Although we’ve already discussed the infamous military jacket of 2010 and the wave of khaki that hit the runways this season, we have yet to thoroughly examine how to properly wear the army trend that took over the runways at Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Rag & Bone, Jean Paul Gaultier, Balmain and about a gazillion other designers this spring. The look was not head to toe combat (well, at Gaultier it was…), but instead a delicate balance between the macho feel of an army jacket mixed with the innocence of an eyelet frock and the femininity of a nipped in waist. Click through to find out how we’re wearing military this spring.
1) Coat of Arms – $49.50 at American Eagle Outfitters
In early spring we went gaga over the military jacket for 2010 and while we still love ours, it’s always nice to have a lighter option like American Eagle’s super soft military shirt jacket. The fact that it’s super lightweight means we can wear it no matter what the temperature. Just don’t forget to belt it!
2) Short & Sweet – $150 by 3.1 Phillip Lim at La Garconne
Since nobody wants to don head to toe army green lest they’re looking to encourage GI Jane references, we’re breaking up our army gear with something delicate like 3.1 Phillip Lim’s eyelet ruffle skirt. It’s 94% silk and light as a feather, the perfect contrast to a hefty combat boot or weighty military jacket.
3) Army Pack – $72 by Style Impact at Yes Style
Since we tend to cram our bag full of as much stuff as possible, we’re more than happy to see the return of the backpack (did you see Tory Burch’s purple backpack in May’s Vogue?). Canvas and leather are definitely the way to go, just like Style Impact’s army inspired version above (available in three neutral colors).
4) The New Combat – $139 at Nine West
As much as we loved seeing vintage combat boots on hipsters’ feet these past couple of winters, we already decided the real things are just not for us. That’s why we love Nine West’s peep toe Buren boots. They’ve got that combat feel without being too over the top. Plus we love a boot with a heel!
5) Cream of the Crop – $28 at Topshop
Topshop’s washed pocket crop top in army green is the perfect way to get a bit of that military feel in your wardrobe without diving into the trend headfirst. The front pockets and popper details give it that special something.
6) Just Belt It – $32.50 at J. Crew
Anytime we see a skinny leather belt we grab one in every color. If you’re only looking to pick one color this season, make sure it’s brown and make sure you buy it a few sizes too big. That way you can poke a few extra holes, tie it and leave it extra long as seen on Stella McCartney’s Spring 2010 runway.
