There’s just something about a man in a military uniform that just makes hearts swoon. Something about their poise, the strong lines of their jackets, the tilt of their hats, the impeccable tailoring, the patriotic colors and the manliness of it all that makes every woman a little eager to evoke that war-time look. War after war, women have found themselves influenced by their beloved soldiers so much so that war has actually infiltrated the female fashion world.
World War I brought about the emancipation of women from corsets and delicately colored gowns. Nowadays, when we see shows such as Downton Abbey or watch movies such as Pride and Prejudice, we wish we could still dress that way. But the fact is that the women in those times suffered greatly due to their clothes. The fabrics were always too thick and made for unbearable heat, corsets were too tight, shoes were too small or had fabrics that didn’t protect their feet from the harsh winters. World War I brought women to freedom with regards to their fashion. Corsets were no longer the norm because women, who worked as nurses and who had to take over their husbands work, realized that wearing corsets or pretty floor length dresses actually hindered their productivity. Instead, women turned to more weather appropriate fabrics, skirts, much shorter dresses and the few ones who were rebellious enough to do it, wore pants. Actually, according to Vogue, it is the beloved Coco Chanel who is largely accredited from liberating women by designing “sophisticated clothes that were elegant yet, comfortable. The symbol of this ideal is the two-piece suit, which Coco created taking inspiration directly from the suits of her lovers.”
World War II brought about another massive change in women’s fashion; this time taking more direct influence from their soldier counterparts’ uniforms. This era brought about the ultra tailored look that we love so much. It brought the rise of sporty outerwear for women, with a direct influence from military uniforms. Bomber jackets, which are still worn and adored today, came from air force uniforms. The pea coat was largely influenced by sailor’s jackets. Even the function of a piece of clothing was taken from the military’s need for function in their uniforms. Women were also wearing shoulder pads (a trend carried on and off until today), more practical shoes, fitted clothes and more and more women dared to wear pants.
This trend of copying military uniforms exists to this day. On this year’s New York runways, designer after designer presented the world with heavily military related looks. Military inspired clothes can be found in virtually every store, and even something as elemental as a striped t-shirt and white pants has its roots in the military.