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How to Wear a Camouflage Print Jacket

Last Updated on January 31, 2019 by Chelsea - University of Oklahoma
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
Cute camo jackets

Jackets | 1, 2, 3, 4

When I first saw camo jackets on street style blogs, I’ll be honest and admit that I had a minor freak out. I’m all for androgyny and remixing unexpected pieces, but whoa, CAMOUFLAGE?!! I was the first girl in my friend group to wear harem pants and leopard print leggings, but the camo trend seemed outrageous even to me.

It took me, well, okay, an entire week to cave in and acquire a piece of the trend for myself. Although camo pants and shirts are popular, I thought a camouflage jacket would be the safest bet, even though I wasn’t entirely sure how to style it. After some thought and research, I found out that camouflage jackets are indeed very versatile, and will probably definitely work with the clothes you already have in your closet. Score!

In honor of my newfound trendy best friend, I’ve scoured the internet and rounded up the best tips and tricks on how you can rock a camouflage jacket. Read on, ladies!

(Note: if camouflage jackets are a little too bold for your taste, any of these tips and tricks will work with a solid-colored army jacket as well!)

Tips and Tricks for Wearing a Camouflage Jacket

  • These jackets are super hot, but have the potential to burn out quickly. Be mindful about how much of your clothing budget you feel comfortable investing on such a trendy item. This is probably a great thing to buy at Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, or Wet Seal.
  • Get the real deal! Check out army surplus stores for authentic camouflage jackets. They’re affordable there, and you’ll have a big selection of patterns and colors to choose from. A real army jacket is also sweet because it’ll be simple enough to customize and make your own. Speaking of which…
  • Add some flair to your army jacket with patches or studs. I went the lazy route and picked up a jacket with studs already affixed to it, but I imagine that this would be a very simple DIY project. Check eBay for inexpensive vintage patches. If you want to experiment with a military look but aren’t sold on camouflage, this would also be a neat way to dress up a plain utility work shirt.
  • Roll the sleeves. This probably a no-brainer, but it transforms the coat into a chic piece.
  • The easiest way to wear a camouflage jacket is to pair it with a plain white tee, skinny jeans, and simple boots. This way, your chic jacket will steal the show. Up the ante by wearing an edgy pair of ankle booties, by adding a cute belt, or by substituting a plain tee shirt with a graphic tee. 
  • Juxtapose your army jacket with a girly ensemble. How amazing would a camo jacket look with a light tulle or lacy dress? It would look equally chic with a simple maxi dress, pink or purple jeans, a patterned skirt and cropped top, or even just skinny jeans with a fabulous pair of heels.
  • Glam it up by curling or teasing your hair,  or by wearing red lipstick, a bow headband, or blingy chandelier earrings.
  • Mix prints, but exercise caution. I think a camouflage jacket would look amazing with certain tie-dyes, plaids, polka dots, or even leopard print. The trick is to make sure neither pattern is too eye-catching or brightly colored. You want to look street-style chic, not like a walking hot mess.
  • Have fun experimenting. This trend is great because it evokes a wild, carefree, edgy vibe to your look. Don’t be afraid to pair your new camo jacket with, well, pretty much anything in your closet. The sky’s the limit, and the point of the trend is to look unexpected and unique.

Outfit Ideas

How to style a camo print jacket - skinnies, tee, litas or sneakers

Jacket, Shirt, Jeans, Converse, Booties

This is one of the most basic — and most versatile — ways that you can rock a camouflage jacket. A gray v-neck t-shirt and dark-wash skinny jeans won’t steal the show from your jacket, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Wear this outfit to class with a messenger bag, sneakers, and a beanie. Or pair the look with lace-up platform boots, a statement necklace, and an edgy clutch for a night on the town. The possibilities are endless!

How to wear a camo print jacket - skinnies, plaid shirt, loafers

Jacket, Shirt, Jeans, Shoes, Lip Color

This outfit is a great example of the right way to mix prints. Buffalo plaid isn’t too busy to mix with camo, and the deep red actually complements the green and tan shades in the jacket. Finish the ensemble with skinny jeans and a pair of loafers. Counteract this outfit’s natural masculinity by rocking red lips and maybe curling your hair!

How to wear a camo print jacket with a dress

Dress, Jacket, Shoes, Anchor Necklace, Infinity Necklace

This look is not for the faint of heart — but I know you foxy CF girls can pull it off! An amazing, unexpected, and completely chic way to wear camouflage is to pair it with something insanely girly. A frilly, pink lace and tulle dress would look so trendy with a military jacket like the one pictured! Finish with tough heels and layered necklaces.

Thoughts?

Do you have an army jacket? How do you feel about camouflage pieces? How do you style your army inspired items? What do you think about the outfits and tips? Do you have any tricks you’d like to share? What other trends have you stumped? Leave a comment and tell us what you think!

Tags : Camouflage, How To, Jackets

17 Comments
Originally published on February 28, 2013
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rose says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:28 pm

    I love this trend! I’ve worn my husband’s old army jacket (when he was in the army) with my white lace dress and boots. I love how it adds an edgy look to a girly look!

    Reply
  2. Rainbow says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:28 pm

    I’ve given this trend a shot and I have to say, don’t try the surplus store! They’re rather overpriced there and I had much better luck at my local Goodwill and on ebay (plus, the people were nicer too!). Seriously, i’m talking at least twice the price for everything!

    Reply
  3. Liana says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:27 pm

    Sorry but I hate camouflage. I think it’s hideous.

    Reply
  4. Anna says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:27 pm

    haha this is how I normally dress,not really a “trend” for me

    Reply
  5. Ashleigh Maynes says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:27 pm

    lol awesome i usualy wear my old jrotc jacket 🙂

    Reply
  6. Zephyr - CF Editor says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:27 pm

    Bailey – So weird that it wouldn’t let you post a link! Can you try it again? Are you getting a message that your comment is in moderation or is your comment just disappearing when you try? Want to make sure I fix it. Links to retail stores are fine according to our comment policy, we just don’t let people do “check out my blog” spam type links.

    Rainbow – Great tip! You’d think surplus stores would be cheap so that’s interesting – wonder if that’s a regional thing or true across the board. (Will have to check my local one and find out.)

    Anna – You trendsetter, you! 😉

    Reply
  7. Bailey says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:27 pm

    I think it’s just my phone being annoying.

    http://m.kohls.com/product/prd-1259014/mudd-denim-camouflage-top.jsp

    Don’t know if it’ll work! But hey, I tried.
    $25.99
    Very cute! Great price!

    Love this trend btw!

    Reply
  8. Aryn says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:28 pm

    I got my camo jacket from my brother after he left the army. It’s great and much more personalized because it actually has my last name on it! To save money, I would suggest getting a camo jacket at the thrift store.

    Like you mentioned, I style my camo jacket with form fitting, feminine pieces underneath and also heels. I don’t worry about mixing patterns because that’s one of my favorite trends!

    Reply
  9. Lynn says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:27 pm

    First I need to find a camo jacket!!!! :0

    Reply
  10. Haley says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:27 pm

    Unfortunately, I’ll never try this trend because I live in the South where camo abounds and is usually accompanied by a baseball cap with a fishhook stuck in it and work boots, yes, work boots, even if you’re just going to class.

    Reply
  11. Marlene says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:28 pm

    I need to find a camo jacket right now! It fits my style so well, I don’t know why I don’t have one already!

    Reply
  12. jenny says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:27 pm

    I wouldn’t call pairing a tough jacket with a girly dress for “the faint of heart” It seems to be the only way to wear dresses now.

    Reply
  13. Emma says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:27 pm

    Ahh sooo cute! Not my style (I’m too nervous/shy) but if I saw someone wearing any of these outfits I’d be so jealous. Great post.

    Reply
  14. Alyssa Nicole says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:27 pm

    I totally need one of these in my closet, I also wanna customize mine. Any tips?

    Reply
  15. Scarlett says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:27 pm

    can you guys show us how to style a camo muscle tee! http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?Br=F21&Category=top&ProductID=2026571646&VariantID=
    this is the one, I have no but I have no idea how to style it! Thanks!!

    Reply
  16. Joanne says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:27 pm

    As much as I would be interested in just experimenting with this trend, I never could. I live in an area of Michigan that’s ALL about hunting and fishing, and wearing camo is like a silent way of saying you’ve gone hunting before (and hunting is something I don’t support).

    Also, in my town, wearing camo comes with the stereotype of being a redneck or a hick, even though more than half of the people in the town wear camo. The camo-wearers would honestly be offended by someone wearing camo who doesn’t follow that lifestyle.

    Reply
  17. Jackie says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:27 pm

    i recently got an olive green military jacket and i’ve been wearing it often with collared shirts and little black dresses. i’ve been getting ideas on how to wear it with the help from TheStyleUp, a website that provides a daily email with updates on the weather. I feel like a camo jacket can be worn the same way – a girl ensemble underneath topped off with the jacket.

    Reply

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