The Military Look in Fashion for Both Sexes
Social armor is the general concept behind the look referred to by many fashion critics as military chic. This is a very utilitarian look and, as psychologists who study the fashion world explain, like any look on the market at any given time, the styles are all about the mindset of the public buying them. For this reason, military fashion has risen to popularity quite often during times when things may look bleak or cause people to feel insecure about the world around them, such as during economic or social upheaval. Fashion that sports the colors of olive, hunter green or even khaki are seen as reflective of a military uniform. As fashion evolves, it continues to find new ways to use these colors and the basic shapes of what the public knows as a 'military look' to incorporate into every day wear.
Commanding attention is something that the military look is good at. Back in the 1960's, this was popular in the United States as a way to protest the US involvement in the Vietnam war. Later, it would spread from hippie counter culture out into the rest of the fashion world where it would grow and morph under the careful guidance of fashion designers around the world. Berets, sharp cut jackets and trench coats are all said to have a military type of appeal and they have enjoyed popularity from time to time. Camouflage is perhaps the most obvious element of a military look and this has been a common trend in teen wear across multiple decades. Right now, that military precision in cuts and a more rugged style are popular even in formal dresses.
Browns and greens are playing a strong role in the fashion at the end of the first decade of the 200's and this is also seen as being tied to colors such as blue and black. Going back further, Napoleon jackets have come back in with their collars that stand high and even the hussar have influenced garments by incorporating that gold border reminiscent of admirals and commanders of the Air Force. Loose fitting cargo pants, too, are a more soldier oriented military element that saw immense popularity in the 1990's that has yet to fade.
Expect more buckles, fringes, snaps and other elements to come back into play for men and women. Leather jackets for women and patches, too, are coming back to offer luxury and warmth during the colder seasons.
24.02.2010. 15:05