Utility clothing and streetwear specialist with over 10 years' experience in customer advice, fit and fabric selection.
1) The Camo Print
Camo print, including all its variations, is one of the most popular military-inspired fashion elements. Having developed as a form of “military deception,” the use of camo print in fashion and art has been popular since World War I.
It is the print that can add more depth to your outfit and toughen up your style a bit! Whether worn to protest a war, show support for the military, or simply communicate your edgy street style, camo is a pattern you either love or hate. From leggings and t-shirts to jackets and hats, camo print fashion makes a rebellious style statement both on the runways and on the city streets!
2) Cargo Pants
Cargo pants were first worn in 1938 by British military personnel. These pants were part of their combat uniforms.
The original cargo pants featured a pocket on the side of the thigh and another on the front hip. Since then, today’s cargo style has been adapted into every possible style and derivative.
3) Combat Boots
Did you know that the origin of combat boots dates back further than the punk rock subcultures of the late 70s and 80s? Well, given what the name implies, that might not shock you. “Combat” boots were first designed and manufactured for combat training, which, according to multiple sources, were first issued to Assyrian infantrymen.
At the time, the boots were studded with “hobs,” small metal nails with a sharp pin or screw attachment. Over time, the function and comfort of the combat boot evolved to better suit the soldier’s work in the field.
“Modern combat boots are designed to provide a combination of grip, ankle stability, and foot protection suitable for rugged environments. Today, many combat shoes incorporate technologies from civilian hiking boots, such as Gore-Tex nylon side panels, which improve ventilation and comfort.”
Today, combat boots are commonly worn for style rather than function in various ways. Combat boots can be worn with dresses as well as denim shorts or over black leggings and skinny jeans, helping to provide a rebellious, edgier touch to a light look.
4) The Bomber Jacket
The MA-1 bomber jacket, or “MA-1 flight jacket,” was originally created for US military pilots in 1950. Worn by both skinheads and stars (“Kimye”), this jacket is more popular than ever. Like its predecessors, such as the B-15 flight jacket with a sheepskin collar, the MA-1 bomber jacket was designed to meet the new requirements of pilots.
The redesign included changes for safety, comfort, and performance. And although the MA-1 has been slightly modified over the years, its mass appeal remains undeniable. The design of the MA-1 has continued to be popular in civilian and military circles due to key practical considerations in its design. The MA-1, as originally designed, was made from a high-quality nylon outer shell and a nylon lining.
Today, the significance of this flight jacket is mainly based on style, with trendsetters often adorning theirs with custom patches of rebellious messages and band names for an extra statement.
An androgynous fashion item that continues to gain momentum in pop culture, punk rock, and hip-hop, the bomber jacket now comes in many colors and can be worn with tons of outfits. It can accentuate a minimalist outfit or add an edgy, sporty vibe to a little black dress. Accessories, such as aviator shades, also add to a military-inspired outfit.
If you are a fan of the aviator style, then look no further; at aviateur-solitaire.com you will be able to find the aviator style jacket that suits you!
5) The Suit
The modern suit can trace its lineage back to the uniforms of the French and Russian armies during the Napoleonic era. For the French army, these uniforms consisted of a single-breasted open blue and white coat, a white vest, white breeches or pants, and either boots or shoes.
For the Russians, it was a dark green double-breasted coat with a stand-up collar, white breeches or pants, boots in winter, and shoes in summer. These two uniforms formed the model for what would evolve into the three-piece and double-breasted suit of the 20th century.
6) Olive Green Color
When it comes to understanding why olive green is such a widely used shade in the military, it’s really simple! This shade is just another camo tactic; olive green helps hide soldiers from the enemy’s view and allows them to blend naturally into their surrounding terrain. And today, overall, we love olive green!
“The shade is flattering on all skin tones and is super versatile, so there’s no reason not to try the trend,” said Ashley Laderer in her article, “The color we love for spring: olive green.” The options we have with this color are truly endless. Rompers, military bucket hats, shorts, coats, cargo pants, button-up tops, and leggings are just a few items you might want to explore. Olive green can exude an earthy, free-spirited style at an outdoor music festival or a casual, alternative workwear vibe!
7) Steampunk Style
“Steampunk is a style that takes an unusual mix of Victorian aesthetics, turn-of-the-century technology, and a hint of science-fiction extravagance to create a beautiful and complex society.”
Although the Steampunk movement is not fully understood by our modern society in general, as its popularity is more underground and less mainstream, the respect for this movement is still there. Developed during the Civil War with a post-apocalyptic era in mind, Steampunk fashion is notably influenced by the military clothing of the time. Brass buttons, distinct shoulder cuts on jackets, and bias-cut trench coats are some military-inspired fashion pieces for men, while Steampunk fashion for women generally includes tiered gothic skirts, lace parlor skirts, leather corsets, and brocade bolero tops.
No matter how Steampunk fashion is adapted, with neo-Victorian gothic accessories for a dark and charming vibe, this subgenre consists of an imaginative style. From clothing and body modifications to jewelry and hairstyles, how you incorporate steampunk style into your wardrobe is up to you!
