these styles were a direct result of the Mod Rebellion. However, nothing compares to the mini skirt. The mini skirt was the pinnacle of mod fashion and 60’s fashion altogether. It was a turning point in women’s clothing and is still regularly worn today. 

First popularized by famous designer Mary Quant, many considered mini-skirts to be obscene and provocative. The mini skirt quickly gained popularity with young women but was also widely criticized by many designers and fashion houses. Coco Chanel herself allegedly claimed the mini-skirt to be “just awful.” Nonetheless, mini skirts rose to fame and continue to be worn and loved today. 

The impact the mod era has left on the fashion world is undeniable. Despite being pioneered by the youth and criticized for its stark differences to traditional styles, mod fashion has left a lasting impact. From the dominance of A-line silhouettes to the use of bold colors, the spirit of mod fashion remains woven into the fabric of modern style.

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Hi! I’m Kayla Friedman, A Magazine’s editor-in-chief. My staff and I are committed to bringing you the most important and entertaining news from the realms of fashion, beauty and culture. We are full-time students and hard-working journalists. While we get support from the student media fee and earned revenue such as advertising, both of those continue to decline. Your generous gift of any amount will help enhance our student experience as we grow into working professionals. Please go here to donate to A Magazine.