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Updating your military pieces every time the look hits is pricey, and, quite frankly, highly unnecessary. By keeping some of these three style staples in your wardrobe, you’ll have the military trend at your fingertips every season, whether or not it’s been signed off by fashion’s elite.
The Breton Top
Military Inspiration:
The classic navy blue stripe of the Breton top is interwoven with French naval history. The original was part of the French naval uniform in Brittany, and featured 21 stripes to symbolise each of Napoleon’s victories.
Why it belongs in your wardrobe:
There are few fashion staples more handy than a 3/4 length Breton top. The soft jersey material makes this piece comfortable enough for a long day in the office, a quiet weekend at home or coffee with friends – all whilst looking effortlessly polished. It’s casual, sure, but with the right styling, its simplicity easily makes it smart enough for executive chic.
Wear it with:
What makes the Breton top a fashion staple is its easy adaptability. It looks gorgeous dressed down with soft indigo boyfriend jeans and white trainers or flats. For the office, a pair of well tailored trousers with a front pleat will add structure to the outfit for a more sophisticated look. Add a pair of red patent court shoes for a pop of colour, and a slick of ruby lipstick to bring the outfit together from head to toe.
The Perfect Bag:
Pay no heed to the old rule that navy and black should never be paired. Not only is this look fully acceptable with the right mix up of accessories and textures, but a particularly Parisian sartorial choice. A classic black saddle bag such as the Maxwell Scott Medolla is subtle enough to blend with any outfit, and the luxury leather material will contrast nicely with the rich cotton of the Breton.
The Khaki Trouser
Military Inspiration:
Since the turn of the 20th century, khaki has been the definitive colour of military dress. Khaki is the Urdu for dust, and what had roots in British regiments in India dying their white clothing with tea for camouflage became a full adoption of the olive green shade in the standard service uniform after the Second Boer War.
Why it belongs in your wardrobe:
Now a synonym for a certain kind of Chino, a pair of tailored khaki trousers is a military fashion staple. When the trend is in, accentuate this iconic green shade with other dusty neutrals. When it’s not – you’ve still got a pair of excellent office trousers. This particular shade is a breakaway from tired office monochrome whilst maintaining a professional look. By opting for a more fitted silhouette over casual cotton chinos, this pair of Hobbs trousers aren’t too try-hard on the military theme.
Wear it with:
Suede black court shoes are pleasantly easy on the eye (unlike dramatic shiny patent pumps) and will keep this look from falling into garish territory. Add a white shirt to keep the outfit neutral and the khaki central. A non-traditional silhouette, such as the bell sleeves on this gingham textured Ted Baker top, make the look summery and fun.
The Perfect Bag:
Bring dappled texture to the ensemble with the Fiorella Croco. A business bag with space for your laptop, A4 documents and smaller essentials, the Fiorella will bring a confident poise to this innovative office look.
The Military Jacket
Military Inspiration:
Piped military jackets are at the very heart of old regimental dressing. In the modern day, formal military attire centres on strict straight lines. But in the 18th century, designs were likely to feature long brass button adorned sleeves and rich symetrical cornelli detailing.
Why it belongs in your wardrobe:
This Monsoon jacket is certainly a statement piece, and unashamedly military inspired. However, the choice of a black material with gold embroidery makes it an easy piece to reach for when your outfit needs an instant fashion lift. Tying with military tradition, the jacket is fitted to a tee – it can upgrade grungey dresses, girly tulle maxis and plain black trousers.
Wear it with:
A evening out look wouldn’t be complete without a whole lot of black, but with this military jacket you can rest assured your outfit won’t get lost in the shadows. Add a plain white tee and extra skinny black jeans to keep the focus on the details. A plain black choker is the only accessory needed.
The Perfect Accessory:
Swap your handbag for The Giorgia wallet – it’s plenty big enough to use as a clutch for keeping important items close by for weekend evenings in the city.
