The military trend is pretty huge right now, and only growing as we ease into fall. (Colors like olive, khaki and navy just seem more autumn-appropriate, yes?)
I wasn’t sure how I felt about this at first… Olive green and I haven’t always seen eye-to-eye, and I flatly refuse to wear anything camo (outside of Halloween-based events, of course). But after seeing the trend worked many different ways via the fashion mags, on celebs and on real girls, I’ve changed my stance. (I can be a total fashion flip-flopper; sometimes I just need time to warm up to a trend.)
A few editorial examples from Vogue:
The beautifully ruched dress and skirt (Burberry, I love you) in picture 1 are not exactly the most literal expressions of “military”, but they become more so when styled with canvas belts, structured leather and sleek buns.
These shoes in picture 2 are killing me. Want. Must. Have. (Alexander Wang, I believe.) Which brings up a good point– you can work the military trend with your feet alone. Find a boot/bootie with a lace-up detail (avoid pointed/cap toes, or you’ll wander into Victorian) in a classic military color (khaki, olive, taupe, black, brown… You follow?) and you are set.
Picture three shows that you don’t have to swathe yourself in army green to fit this trend. The girls are wearing navy, cream, black and gray– it’s the shape and structure of their outfits that make them military. Think clean lines, belted coats/blazers and buttoned pockets.
My military interpretation:
2. Gap Classic Anorak ($90)
3. Rebecca Minkoff Boyfriend Buckled Up Crossbody ($295)
4. Rebels Taos Moto Ankle Boot ($66)
I love the idea of a military boot, but I don’t want the heel to get too clunky. This does nothing for my (normal, not model-pin-thin) legs. I wonder about these booties (1)– so gorgeous, but would they cut the leg off at a weird place? This could be alleviated by pairing the booties with leggings or skinny denim (would be warmer in October/November, too). The ankle boot is another big trend, and these moto versions (4) are both a little hipster and a little military. The buckles and cool-colored leather make them perfect for a tights-and-utility-jacket combo.If you’re not into wearing military, what about carrying military? I love how this little crossbody (3) is all business, but works in a chain detail on the strap for a little glamour.
The utility jacket is a super easy, super comfy way to go military. Throw this Gap version (2) on with skinny jeans and a white t-shirt, and you’ve just upped your Weekend Errand-Running game. You want the jacket a little slouchy, but you don’t want to be swimming in it. Big sleeves and a big collar are good, but if it stretches too far past your hips, the jacket will drown out your figure.
And we can all dream, right? So I included this gorgeous Balmain jacket (5). How amazing would it look with… anything? Seriously, over a snug minidress, over jeans, over cigarette pants, over a pencil skirt, over denim shorts (with killer stilettos!)… I’m dying. So gorgeous. And so the sum of my mortgage for several months.
Remember, you don’t have to go out and purchase 17 military-inspired items, either. If you just want to dabble, pick up a leather cuff or an olive green scarf. Little touches here and there can hint at the trend without overdosing on it.
Okay, so before I saw this, I didn’t really think the military trend was my style. Now I see that it can be! This weekend I’m on the hunt for a cute new military-inspired belt! And maybe a pair of shoes, too! 🙂
AWESOME post!
I agree with you on those Alexander Wang shoes- they are so sexy! I need a pair! Too bad I don’t have 800 dollars lying around!
I really want to try this trend out, and I’m glad that you gave a lot of options. I really like the idea of a utility jacket with jeans and a tee! So easy to do, and with fall coming up, it’s really practical.
Love this post! Great job!
I love the military jacket and brown bad, I need both of those items for fall
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I’m a military trend convert, too! Hated this look at first, and now I’m really loving it! Especially the Vogue shots- those are incredible. I would kill for some Burberry in my life!
Great post! I love this trend- I actually have a pair of military boots from way back and I’m wondering if they’ll work now! They’re mid-calf, like the boots in your collage. They’re black with gold hardware, a little scuffed, a little chunky. What do you think? Should I break them out?
I say work them into your fashion rotation, but they sound like they’re a little on the casual side, yes? If so, work them with leggings/skinnies and tee’s; not so much with dresses. And since the boots sound on the tough/rugged side, try to incorporate a little girly piece elsewhere in your outfit to juxtapose your badass-ness. 🙂
Lily and Isabeli! Two of my absolute favorites in Burberry <3 I have this Vogue.
Thanks for the tip!
I think you’re right- the boots will work better with casual outfits. How about a chunky sweaterdress?
Now I can’t wait for cooler weather! 🙂
Thanks for all the comments, guys! Keep ’em coming!
Olivia- YES on the chunky sweaterdress. For early fall, think long tees + leggings + slouchy long cardigans/wraps. Oh! And scarves. 🙂
loving all these examples – love it x
i love the rebecca minkoff bag!
I am obsessed with all things military right now. Loved that editorial! 🙂
Xx
So cute, i dont think the miltary style is going anywhere any time soon!
http://fashionablyfly.blogspot.com
Great post and pics! You’ve made the trend very wearable (even if the Balmain jacket may only take shape in our dreamworld for the moment..!) City Girl x
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Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often!
Oh,love this collage! Military pieces are great for fall.
http://fabuloustorture.blogspot.com
I love military trend…great picks dear!
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