The new Beatles documentary Get Back seems to divide viewers into two, equally vehement, camps. During 8 hours of watching a band that is falling apart, even as it comes together to record new material and rehearse for the now legendary rooftop concert, I was drawn into their creative process and didn’t want it to end. I could have easily watched the remaining 52 hours of raw, unedited footage. While others, uninterested in either the Beatles music or just bored of the sausage-making, arguments, endless cups of tea and toast, and just plain screwing around are left confused and feeling that the footage should have remained in the vault.

There is so much to unpack here that entirely new books will probably be written about these sessions. But for now, let’s focus on the clothes. First, a confession. As I’ve already written, my own sense of style is hugely informed by what the Beatles wore, and watching them as young men, in their prime, creating some of their greatest music, while also rocking some of the grooviest threads of the period, is like watching a runway show unfold.

Immediately, you’re struck by how colorful the fits are and how they stand out from what those outside of the band’s periphery are wearing. The late 1960s were one of the most experimental periods in the history of menswear. Here, ascots take the place of skinny 1960s ties, flowy blouses, and fur coats for men anticipate our current post-pandemic fascination with androgyny. Eastern intrigue appears in the form of paisley and floral patterns. In the film, the Beatles also wore henleys, turtlenecks, and fair-isle sweaters. It’s a far cry from the matching suits of the early 1960s.

There’s so much going on here fashion-wise that it’s hard to pick favorites, but surely producer Glyn Johns deserves a shout-out for his black patent-leather crocodile-skin patterned leather jacket and oversized shades. While George Harrison in his wide-lapeled pink pinstripe suit with flared trousers and wide-brimmed fedora, and Ringo Starr’s polka-dot ruffled shirt are a must-see.

But the main thing that I get from watching the documentary is that the individual Beatles were intentional about what they chose to wear. Not working a regular job gave them the freedom to dress as they wanted to. And they lived up to the spirit of freedom and rebellion that characterized the times. The mix of casual and tailored clothing demonstrates a kind of devil-may-care attitude to fashion that predates today’s haute couture and streetwear mashups. Now, perhaps even more than in the late 1960s, anything goes. Go ahead and wear cropped trousers one day and voluminous ones the next. Wear a hoodie with your double-breasted peacoat. Add some color to your wardrobe. Put on a suit for no reason at all. Hell, wear a skirt if you want. Fly your freak flag. The Beatles would’ve approved.