Not since the mini leather moto jacket phenomenon of 2007 has it been so clear as to what jacket to invest in for spring. For spring 2010, we’re taking direct orders from the army of designers who turned to the military for outerwear inspiration. Designers like Marc Jacobs, Balmain and Charlotte Ronson all sent their own version of the military jacket down their runways for spring. Some included bandjacket buttons and exaggerated shoulders (Balmain of course) while others were more understated with just a few additional pockets and a cinched waist (Marc Jacobs). Whatever you fancy, your marching orders are clear – spend your tour of duty in a military jacket this spring! Find out where to find these 10 military jackets for less…
1) American Eagle drawstring jacket – $59.50 American Eagle
This lightweight jacket from American Eagle has all the extra pockets needed to invoke the utilitarian vibe of the army but it’s stylish enough to remind us of a more casual version of Marc Jacob’s ode to the military.
2) Gap army anorak – $79.50 Gap
Leave it to Gap to design the perfect menswear-inspired anorak but made for us! And while we love the drawstring details and extra buttons, it’s the funnel neck that really has us hooked.
3) DAY Birger et Mikkelsen cotton coat – $340 The Outnet
This mushroom colored parka is the perfect choice for in between seasons. And with its detachable hood, you’ll never be caught in a rainstorm unprepared.
4) Daughters of the Liberation lift off jacket – $118 Anthropologie
When it comes to a spring jacket, we like having the option to roll up the sleeves and keep them rolled. This military-inspired jacket from Anthropologie does just that thanks to the extra sleeve tabs that button up a rolled sleeve.
5) Madewell military jacket – $150 Madewell
Madewell’s take on the military/bandleader jacket has the added touches you can only expect from Madewell, including rope rosettes, a slightly tapered waist and covered buttons. We think the army would approve of these very important details.
6) Old Navy cargo twill jacket – $39.50 Old Navy
Ah, zippers! Sometimes a girl just needs a zipper and for that we turn to Old Navy. Instead of slowing us down with a million little buttons, Old Navy keeps the look of a military jacket but adds a zipper to make it that much easier to zip it up and go. And if you don’t like it in green, try it in any of the other five shades.
7) H&M belted cargo jacket – $49.95 H&M
We love when jackets come self-belted, especially when the belt is removable! H&M’s version of the cargo military jacket cinches us perfectly in the waist meaning we aren’t weighed down by the bulk of the extra pockets.
8) H&M bandleader jacket – $39.95 H&M
Another army jacket from H&M, this version combines the bandleader style that we first saw last spring at Balmain with the military style of this spring’s Balmain.
9) Zara belted jacket – $99 Zara
Zara has many takes on the military jacket for spring but this one is our fave! The slightly brownish tinge and gold metal details take the look to a whole new level.
10) J.Crew boyfriend fatigue jacket – $148 J.Crew
We swear we’ve seen this coat at army surplus stores but thanks to J.Crew’s designers, we can now find one cut to our figure. And it’s extra long length means we can cuddle in that much more.
