Parade to the next brunch

Junk. Camouflage. Studded. The military look has been in vogue ever since designers sought inspirations from the army as it were. It is said that this look first came into vogue thanks to the US army’s camouflage pants that was worn during the Vietnam war.

The fashion folk observed the fitted fatigues, sashes and studded garments as a new way to clothe commoners.

Camo pants, military inspired hats, the olive green colour and double-breasted jackets have gained utmost popularity since then.

Designers, from time immemorial, have taken this very look forward and made it quite the regular feature on the runway. So much so that it has become the most favoured casual yet outdoorsy look.

Why it works!
Deciphering the popularity of the military look, Paresh Lamba explains, “Not everyone can pull off this look. Since it derives inspiration from the armed forces, it mainly suits people with fit bodies as opposed to the slouchy folks. You don’t see every second person wearing it, which contributes to the novelty of the look. For our fall/winter collection this year, we had created a few trousers in military prints which were quite popular. You could say that the look has made a come back for sure. But if you want to carry off an outfit inspired by this trend, you can wear jackets with a bit of detailing such as the Epaulette which are the flaps on the shoulder or four pockets in front or even the box pleat and big buckle belts. All of this would go well with a simple monochromatic jodhpur pants which completes the look.”

Taking off...
Cargos would be another piece of casual attire that have been inspired by the way the army dresses — with a lot of redesigning of course. With a rather strong retail presence, cargos have established a formidable trend.

Desinger Anu Naggappa tells us how best to put together a casual military look. “The advent of cargoes have redefined the casual Sunday look. But the key is not to overdo it. You can team it with a  simple white tee and accessorise.”

Jump up
The jumpsuit is another inspiration that has found its way, with no end to the themes and colours to its style.

Designer Sanchita Ajjampur explains, “Wearing military-inspired apparel is a great casual trend, and many have been drawn to it because it’s easy and fun. It’s best known as utilitarian chic. Utilitarian chic became an uber trend two years ago when designers such as Balenciaga, Ralph Lauren, Balmain and Michael Kors showcased it on the runway.  For my Autumn Winter 10/11, one of the themes was an exotic military handcrafted to the complex cartography of the pagodas in Myanmar.

The trend
Cargo pants, camouflage prints, technologically-enhanced fabrications, shoulder straps and tabs, badges, colors such as olives, greens, khakis, grays and tans, multiple pockets and t-shirts.

Of late this look has been spotted among the fashion circles. Celebrities such as Rihanna, Gwen Stefani, Victoria Beckham have been seen wearing military studded jackets, overalls and slouchy cargos for sometime now. So if you looking to make a statement with the military look try to undersell and look as casual as possible. Be it with embellished jackets or camo pants go out of the way but keep it simple!