Attention!: How to Dress Military Chic

“I saw Cady Heron wearing army pants and flip flops so I went and bought army pants and flip flops.” I’m sure most of us know this famous quote from the classic cult movie Mean Girls, but I wanted to provide a disclaimer. I will not suggest at any point in this article to immediately go buy army pants and flip-flops. In fact, I don’t suggest that you buy anything camouflage. When people think military fashion, they think camouflage, but we haven’t seen army print since the Spice Girls came out with Spice World: The Movie, and I’m pretty sure that fashion statement is never coming back. However, I am suggesting that military chic exists and is certainly achievable to incorporate into your college wardrobe.

Bust Out the Blazer

Designers like Rag and Bone and Ralph Lauren have incorporated military blazers into their looks, and these have become one of the season’s most necessary items. To make your look more sophisticated and military-inspired, wear your blazer with a blouse or plain white shirt and a cute pair of dark washed jeans, or simply wear your blazer over a frilly dress to integrate the military style without losing your girly flair. We also saw a lot of big belted blazers in fashion shows such as the 3.1 Phillip Lim show. This look provides a very corseted style. You can also choose to pair belts with sleeveless blazers. Rather than go to the nearest mall, check out your local Salvation Army and Goodwill for vintage blazers. Vintage military blazers definitely have a special feel to them that mass-produced blazers do not. The buttons on the vintage military blazers are unique and extraordinary, not to mention they’re significantly cheaper than designer ones.

Bundle Up With a Military-Inspired Jacket

Hey, a girl always needs a classic winter jacket. Winter jackets are where we can really see the military trend in many of the top designers’ collections. Designers like Marc Jacobs and Donna Karan have come out with either long navy blue coats with vintage-looking buttons or short army green jackets. These jackets are flattering, form fitting, and I absolutely adore their unique buttons. The jackets can come in army green, navy blue, or grey and definitely go along with the military theme.

Shade Your Eyes With Aviators

Accessories are a huge essential when dressing with military panache. For military men and women, aviator sunglasses are used to shield their eyes from the sun. For us, they’re a fashion statement. The aviator sunglasses should always be a classic essential in every college girl’s wardrobe. They go with every outfit, no matter what you’re wearing. My favorite pair of sunglasses are vintage Ray Ban aviators my Grandfather wore in the military. Not only do I feel like a fashion maven in these sunglasses, but it also feels amazing to be able to wear my grandfather’s glasses with pride, knowing that he is a veteran of the Vietnam War. The lesson here is that you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on one pair of sunglasses. Go rummage through your parents’, grandparents’, aunts’, and uncles’ closets; you’ll be surprised at what you find. Or go to your nearest dollar store to buy aviator sunglasses as cute as designer ones.

Can’t Go Wrong With Boots and Buckles

Black mid-calf chunky boots with many military-inspired buttons are definitely in this winter and spring seasons. Military men and woman tuck them into their camouflage pants, but we can tuck them into our cute blue jeans or leggings. Try pairing chunky black military-inspired boots with your favorite floral dress. It’s a great balance between personal style, military style, and this spring season. Military-inspired shoulder buckle bags are a great way to finish an outfit. Look for vintage purses in colors like dolphin grey, army green, or classic black, with tons of buckles, of course. These purses can go with any outfit, whether it’s a night out on the town or out to lunch with a friend. Military for the Masses Military style is completely achievable if you go about it the right way. Incorporate green, grey, and blue into your wardrobe. Go out and find the items listed above. The challenge: Rather than look for these items in your typical mall, rummage through vintage stores or even your family closets! It’s incredible what one-of-a kind items you can find.