Fall is here, and the warmer, heavier fabrics are now back in fashion. Military styles have been trendy for fall and winter for decades. You simply cannot go wrong with the military style, which shows its face season to season in one designer line or another.
What Military Elements Have Influenced Fashions?
1. Officer Jackets – These stately jackets have been a sign of power and leadership throughout the decades. Formal military jackets and overcoats have hit the hangers as a personal statement of wealth and power. A simple black or navy jacket can push for a formal appearance, especially when the brass buttons and cording is overstated.
2. Leather Bomber – The leather bomber is another great look for women going into the fall. This jacket takes on a life of its own, as putting on the leather bomber jacket gives one the feeling that they just stepped off of a B-17. Comfortable, warm, and stylish these jackets are made popular by movies and actors alike.
3. Navy Twill Jackets – Navy wool twill jackets have always been a popular choice for their style and warmth. Many variations of the Navy wool twill jacket have been created throughout the years in a wide range of colors.
4. Double-breasted Coat- The double-breasted look has been a style that has been around for hundreds of years. Civilized military of all kinds from all corners of the world have incorporated this look into their formal attire.
5. The Sleeveless Vest – Military sleeveless jackets can be accessorized with a variety of slacks and pants. For years, these vests have been worn for warmth, and ease of wear. Many designs have pockets lined to fit a variety of items such as smartphones and wallets.
Although you may not realize it, everything from the colors you’ve chosen, to the fabric and choice of material can be a reflection of your personality. References towards the military are seen in fashion year after year. Designers often feature brass or metal button on clothing, breasts pockets and belts.
Feminine Cuts of Ralph Lauren- Their Sandra Twill Jacket
How To Spice Up Your Jacket And Coats For The Winter And Fall
The military look is one of the easiest trends to shop for. Season after season, this trend stays in style, which means you can transfer a few pieces over to the next year, and build up your winter seasonal wardrobe. Here are a couple of tips of what to look for:
- Shop Within The Right Color Palette- Shop for coats which have a camel, khaki or perhaps military green color tone. Embrace the fall colors that naturally work with the traditional military palette such as army green, black, navy blue and mustard which are often paired together. Work with creams, and include something with leather. Pair a military coat with trousers or slacks that have a print, or a heavier fabric.
- Work Gold Into Your Outfit- Another great way to make your military jacket a little more stylish is to add gold accents. A wide belt with a gold buckle can go a long way to upgrading your jackets appearance. Replace plain buttons with fancy brass buttons to give your jacket a lift in style.
- Trim Your Vintage Jackets With Piping– A vintage jacket that has good bones can be altered slightly to give a more sophisticated appearance. Work with piping that will stand out such as white piping on black, or a subtle darker gray with a light gray jacket.
- Patches Look Great On Bomber Style Jackets- Another unique accessory for your bomber jacket is patches. Different groups have different patches, and they all look awesome. There are many different patches that you can add to the sleeves of your jacket for an extra punch of cool.
- Work With Tweed- Tweed is a fabric that really stand the test of time. Suits, trousers, suits, dresses, coats and capes … The tweed can transform any outfit and give a more classy tone in any style.
These are just a few additions you can make to your military jacket to give it a little extra pizazz. Have fun decorating your jacket and making it as unique as you are!
What Not To Wear With A Military Jacket
The military jacket is a classic piece that every woman should have in her closet for the winter and fall seasons. This is a look that has been around for decades and seems to always stay in season and in trend.
Whether you have one colored military jacket or a simple black jacket, here are 4 things you should not wear with your jacket:
Long Necklaces: The military jacket gives an appearance of structure, so wearing a long necklace can distract from it. You don’t want to take away from the military design by wearing something that throws off the symmetries.
Scarves Just Don’t Work: A scarf will also take away from the look and covers up the largest military aspect of the jacket. If scarves are to be worn, wrap them around your neck, and tuck them into the jacket. Consider finding a non-patterned scarf which can be knotted and hidden under the jacket for the best look.
Matching Pants Is Hard To Pull Off- A lot of designers showcase their military jackets with matching pants to create a visual work of art, and often times it looks incredible. If you do pull off this look, consider having both pieces tailored to your figure. Work with slacks which are heavier, and are close in color, which will give you the same cohesive appearance you are looking for.
Additional Military Accessories Can Be Overkill: Skip the military accessories like pins, military hats. If you incorporate too many military pieces, the look will start to take on the appearance of a costume. An exception to this rule, is wearing military boots with your military jacket. Wearing taller boots with a military styled jacket could perfectly finish your overall look off.
The key to wearing a military jacket is to keep it simple and wear the look as is. Don’t distract the jackets natural and cool style with unnecessary accessories.
L’Wren Scott, Fall Winter 2012
Harper’s Bazaar U.K. September 2012 Editorial – Sophie Srej
Elegance Netherlands September 2012
Harper’s Bazaar U.K. September 2012 Editorial – Sophie Srej
East Wind for Io Donna March 2013
Madame Figaro Greece December 2011 Cover – Coco Rocha
Olivia Palermo, Leather Jackets- obaz.com
Cranberry Leather Jacket-lockerz.com, Burberry Prorsum Linen Jacket
Cara Delevingne for Mulberry
Camel Military Winter Coat- sheinside.com,
Gorgeous Draped Belted Cardigan-lyst.com,
Sequin Blazer by ELIE SAAB-boutique1.com
GUCCI Rose Quilted Leather Jacket-lyst.com
Lily Donaldson Numéro Tokyo April 2012
