Men's military fashion trend 2010F

The 1980s fashion revival is coming to a close. But the revival on earlier periods, particularly from the 1930s and 1940s, remains popular. So what to do then with the military fashion trend which has proved the stalwart of fashionisers' wardrobes for the past 2 years? Evolve it. Play down the over-the-top glam pieces taken directly from the 80s, and infuse the historical military look with something far more classic, far more relevant to 2010 / 2011 fashion. Introducing the Autumn (Fall) / Winter 2010 evolution of the men's military clothing trend.

For King and Country

The men's military fashion trend is nothing new to us. Revived in 2008/2009 as part of a larger 1980s revival it had, to date, the flamboyant style popularised by the likes of Adam Ant. Not so forAutumn (Fall) / 2010. Ant, in turn, had taken his inspiration from a time when the European superpowers were at their peak, and military uniforms were less about functionality and more about how grand your country was.

The 1980s fashion revival is, however, on the wane. A new decade calls for a new swatch, and the focus on subtlety and quality that I hope will shape the next decade of men's fashion will see the men's military trend evolve in 2010 to be far more articulate.

So if the inspiration no longer comes from the 1980s, then when? The Second World War. An era of rationing, clean cuts, functionality, and, of course, the dapper gentleman off to fight for King and Country.

Key Pieces

If you intend to indulge in the 2010 / 2011 interpretation of the men's military fashion trend there are two key pieces you'll need:

1. A greatcoat. Colour choices here sit strongest with Army green and Navy / Air Force navy hues. The greatcoat can be single or double-breasted, and should be detailed with brass buttons. For genuine authenticity, find some antique buttons on eBay and pull out a needle and thread, or simply purchase a vintage piece and have the cut altered accordingly. Further, the greatcoat can be belted or unbelted: it needs only to have a fitted waist.


2. Aviator boots with shearling

It's worth nothing that shearling can also be applied to the collar of a greatcoat or an aviator jacket, particularly if you're trending towards the fighter ace look. Be cautious about moving into the realm of costuming however: being on trend doesn't translate to looking like you're off to a fancy dress party dressed as the Red Baron.

For more styling tips and pictures, view the gallery at the bottom of this trend report.

Other Trends To Wear It With

One of the great things about this trend is that it is made to be functional; after all, it comes from a era when people could frequently be heard to say "there's a war on!" Thus the trend can be worn with many a toned down piece, particularly darker colours. As an example, in the trouser department look for solid coloured pants or darker denim. For a touch of flair, look for shiny trousers.

For greatest effect be sure to turn to either of the key 2010 men's hairstyles: the classic part or the fringe. While the fringe adds a very youthful quality to the look, I'd recommend choosing between the two based solely on what suits your facial shape and hair.

Who Designed It / Where To Buy It

On the Autumn / Fall 2010 catwalks there is one designer who reigned supreme when it came to this new interpretation of the men's military fashion trend: Christopher Bailey. His work for theBurberry Autumn (Fall) 2010 catwalk was second to none.

New pieces aside, don't forget that the Second World War was almost in the middle of the last century. Therefore, it's not all that hard to find vintage pieces from that era to infuse into your wardrobe.

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Posted in: A/W 2010, FASHION, MILITARY