Military trend pieces to fall for.

The military trend always pops up around this time of year. As soon as the trees start to turn and our shopping radars veer towards loading up on chunky knits and shearling boots, there’s always a military coat or two to add to your list. This time around there’s a nautical vibe to the game, so look for brass buttons, epaulets and gold braided cuff detailing to really nail this trend.

I love a little navy blue anytime of the year, so pairing my Mango military jacket (similar here) with my new Donna Ida Denim is a no brainer. (I popped into the Donna Ida store recently when she was about to celebrate her 10th anniversary – you can read all about that here). Throw in a nautical top (this one is last year’s Jigsaw, but you can find similar here), some chunky M&S shearling detail boots, a perfectly military blue watch from Kate Spade, and of course my Mansur Gavriel bag (again) and you’re off to the proverbial military trend races.

To shop this look click the images below.

Military trend… which style suits your body shape?

All military pieces were not made equal which means not all of them will suit your body shape. Here’s a quick rundown of what to look out for.

 

This is a tricky trend to pull off for someone with broad shoulders as a lot of the detailing is on the upper body which brings attention to the very spot you want to try to play down. Look for pieces with detailing on lower pockets, cuffs, and hemlines to draw the eye away from your shoulders.

 

 

 

This trend is perfect for beefing up your narrow shoulders. Grab anything with epaulets and gold braiding on the shoulders and wear it all season long with a smile on your face.

 

For larger busts stick to single-breasted coat and jacket styles to minimize the bulky vibes up top. Deep v necklines are great, but mandarin collars (like on my Mango jacket in this post) might not be your best friend. If finding anything flattering is too tricky then try the trend in other forms like wearing military hues or toting military accessories.

 

 

 

For small-busted folk check out anything with breast pockets, and shoulder detailing to enhance your upper body. Some brands even have camo patch pockets on sweaters or medals on the chest which are a great way of working the trend whilst beefing up your boobage!

 

 

 

If you suffer from the old mid-life thickening waist thing then straight cut single breasted  pieces are the way to go. A little tailoring can also help but don’t try and squeeze yourself into something belted or woe betide double breasted. Also, opt for items which have a more flattering longer length which finish at mid-hip or a little longer so that you create a lean silhouette.

 

Military trend… where to shop.

You can work the military trend on all sorts of levels, from full-on total immersion to just dipping your toe in the nautical waters. Try introducing some military hues into your closet for starters (as suggested above) – a little navy or olive green work really well at this time of year. Or go all out and seek out the epaulets and brass button looks. Here are a few of my faves in stores right now. Click the images to shop.

 

Kate Spade NY watch c/o Ernest Jones Jewellers.