The swinging sixties weren’t just a decade; they were a revolution. At the heart of this cultural shift was a fashion movement that prioritized youth, rebellion, and a bold, graphic aesthetic: Mod. More than just a trend, Mod was a subculture with its own music, scooters, and, most importantly, a distinct look. While male mods favored sharp suits, the female Mod icon, epitomized by the legendary Twiggy, defined a new standard of beauty—one that was youthful, androgynous, and effortlessly cool.
Dressing like a 60s Mod icon isn’t about wearing a costume. It’s about capturing a spirit: a playful, confident, and slightly rebellious attitude. This guide will walk you through every essential element, from the foundational garments to the crucial finishing touches, so you can channel your inner Twiggy with authenticity and style. We’ll skip the history lesson and get straight to the actionable steps, ensuring your look is not just inspired, but perfectly executed.
The Foundation: Mastering the Mini
The mini skirt is the undisputed cornerstone of the Mod aesthetic. It was a symbol of liberation, a dramatic departure from the restrictive hemlines of the previous decade. But not just any short skirt will do. The key is in the silhouette and material.
The A-Line Mini: This is your primary weapon. The A-line shape, fitted at the waist and flaring slightly, is universally flattering and perfectly captures the Mod vibe. Look for a structured fabric like wool, corduroy, or even a heavy cotton. A denim mini is a modern interpretation, but for true authenticity, stick to bold, solid colors or graphic prints.
How to Style It:
- Pair with Tights: Tights are not optional; they are essential. They provide a visual link to the rest of your outfit and are a key part of the Twiggy look. Opt for opaque tights in solid colors like black, white, or a hue that complements your mini. For a more playful look, patterned tights (think polka dots or simple geometric shapes) are also a great choice.
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Balance the Proportions: Because the skirt is short, the top half of your outfit should be relatively covered. A simple turtleneck or a classic crewneck sweater creates a balanced, sophisticated silhouette.
Concrete Example: A black A-line wool mini skirt, paired with opaque white tights and a mustard yellow turtleneck sweater.
The Mini Dress: A close cousin of the mini skirt, the mini dress is an all-in-one solution for the Mod look. The defining characteristics are a high neckline (often a shift or boat neck), a simple, boxy silhouette, and a short hemline.
How to Style It:
- The Shift Dress: This is the most iconic style. It’s sleeveless, loose-fitting, and falls in a straight line from the shoulders. The simplicity of the cut allows for bold patterns and colors to take center stage.
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The Babydoll Dress: Featuring a high waist and a fuller skirt, this style adds a touch of youthful innocence. It’s perfect for capturing the playful side of the Mod era.
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Fabric and Prints: Look for dresses in sturdy fabrics like wool crepe or cotton. Gingham, houndstooth, and bold floral prints are all fantastic choices. For a truly graphic punch, go for a color-blocked dress or one with a simple, impactful stripe.
Concrete Example: A simple, black-and-white checkered shift dress with a boat neck, worn with black tights and a pair of white go-go boots.
Top It Off: Layering and Silhouettes
The Mod aesthetic is built on clean lines and a streamlined silhouette. The tops you choose should reflect this, complementing the mini skirts and dresses without overwhelming them.
The Turtleneck: A timeless classic and a Mod staple. The turtleneck, whether sleeveless or long-sleeved, creates a clean, elongated line, making it the perfect partner for a mini. Stick to solid colors to keep the look sleek.
How to Wear It:
- Under a Mini Dress: Layering a thin turtleneck under a sleeveless shift dress adds warmth and a touch of intellectual cool.
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With a Mini Skirt: A simple turtleneck paired with an A-line mini is the quintessential Mod uniform. It’s effortless and chic.
Concrete Example: A simple white turtleneck worn under a sleeveless navy blue shift dress.
The Peter Pan Collar: This small, rounded collar adds a touch of innocent charm and is a key feature of many Mod blouses and dresses.
How to Wear It:
- Standalone Blouse: A blouse with a Peter Pan collar, worn tucked into a mini skirt, is a polished and feminine take on the Mod look.
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Layered Look: Wear a blouse with a Peter Pan collar under a crewneck sweater or a sleeveless dress, allowing the collar to peek out. This detail instantly elevates the entire outfit.
Concrete Example: A black sweater with a crisp white Peter Pan collar peeking out from the neckline, paired with a red A-line mini skirt.
The Pea Coat and Trench Coat: When the weather calls for a jacket, reach for these Mod-approved outerwear options. The pea coat, with its double-breasted front and wide lapels, offers a structured, nautical feel. The trench coat, in a classic beige, is a timeless piece that adds a sophisticated layer.
How to Wear It:
- The Pea Coat: Choose a wool pea coat in a bold color like red, navy, or even a vivid green. Wear it buttoned up over your mini dress or skirt for a clean, tailored look.
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The Trench Coat: Wear it belted at the waist to create a strong silhouette, or leave it open to reveal the outfit underneath. The length should be practical, hitting around the mid-thigh or just above the knee.
Concrete Example: A royal blue wool pea coat worn over a black-and-white striped mini dress.
Step Up Your Game: Footwear Essentials
The right shoes can make or break your Mod look. The footwear of the era was bold, graphic, and often featured chunky heels and clean lines.
Go-Go Boots: This is the most iconic footwear of the Mod movement. Go-go boots are knee-high, have a low or medium-height block heel, and are typically made of a smooth vinyl or leather.
How to Choose Them:
- Color is Key: White is the most classic color, but black is a versatile alternative. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other colors like red or silver for a truly statement-making look.
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The Heel: The block heel is non-negotiable. It provides stability and is a defining feature of the style. Avoid stilettos or thin heels.
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Material: Vinyl is historically accurate and adds a glossy, futuristic touch.
Concrete Example: White go-go boots paired with a black A-line mini skirt and a black turtleneck.
Mary Jane Flats and Heels: For a slightly more delicate, yet still Mod-appropriate, option, look for Mary Janes.
How to Choose Them:
- The Strap: The single strap across the instep is the defining feature.
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The Heel: For heels, a chunky block heel is a must. For flats, look for a simple, rounded toe.
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Material and Color: Patent leather in black, white, or red is the most authentic choice.
Concrete Example: Black patent leather Mary Jane heels with a white mini dress featuring a black ribbon detail.
Chelsea Boots: For a more androgynous, everyday look, the Chelsea boot is a perfect choice. This ankle-high boot with elastic side panels and a low heel was a favorite among both male and female mods.
How to Choose Them:
- Clean and Simple: Look for a boot with a clean, unadorned design.
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Color: Black or brown leather are the most versatile options.
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Heel: A low, sturdy heel is a must.
Concrete Example: Black Chelsea boots worn with black tights and a gray wool mini skirt.
The All-Important Finishing Touches: Accessories and Hair
The Mod look is meticulous. The accessories are not just add-ons; they are integral to the overall aesthetic.
The Headscarf: A simple silk or cotton headscarf tied neatly around the head adds a touch of retro glamour and protects your meticulously styled hair.
How to Wear It:
- The Audrey Hepburn Tie: Fold the scarf into a triangle, place it over your head, and tie the ends under your chin.
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The Brigitte Bardot Tie: Fold the scarf into a band and tie it at the nape of your neck, allowing your hair to be visible.
Concrete Example: A simple white headscarf with a red polka dot print tied under the chin.
Oversized Sunglasses: Sunglasses were a major style statement in the 60s. Look for oversized, geometric shapes.
How to Choose Them:
- Frame Shape: Large, round frames or square, thick-rimmed frames are ideal.
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Color: White frames are classic Mod, but black or tortoiseshell are also excellent choices.
Concrete Example: A pair of large, white circular sunglasses.
Minimalist Jewelry: The Mod aesthetic is about clean lines and bold shapes, so keep your jewelry simple and graphic.
How to Choose It:
- Go Big, But Keep It Simple: A single, chunky ring or a pair of large, simple earrings is better than a cluster of delicate pieces.
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Materials: Look for plastic, enamel, or simple metals.
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Statement Pieces: A thick plastic bangle or a pair of oversized hoop earrings are perfect.
Concrete Example: A single, thick white plastic bangle on one wrist and a pair of large, silver hoop earrings.
Hair and Makeup: The Twiggy Signature
You can’t complete the Twiggy look without mastering her iconic hair and makeup. This is where the true transformation happens.
The Hair: The Twiggy haircut is a short, androgynous pixie cut with a clean side part and a small fringe.
How to Recreate It:
- The Cut: If you’re not ready for a full pixie cut, you can still channel the vibe with a short bob or by simply tucking your hair behind your ears. The key is to create a clean, sharp line.
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The Styling: The hair should be sleek and perfectly styled. Use a small amount of product to keep it in place. The goal is a polished, almost helmet-like appearance.
Concrete Example: A short, layered pixie cut with a clean side part, styled to be perfectly smooth and close to the head.
The Makeup: The Defining Feature
Twiggy’s makeup was all about the eyes. Her signature look featured exaggerated, painted-on lower lashes that gave her a wide-eyed, doll-like appearance.
How to Achieve It:
- The Foundation: Start with a flawless, matte base. The skin should look clean and even.
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The Eyeshadow: Apply a light, matte eyeshadow (like a pale gray or white) all over the lid, up to the brow bone. This creates a clean canvas.
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The Eyeliner: Use a liquid or gel eyeliner to create a thick, clean line along the upper lash line, with a slight wing at the outer corner.
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The Crease: This is the key. Use a dark brown or gray eyeshadow to create a defined line in the crease of your eyelid. This can be a sharp, geometric line or a slightly softer, blended one.
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The Lashes: This is the most crucial step. Apply a generous amount of mascara to your upper lashes. Then, for the bottom lashes, use a fine-tipped liquid eyeliner to draw on individual, spidery lashes. Space them out evenly to create that iconic doll-like effect.
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The Lips: Keep the lips simple. A pale pink or nude lip gloss or lipstick is the perfect complement to the dramatic eyes.
Concrete Example: A flawless matte face with a defined eye crease line and hand-drawn, spidery lower lashes, finished with a pale pink lip gloss.
Putting It All Together: Strategic Outfit Combinations
Now that you have all the individual pieces, let’s look at how to combine them for maximum impact. The key is to play with texture, color, and silhouette to create a look that is cohesive and stylish.
Look 1: The Graphic Mod
- The Dress: A bold, graphic black-and-white checkered shift dress.
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The Tights: Opaque black tights.
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The Shoes: White go-go boots.
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The Outerwear: A bright red wool pea coat.
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The Accessories: A pair of oversized black square sunglasses.
Look 2: The Polished A-Line
- The Bottoms: A navy blue A-line mini skirt.
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The Top: A white turtleneck sweater.
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The Tights: Opaque navy blue tights.
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The Shoes: Black patent leather Mary Jane heels.
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The Accessories: A single, thick white plastic bangle.
Look 3: The Androgynous Cool
- The Dress: A simple, sleeveless black mini dress.
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The Layer: A thin, gray long-sleeved turtleneck worn underneath.
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The Tights: Black tights.
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The Shoes: Black Chelsea boots.
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The Accessories: A pair of large silver hoop earrings.
Your Mod Manifesto
Dressing like a 60s Mod icon isn’t about replicating a look from a history book. It’s about capturing a mood. It’s about confidence in clean lines, a love for bold colors, and an appreciation for a perfectly curated silhouette. Every choice, from the length of your skirt to the thickness of your eyeliner, contributes to a powerful and self-assured statement. This guide gives you the tools, but the attitude is yours to own. Embrace the spirit of youth and rebellion, and you’ll find that the Mod look is not just a style, but a way of being.