Trend Watch: Military

 

 Military Chic

Military is a trend that never seems to go out of style.  It does, however, reappear with a fresh focus every few years.  This season, designers are giving it a new spin with feminine tailoring, luxe fabrics and unique detail and embellishments.  You’ll see the look translated into casual or elegant, making it a great option for anyone to adapt into their lifestyle. 

Burberry Prorsum is leading the way in military this fall with one jacket seemingly more beautiful than the next.  It was nearly impossible to choose one favorite from the collection for this post, but I did it.  I fell in love with the sophisticated, exquisitely tailored jacket featured above.  Designer, Christopher Bailey was inspired by uniforms and cadet girls that all started when he found an aviator jacket in the Burberry archive.  I just love that story.  As he started designing the collection, he realized how versatile the look could be – “strong, sexy, masculine and feminine.” 

Keeping the military look clean and refined is the key to pulling it off well.  I’d recommend pairing a military inspired item with tailored, classic items or a cool pair of jeans to create a look that’s fashion-forward and stylish.  

This elegant coat from Sonia by Sonia Rykiel knocks my socks off.  I love it’s boldness at the top and its flirty edge at the bottom.   

Army and aviator seem to be the key themes for this seasons take on the trend.  Army green being the dominant color and navy taking second place.  I love the rugged look of the army and see navy as a more polished look.  

Army is interpreted mostly with cropped jackets, utility or bomber, but also broadly with loose fitting or skinny cargo pants.  While army green is a standout, dark brown leather jackets are also in the mix.

I love the styling and fit of this double-breasted William Rast jacket.  It’s wide, curvy lapels frame the face beautifully and the buttoned cuffs and epaulets add great interest to the piece.  With a pair of jeans, this look is sexy.   

 

 

Asos styled this One Teaspoon army jacket with such soft femininity.  It’s shown with a simple, flowy white dress cinched at the waist with a contrasting rugged belt and topped off with a dramatic necklace.  Combined, this makes the vintage look feel young, fresh and fun. 

The charming ribbon pin detail above the pocket is a great final touch.  

 

Military jackets are everywhere this season.  From high-end to mass market, it’s hard to miss the troop-inspired pieces.

Express has done a great job of adapting to trends quickly and moving on to the next hot thing.  This jacket is a mere $98 and looks so chic paired with denim and a thin, feminine rose belt. 

Also dipping its toe into trends is a store you don’t expect to find fashion.  Kmart is entering the picture with a transformed approach to products, quality and design. 

The Fall 2010 Apparel collection features several top fashion trends, including this Sgt. Pepper inspired jacket that was featured in the September issue of Vogue.  The collection also includes a skinny cargo pant and high-waisted peplum military jacket.  They’ve hired a team of talented, yet unknown designers to create this new collection with details such as fine stitching, fully lined jackets, and streamlined silhouettes, delivered at an affordable price (This jacket –$29.99!). 

Last, but not least, military inspired boots are my favorite part of the trend this season.  Designers have done an amazing job of turning the classic combat boot into something refined, sexy and feminine.  Here are just a few of my top picks:

 

  

I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the significance of this historic day.  It’s because of the brave men and women fighting for our freedom and security that we can delight in the everyday joys of life – our families, our friends, our careers, our hobbies, reading the newspaper, shopping for beautiful clothes, savoring a good meal………

Remembering the 2,976 people who lost their lives on

September 11, 2001.  We will never forget.