What is military style?
Military style — is a clothing design movement that borrows the cut, colors, and functional details of military uniforms, adapting them for everyday wear. Historically, the movement emerged in the post-war years due to a shortage of civilian clothing. During this period, military uniforms were widely repurposed for everyday use.
In the 1960s, military elements like the M-65 field jacket became popular thanks to anti-war movements. In the 1980s, the style finally established itself on the catwalk and became a permanent fixture in haute couture collections.
Distinctive features
The basic color palette of the trend includes khaki, olive, sand, navy, and dusty gray. Designers also actively use various variations of camouflage prints.
Key wardrobe items include double-breasted overcoats, classic trench coats, bomber jackets, and parkas. Among waistcoats, cargo pants stand out, while footwear includes chunky lace-up boots and aviator boots.
The design is distinguished by an abundance of functional details. These include patch pockets with flaps, epaulettes on the shoulders, stand-up collars, and drawstrings at the waist or hem.
Specific hardware emphasizes the utilitarian nature of the pieces. The clothing features large, embossed metal buttons, chunky brass zippers, and wide belts with heavy buckles.
How to wear
To create a modern look, it's recommended to use only one or two military-inspired pieces. This balance rule helps avoid a direct resemblance to a real army uniform.
Rough textures of dense cotton or leather pair beautifully with delicate fabrics. For example, chunky lace-up boots complement lightweight dresses, while voluminous cargo pants pair well with silk blouses and pumps.
Military-inspired elements easily integrate into smart casual. A sharp, double-breasted olive jacket with metal buttons fits perfectly into an office wardrobe when paired with straight-leg jeans and classic loafers.
