How to Wear the Military Trend | Fall 2012

The military-inspired look isn't a fleeting trend, and we've got the Fall '12 runways to back us up. Instead of just erring on the side of traditional camouflage prints and surplus army parkas, there's a new breed of structural pieces that point to an updated take on utilitarian silhouettes and cavalry-influenced details. Victoria Beckham presented a strong olive-green-and-black palette that gave way to a particularly feminine crop of military-inspired sheaths — not your average cargo dress. Altuzarra put a luxe fur-trimmed spin on parkas and khaki pants, Jason Wu toughened up his vest selection with a military twist, and Burberry provided the perfect balance of equestrian meets old-school military. As with any heavily themed trend, the trick is never to go overboard — one piece per ensemble is always enough. Thus, we're looking to incorporate the coolest military trench coat into our off-duty wardrobe, juxtapose a camo-printed jean against our favorite striped tops, and so on. Click on for five outfits you'll want to wear right now.