How to Wear the Military Trend

Image from Vogue.co.uk

Forward march to the military trend this autumn winter with brass buttoned jackets, army shades and even camouflage makes a comeback! At My Style Companion we loved Christopher Bailey’s take at Burberry, which was sort of country meets military, with pretty peplum macs and parkas with velvet bow belts.

To keep the military trend modern this season, we’re going for a feminine interpretation of military with peplums, leather inserts in parkas and dresses in khaki, rather than heading down to the local Army & Navy store.

Where to shop on the high-street for Military Trend

For the military trend in autumn winter 2012, My Style Companion recommends the following retailers as a good starting point: – Mango, Warehouse, Topshop, Oasis, French Connection, Zara, Karen Millen and River Island.

Off-Duty Military Style for Autumn

In your 20s and 30s this Oasis pleated military dress, £60 is ideal with opaque tights, chunky boots and a thick knit or leather jacket for a girly interpretation of military. This works on young women who usually like to wear feminine pieces with an edge.

Military Precision at Work

This Ted Baker Military style shirt, £89 is ideal for commanding respect in the workplace and adding a touch of ‘SIR YES SIR’ at the office. The high neck, pleated front and epaulettes make this a perfect pick for taller, slimmer women who work androgynous styles well. Be careful with this neckline and shape of shirt / jacket if you are quite busty as this style tends not to translate very well – you can look matronly rather than military.

The Non-Girly, Feminine Military Look

These Reiss Eve Pants, £89 are a subtle and on-trend key wardrobe piece for those who like to march to the beat of their own drum. A really flattering ankle length, these trousers look fantastic with spike heels and a utility style blouse for a different take on smart-casual. The woman who wears this outfit looks effortless, but not be messed with behind enemy lines. These trousers are a great option for non-girly girls, who love to wear feminine tailoring.

A Classic Take on Military

For women who usually like a more classic approach to their wardrobe and would describe themselves as ‘stylish’ rather than ‘fashionable’, this Karen Millen Waistcoat, £160 is a timeless investment piece that works well for the military trend of autumn / winter 2012, but will look just as stylish in a few years time. To smarten up jeans or worn with trousers for a day at the office – summer or winter – this is a wardrobe piece that you should get your ppw from.

Of course, we can’t do the military trend without reference to the double breasted, brass buttoned military coat. There are lots of different options depending on your shape and height. If you’re more petite in height, a short to mid-length jacket will look better, wereas women above 5’5 could try out a style with a bit more length and a fuller skirt such as this Zara, Military style overcoat, £99.99 This is the glamorous way to do military.

The ‘Civilian’ Look

If the brass buttoned jacket seems a bit too smart for your lifestyle – perhaps you’re a stay-at-home mum or have a career that doesn’t require you to look as polished, try a parka instead. This season’s parkas can come with a twist such as leather arms, or in fabrics that you don’t traditionally associate with ‘parka’ so have a look out for those. However this Mango, faux fur hooded parka,£149.99 is a great all-rounder and looks super cosy too!

March to the Beat of Your Own Drum

If you aren’t feeling very Private Benjamin then you can always use accessories to work the civilian look, rather than going fully signing up with these Mango Pleat Leather Boots, £99.99 – a comfy practical wardrobe update for autumn winter 2012.