The military look is timeless, traditional and trendy, and the Autumn Winter 2016 designs will make you want to march down a boulevard wearing a marine blazer and red lips.

Mix and match and browse your local military army surplus store, which just became a walk in wardrobe of sorts. Because brass buttons, rope trims, strong shoulders, sturdy starched fabrics and military lapels are hot stuff this winter.

This look can be as bold as you want it to be, with oversized belts, buttons, and a backpack for your surplus beauty items. And, everyday military diva is as simple as a dark green trench coat and a pair of aviators, made even more elegant with a sassy tote in tow. The brilliant thing about the military look is it’s versatility.

Where did it all begin:

Make up and wardrobe had a patriotic edge during World War II. Women took to wearing government issued trench coats as everyday outerwear and they became trend setters in doing so. Britain became a nation in uniform as fashion embodied the war. The impact of which, can still be seen on today’s runways. This winter, military is all the rage, worn over blouses, dapper trousers, and metallic sparkly dresses, it’s the perfect tailored equation.

Mix and match military:

These are a few of our favourite military moments for A/W 2016.

The Prada corseted military jacket is on another level of sexy, and they teamed it with a white sailors hat, sealing the deal.

Burberry’s belted dark green woolen coat with big gold buttons, which almost take on a badge form, works beautifully against the red trim details on the collar. The red brings a diverse dimension to the garment, toning it down and making it more wearable as a mix and match piece.

Marni have designed a wool jacket with an oversized pocket and matching belt, which is sophistication sorted for those who are looking to go to the front line of fashion, this autumn.

Maison Margella’s mid length military regalia over metallic evening wear and bold make up is a step in the right direction.

And, D&G did not let the team down. They have merged military and Disney together, as they do the Nutcracker toy soldier tailcoat, buttoned up and beautiful, as part of their dreamy Disney inspired fairy tale collection.

Zuhair Murai’s big buttoned waistcoats would be military vamp worn with black leather trousers.

Don’t want to wait till the winter? Marc Jacobs Spring Summer 2016 blue and white sailor jackets are all the ticket, as are his denim jackets and coats with a patriotic edge and American badge details.

The what’s what in your military kit:

 Roland Bello

Trench coats

Blazers

Cargo pants

Bombers jackets

Biker boots

Bronzer: the more the merrier

Aviators

Ray Bans

Leathers

Backpacks

Why do we love the military trend:

Functional

Never goes out of date

Flattering for every age shape and size

Versatile and can be dressed up or down

Do camouflage make up:

Macs Sumptuous Olive green eye shadow is a sultry option for a smoky khaki eye. Fab with a white t shirt, camouflage jacket and some faded jeans on a weekend.

Bags:

Marc Jacobs snapshot colour block camera bags with stripey straps are bang on target, for this trend.

Vintage military

Scour the local thrift stores and scan your grandparents closets for army, navy, blacks and and greys, as these are as much a part of the equation as khaki. Teamed with a pencil skirt, this is big business for Winter 2016.

Wear with green nail varnish. Essie’s ‘Fall in Line’ is a must, according to the brand, this serpentine green whispers, “whatever I say, goes.” Match this with distressed brown leather bags and a high collar or uptight lapel, and you are in military mojo mode.

Published May 2016 at 5Forecastore Fashion