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British mod fashion invades Columbia.

Styles from the '60s are back.

By Justin Whaley

Published Sept. 4, 2009

1. Center of London. Sophisticated urbanites swarm the streets, looking for socialization and striving to be seen. The epicenter of the modernist "mod" evolution, London oozes a classic style that spreads quickly throughout most of the world. People seek the owl-eyed, brightly (and scantily) dressed Twiggy, a fashion model and icon at age 16. They hunt for slim-cut suits, Chelsea Boots and the refined shagginess of The Beatles.

Reality check. Take a long look at the styles of today: frock-esque outerwear, embellished party dresses and the trimmest men's suits a gentleman can buy. Has fashion come full circle? Guaranteed.

Mod is back with a vengeance, targeting fashion savants everywhere. One of the most notably redefined looks is the modern hairstyle. Icons of the '60s set the trend for short hair and, about four years ago, the bob hairstyle returned in high demand. This style frames the face and puts a spotlight on features, doing tremendous justice for fashionistas. Feeling bold? Try a bump-it to amp up the volume. Maybe sporting the Amy Winehouse beehive isn't for you, but a little poof never hurt anyone.

Men: You can be scruffy, but be clean about it. Being scruffy isn't about throwing all upkeep out the door. Grow out the beard and even slick back the hair if that's what you're into. Do it with class. For the bearded and longhaired brethren, a trip to a local barber for a trim never hurts. Ladies don't want their men strolling around looking like they just walked out of a Geico commercial. Save the caveman look.

When going mod, clothes are the quintessential factor that can make or break your look and you've got to go all-out.

Dedicating a few extra minutes each day to improve your look will make a monumental difference. Instead of that basic tee, guys, go for the layering look with a sharp sweater, printed button-front and loafers. Roll up the legs of those Levi's while you're at it! For the ladies, shrunken, crisp jackets over a flowy top or a beautiful day dress always looks great. Go for blocky patterns and dresses that are a touch on the form-fitting side.

If you're looking to add these trends to your closet, Europe is quite ahead of the times. Designers such as Burberry and Salvatore Ferragamo continually innovate with new trends and takes on old styles; Burberry with revamped outerwear and Ferragamo with slim, bright menswear paired with solid turtlenecks and sleek dress lace-ups. Elegance, androgyny and a '60s Brit vibe exudes from these design stars.

But if spending this month's rent on high-design isn't in your budget, affordable options are always available Seek refuge at Hennes & Mauritz, a Swedish fashion line gone international. New twists on old classics, as well as all the basics and fantastic accessories, fill the store. With shawl-collared sweaters for fall, plaid pants and ultra-chic dresses, H&M proves you don't have to break the bank to look fantastic.

If local shops are more up your alley, try Maude Vintage on Broadway. An eclectic environment with actual vintage, Maude specializes in secondhand clothing. Their wide variety of clothes from all decades attracts locals. Looking for peep-toe heels, loafers or even a houndstooth men's coat? Look no further.

Sabrina Braden of Maude noted the return of mod fashion.

"Bright mini dresses and tall boots have been flying off the racks," Braden said.

Braden said demand for '60s clothing has risen with teens and families.

Oscar Wilde once said, "Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to change it every six months," or in the mod case, 40 years later.

Exciting styles are coming in for fall, revamped and modernized to a tee. Next time a classy man in a trim suit and skinny tie passes a glance or a beautiful woman in a short dress and ankle boots struts by, remember: Mod is back.