Would You Wear… Military-Inspired Clothing?
From left: Aquilano.Rimondi on the runway, Beyonce in Balmain, and Balmain on the runway
Although it’s been springing up for years, the fashion world’s current obsession with tailored classics and androgyny provides the perfect backdrop to give military inspired pieces the attention they deserve. Balmain often gives a stunningly glamorous military spin to their clothes on their runway, and this season was no exception. Beyonce recently turned heads when she wore one of their jackets out and about. Rihanna, ever the trendsetter, has been pushing this trend into the limelight as well with tough, military inspired looks, particularly in the video for her song, “Hard.”
Personally, I think this look is absolutely perfect as spring rounds the corner and florals and pastels come to mind. Sure, snow may still be on the ground in areas that are inclined as such, but that doesn’t mean we can’t break out our little dresses. I think they provide the perfect contrast to the neutral structure and masculinity of military attire. A spring dress with a jacket or a floaty top with cargo pants or capris provides a stunning contrast.
Also, the style of the military item itself has been updated, as is obvious with Balmain’s most recent line. Dazzling embellishments or feminine fabrics create an entirely different feel. Accessories of the military persuasion are instant updates to your traditional attire – think aviators or combat boots.
Would you wear the military trend?
So, how do you feel about the military look? I would really like to get myself an inspired blazer and some combat boots, but I’m afraid the latter would look too clunky on my short/curvy frame. What do you think? Let me know in the comments!
Posted on on February 16, 2010 / Filed Under: Would You Wear? / Tags: Androgyny, Balmain, Beyonce, Florals, Military, Rihanna, Trends
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Elle
Although this look is cute, it does over power a small frame. i think it looks costumey as well. I’ve seen really casual ones that I think are cute at gap and sometimes at forever 21, but the ones like Beyonce wore just remind me of Michael Jackson; they are a little too much for spring.
CLC
I love the look of a military jacket! I know they have been spotted for a few years, but I think the loss of Michael Jackson has really pushed them to their peak in popularity. I don’t have one yet, but I definitely want to invest in a lightweight navy or army colored one for the spring.
Charlotte
I LOVELOVELOVE this look.
I have a gorgeous little H&M military style cardigan which is so easy to update anything, and an amazing Primark military coat that only cost me 21 GBP!! I get so many compliments on it, it’s absolutely gprgeous.
I think the military look is instantly polished, clean and stylish. Like you said, it also looks great with a floral top or dress as a great edgy contrast.
I also bought a pair of vintage lace up boots from ebay- they’re great for spring/summer cause they’re not as heavy looking as leather knee boots.
love this post!!
Charlotte
xxx
Grace
Absolutely! Combat ish boots were my first idea of what I wanted in boots. The jackets I love too-out of my jackets, my 3 blazers get the most wear.
Sari
I’m dying for a green olive-y peacoat, and with fabulous brass buttons or something, it’d be right on trend.
Heather
Balmain is one of my favorites, so that will probably tell you how I feel about this trend. Absolutely *love* this look!
wendy
like it but can’t do it.
shoulders look broad with the pads and the usual double breasted buttons…look so wide! =(
JG
If I could get my hands on that Balmain jacket seen on Beyonce then yes…I would definitely wear it :)
Chelsea
I love military style. There was a beautiful Balmain dress in Marie Claire that I’m dying for, I’ve been searching the internet for a cheaper alternative. But I have a pair of military style (not combat) boots that I love, and I love military style jackets and blazers.
Jaime
I like the trend, but I don’t know how I would integrate it into my wardrobe.
Alannah
I like it but I have bought two jackets that have a military feel and both have lost buttons, so I don’t think I will be buying anything else military style because it is a pain in the ass.
Cathy
This trend looks too costumey to me.
annie
I like it but I don’t think I would be able to pull this off, I’m very petite as well so i don’t really think this trend is for me :(
aish
i like
Miss Tofu
I love love love this look – particularly when the masculine, structured jacket is worn over a contrasting super-feminine short skirt. Definitely a look I would wear, even if it weren’t in fashion!
Of course, since the iconic Balmain is utterly unattainable on a normal college girl’s budget, I’m still on the lookout for something similar but much, much cheaper. Being a petite girl, it’s hard to find a style that retains the cut and structure of the military jacket but at the same time doesn’t overpower my small frame.
Fingers crossed!
<3 from pretty-preoccupied.blogspot.com
Marwa =)
this so fancy! I Loved the 1 that beyonce is wearing!
Yeah, I will definitely go for this look.. Though I Find those jackets in most of the stores very expensive to my budget
Eli
Hell yes. I love military inspired clothing. Unfortunately, I can’t pull off the androgynous look very well–I have wide peasant hips. But I do love military details, or accents, on modern clothes, especially when combined with feminine self expression. Revolutionary Girl Utena, anyone?
lisa
Haven’t this trend been around for a while???
Tamara
I have two military jackets; one is black, with bronze buttons, in a sort of suede material (vey wintery), the other is denim and light weight, but like some other girl said, it’s lost too many buttons that can’t be sewn, and it’s a pain. So, until it gets cold in my country, I won’t be wearing this trend.
I actually think this looks better in smaller frames (like mine): the shoulderpads don’t make me look masculine, like they do in bigger girls. I don’t know how this look with really big breasts, probably very bad (I’m a small C cup and always have trouble closing them).
Ana
I have a nice AE Military jacket/cardigan and I LOVE it! It really does look so good!
lisa
Just bought a H&M military blazer… the balmain reminds me of sergent peber, and i LOVE the beatles so it a good thing..
Jasmine-Georgia Southern University
I absolutely love this trend and esp. when mixed with the balmain power shoulder, looks hot!!
With this trend, you can get new stuff and probably find some pretty cool vintage stuff too…or even create your own with a blazer & rope/fringe/other materials!
So chic!
:D
Maxine
I dislike the military look. Just save it for the military and I agree with one of the commenters saying it looks costumey.