When I was in middle school, some of my classmates liked to dress up and play "army." This involved elaborate gear and sneaking around through hedges. Needless to say, I was less than interested. Fast forward 15 years to 1995 when designer Christophe Decarnin took the helm at legendary couture house Balmain, where he sent out his first collection full of military-inspired fashion. Jackets with exaggerated epaulets, gold buttons galore and skinny pants that cost about a month's rent were just a few staple items.
In the seven years since, the military trend has held strong in the fashion firmament. Designers like Victoria Beckham and Burberry's Christopher Bailey added some militaristic panache to their fall 2012 collections with dark green hues and bomber jackets. Whether it's a new take on the army jacket, varying shades of olive green or utilitarian boots, we think the style is here to stay. Not ready to suit up? Never fear: There are various ways to wear this trend without letting it wear you. The key here is to remember that it's not all about camouflage. Rather, think of the feminine twist on the style. Women who served in World War II wore fitted jackets that nipped in at the waist, and below-the-knee skirts that skimmed their lower bodies.
Here, 12 stars who've sported the military-style trend. Plus, we've included a few tips on how to wear the look, as well a few shoppable items that will have you whistling the tune to "You're In The Army Now." Best of all, there's no need to spend an arm and a leg when you can just hit your local army-navy store.
