Military

Grab attention with army jackets, skinny cargo pants and lace-up boots

1,.BY , 1 TALI~ KAUR_'

Milicary fashion as a trend is nothing new; in fact, it's been o n the rise since 2008, coming back every few seasons; but this time it seems like it's here to stay. In 2012 we saw cbe military tren d evolve from a cough edgy look co a more chic look in collections by Alexande r Wang, Tomm y Hilfiger and Victoria Beckham. Items like army jackets, skinny cargo pants and lace- up boots are easy ways to wear t his trend and of course, the earthy palette of olive greens and neutrals along with clean cuts is a perfect complim e nt to every wardrobe. This is a perfect trend to cake advantage of - once you get a few stap le military pieces in yo ur wardrobe and yo u know bow to style them to suit your personality, you'JJ be sec for many seasons co camel Here a re a few ways co rock yo ur military chic look

Rock Chic

This style is all about toughening up your loo k w ith detailing such as structured jackets, sbo uJder pads and large gold buttons. Go ld detailing and orn ate trims re,1lly sec off the slick military cllts and add a little extra energy co yo m outfit. An easy way co pull off tl1e rock chic look is w ith a simple, yet edgy military jacket- it's a musthave! These can be of various types wi th different lengths, fabrics, curs, embellishments and shades - just experiment and wear a jacket that fee ls comfortab le and reAects your personali ty so you feel confident when wearing it. A personal favouri te that gives a great edge to an outfit is a khaki coloured jacket with black leather sleeves. Pair it with some black skinny pants o r shiny leggings and smdded ankle boots or even a pair of killer hee ls, and yo u 've got yourself the ultimate rock chic m.iJi cary out fit.

Feminine

The key to keeping military looks feminine is to choose fitted pieces. The most feminine way of wearing this trend would have to be by wearing skirts. Military skirts ending just above ilie knee are classy and versatile - team tl1em up with a white or nude formal shirr to dress it up, o r a p lain black or white t- shirc to dress it down. i'vlilitary jackets can also be played up wiili a feminine touch. Pair a red military jacket with a dark coloured Aoor-length gown and fu1 ish off with some jewels. It adds a pop of colour and edge, while sciJJ remainin g soft and ladylike. Another way to make this trend feminine is a brass - buttoned jacket wi th a peplum finish. The pep lum style has been big the past few months and is a supe r girly addition to any outfit. The cut allows it to show o ff your curvy sill10uette, but tl1e darker green colour still ensures yo ur keeping up witl1 the military trend. A Ii ttle b lack dres s is also a no -faiJ option, bm look for militaristic vibes such as button -from details or inclu sions o f khaki c olours. To maintain tbat edgy feel, accessorize your LBD with a fur collar, some statement jeweller y and a pair of heels.

Casual

This look is probably che most easy to achieve. A military trend shire is a very versatile piece of clothing. You can mck ir in or leave it open. You can use it as an outer layer or wear it under a jacket. Chose an arm y- style buttoned shin, leaving it o pen and contrastin g it with tighter, more polished pieces inside. Play around with proportions too - a slim pencil skirt witl1 a loose khaki sweater on top with some ankle boots is a perfect casual look. A pair of pan cs is also a basic yet versatile military trend item. It works fo r everyone as it sui ts all types o f bod)' frames. For a casual look, opt for distressed, day panes in s hades such as olive, khaki and even navy. These pants should be worn witl1 a very simple b lack, white or nude coloured cop.

Not only does tlus immediately make the putEt look and feel more -relaxed, it also allows all tl1e attention to be focused on the trousers. Feel free ro add a few fun necklaces and bangles or a printed bag s ince tl,is is a casual look. Even the most basic uliliraryinspired pieces deserve a dose of print. A leopard- printed bag is rhe perfect offset to a mix- and- match casual military omtic.

However, as with any heavily themed trend, the trick is neYer to go overboard - one piece per our6c is always enoughwhether it's incorporating tbe coolest military trench coat into your wardrobe, or pairing khaki coloured jeans with a favourite striped shirt. Don't be afraid to experiment and see wbac you're most confortable wearing because in tl1e end, pulling off che military trend is aU about having confidence!