We women often use fashion to demonstrate our innate power. Pantsuits, made incredibly popular by Hillary Clinton, were all over the Spring 2017 runways. But maybe you’re not looking for a matching set with removable shoulder pads and a handful of simple buttons. Military fashion is another idea. Now before you picture all-over camouflage jumpsuits and classic (read: boring) navy-style peacoats, think again. The new military is softer, more subtle and definitely chic. Double-breasted, gilded or camo-inspired, these updated pieces are easily identified by their strong silhouettes and tough chicness while avoiding an in-your-face vibe.
Totally flexible, this traditionally masculine look can be styled to embrace a tomboy aura or teamed with delicate accessories to give it something distinctly feminine. Paired with frayed jeans, a touch of whimsical color or statement shades, these street style stars did a little of everything. Ready to reenlist in the military trend? We’ve picked out the best examples to inspire your own military reimagining.
Military Trend (runway manhattan)
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Patchwork and Pins
Casual cool, Irene Kim teamed a Marc Jacobs camouflage coat with slim-fit jeans and a Chanel bucket bag. The patches and pins that decorated her statement piece give it an almost DIY quality.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Zach Chase
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Bold and Balanced
Annabel Rosendahl posed outside the Proenza Schouler show wearing earthy camo tones and a bright orange top with a striped Balenciaga tote.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Grace Lunn
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Urban Layers
Wearing a Puma coat and pale camo separates, Julz Goddard worked some serious athleisure.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Zach Chase
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Double Detail
Chloe King managed to artfully pair an animal print coat with military-inspired separates.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Mondadori
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Military Minimalism
Ece Sukan attended the Coach 1941 runway show wearing high-waisted jeans and a cropped double-breasted military jacket.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Michael Ip
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Silver Medals
Olivia Palermo, our forever style crush, arrived at the Alberta Ferretti show in Milan wearing a long utilitarian coat with frayed edges and oversized pockets. Styled after military medals, the piece featured gunmetal embellishments that lent a sophisticated vibe to the look.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Michael Ip
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In the Navy
Opting for a nautical vibe, this street stylist created a look all in navy. Over a pinstriped jumpsuit, she slipped on a structured jacket featuring plenty of gold buttons.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Michael Ip
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Trend on Trend
Ready to make an especially bold statement? Pile on the leather, fur and camo.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Michael Ip
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No Rain Delay
Dressing for the weather, fashion editor Preetma Singh put together a utilitarian look. Camo pants and patent leather boots worked a practical vibe, especially when paired with a sunny yellow raincoat.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Grace Lunn
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Ornamental Effect
Grounded in the basic elements of jeans and a white T-shirt, statement epaulettes and ornate silver details set this look apart.
Image: Runway Manhattan/Grace Lunn
