Yeah I think the "garb" had a certain charm back in the 70s and helped identify us from the "divvies" at school and in the youthclub. And yes BigO you certainly have worn some avante garde gear in your time looking at some of your photos..... (I know you'll get me back for that on Saturday so will be watching out for you "spiking" my beer with one of your "wine gums"
Nowadays I think "full traditional northern soul regalia" looks a bit sad really, more like "fancy dress" than anything else and somewhat absurd on a fifty something, which we all apparantly are (see Levine LP thread ). I am also of that mindset that scoffs at the "Teds"whenever I see them dressed up in pink drainpipes, quiffs, bootlace ties etc. and similarly ageing City Gents in "Ace of Clubs" Biker gear on a Saturday.....but we are all different.
Then again there's the Mod on my station with his Parka bedecked in badges of Wigan Casino, Stax Records, Torch etc. I got talking to him about music and it was clear he didn't know the first thing about it, hadn't even heard of Ray Pollard!
Fine if people want to dress up, but it's not for me.
A discreet "patch" worn under a Feragamo jacket is probably just about acceptable tho' if you must