How To Wear: Men’s AW14 Military Trend

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Military Update

If there’s one thing you can guarantee when a new fashion season begins, it’s that military style will influence what we wear in some way, shape or form. AW14 is no different.

This season has seen the trend dominate the runways once again, and today we explore the key military prints, colours and pieces that should be on your radar over the coming months…

Key Print: Camouflage

The most obvious and recognisable element of military style, camouflage print isn’t falling out of vogue anytime soon. What many thought was set to be a flash in the pan trend has gone on to cement itself within successive autumn/winter collections, which means it’s time to start viewing it as a modern cold-weather must-own.

Lou Dalton, Mark McNairy and Valentino were the print’s biggest advocates for AW14, applying traditional khaki-brown variants to shirts, trousers and outerwear respectively.

Away from the runway, brands from high-end to high street are championing camo with strong showings in the latest lookbooks and collections from H.E. by Mango, Penfield, Scotch & Soda and Nike; the Jordan brand getting in on the act with its limited edition Tiger Camo Future model.

Of course, for early adopters of the motif this couldn’t come as better news – those initial trend-led splurges are looking like more and more of an investment with each passing season. On the other side of the coin, for those whose attitudes are beginning to soften, it’s absolutely not too late to add fashion’s most battle-hardened print to your wardrobe.

One thing you can count on is that the industry isn’t ready to tire of fatigues just yet.

Lookbook Inspiration

Men's Camo Print Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

scotch & soda AMSTERDAMS BLAUW FALL 2014 penfield aw14 Son of Wild aw14 urban outfitters 2012 he by mango fall 2014 Tenue de Nimes aw14 allsaints ami ss14 balmain aw14
Outfit Inspiration: Off Duty

Camo has infiltrated every part of the wardrobe and opting for printed footwear is a sure-fire way to freshen up your current looks. So long as you keep the rest of your ensemble stripped-back and simple, you can’t go wrong.

In this instance we use a long-sleeve knitted polo and slim-fit chinos with a single-breasted overcoat for a refined yet off-duty ensemble. The pop of camo in the coat’s lining is a subtle tie-in to the trainers that won’t leave you looking like a squaddie:

  • Asos Polo Neck Jumper In CottonAsos Polo Neck Jumper In Cotton
  • Allsaints Volt ChinoAllsaints Volt Chino
  • Beams Plus Down-filled OvercoatBeams Plus Down-filled Overcoat
  • Gourmet 35 Lite Camo Lx TrainersGourmet 35 Lite Camo Lx Trainers
Outfit Inspiration: Smart-Casual

Despite not being a print suited to the office, camo does have its uses in smarter situations. A pair of well-cut, slim-fitting chinos in a muted camo palette brings the dressed-down touch needed for smart-casual dress codes.

Take a classic approach with the rest of your ensemble: an Oxford button-down, knitted tie and flannel blazer will help sculpt the look into something suitable for dinner and drinks.

Finish with a well-proportioned tie bar and some polished leather chukkas. Ready for action:

  • Topman Camel Flannel Skinny BlazerTopman Camel Flannel Skinny Blazer
  • He By Mango Camo Print Cropped TrousersHe By Mango Camo Print Cropped Trousers
  • Reiss Darcy Slim Silk Knitted Tie Wine BerryReiss Darcy Slim Silk Knitted Tie Wine Berry
  • Band Of Outsiders Slim-fit Cotton-oxford ShirtBand Of Outsiders Slim-fit Cotton-oxford Shirt
  • Brooks Brothers Engraved Silver Tie ClipBrooks Brothers Engraved Silver Tie Clip
  • Ted Baker Tolson BootTed Baker Tolson Classic Derby Boot
Key Pieces
  • Allsaints Affray ShirtAllsaints Affray Shirt
  • He By Mango Slim-fit Camo-print Chambray ShirtHe By Mango Slim-fit Camo-print Chambray Shirt
  • Ps By Paul Smith Jumper With Camo PatternPs By Paul Smith Jumper With Camo Pattern
  • Gap Lived-in Slim Camo PantGap Lived-in Slim Camo Pant
  • Polo Ralph Lauren Torrington Camo BroguesPolo Ralph Lauren Torrington Camo Brogues
  • He By Mango Camo-print SneakersHe By Mango Camo-print Sneakers
  • Valentino Camouflage-print Silk TieValentino Camouflage-print Silk Tie
  • Valentino Camo-print Canvas And Leather Gloves 216275Valentino Camo-print Canvas And Leather Gloves 216275
  • Maison Kitsune Camouflage Jacquard Cotton-blend Bomber JacketMaison Kitsune Camouflage Jacquard Cotton-blend Bomber Jacket
Key Military Colour: Khaki Green/Olive

A slightly less obvious nod to the military trend than camo print, green is set to become a key colour for AW14 – particularly in khaki and olive shades.

These dry, earthy tones epitomise the autumnal mood and complement the darker neutrals that dominate men’s wardrobes during this time of the year – qualities that meant designers’ collections were awash with the hue during the global fashion weeks.

From tonal khaki green ensembles at Calvin Klein and Richard James to army-inspired outerwear at Dior Homme, this is one colour trend you don’t want to miss out:

Khaki and Olive Green On The AW14 Menswear Runways

calvin klein dior homme richard james richard james y3

The high street has been quick to follow suit, with everything from shirts and socks to bomber jackets and even suits painted with the olive brush this season.

As a trend, there aren’t going to be many easier to get on board with than this. Dark khaki complements nearly every skin tone and pairs well with a host of other colours and prints. Our only advice would be to avoid combining it with camo – you don’t want your outfits straying into the realm of costume.

Lookbook Inspiration

Men's Army-Inspired Olive Green/Khaki Clothing Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

bal aw14 Todd Snyder aw14 banana republic pre aw14 ben sherman aw14 allsaints august 2014 florentino aw14 realm & empire aw14 he by mango august 2014 he by mango ss14
Outfit Inspiration: Smart

Separating your suits is a great way of breathing new life into your formal wardrobe. Give olive and its almost limitless versatility a shot this season by introducing a full suit or blazer to your collection.

Marry your green jacket with black trousers for maximum impact, while the white shirt and black Derbies are a no-brainer, especially when it comes to letting your blazer take all the glory.

Leave the tie at home in favour of an on-trend ‘air tie’ and accessorise sparingly using either an audacious lapel pin or more conservative white pocket square:

  • Reiss Dust Bluff Collar Shirt WhiteReiss Dust Bluff Collar Shirt White
  • Asos Slim Fit Blazer In CottonAsos Slim Fit Blazer In Cotton
  • River Island Grey Flower Lapel PinRiver Island Grey Flower Lapel Pin
  • Topman Off White Pocket SquareTopman Off White Pocket Square
  • Raf Simons Slim-fit Wool TrousersRaf Simons Slim-fit Wool Trousers
  • Paul Smith Shoes & Accessories Kirby Leather Derby Shoes 214271Paul Smith Shoes & Accessories Kirby Leather Derby Shoes 214271
Outfit Inspiration: Casual

A casual shirt in military colours could easily become your new go-to piece for the remainder of the year. This shade of green draws attention but doesn’t command it, and will slot seamlessly into your capsule wardrobe, making it a superb seasonal addition.

Wear with a denim jacket, wool/flannel trousers and hiking boots for a tactile, masculine look that is perfect for battling against the harsh autumn/winter weather. If more layers are what you crave, throw a heavyweight coat over the top to make full use of your denim jacket’s layering abilities:

  • Richard James Brushed Cotton-twill ShirtRichard James Brushed Cotton-twill Shirt
  • Allsaints Cormorant Denim JacketAllsaints Cormorant Denim Jacket
  • Reiss Taylor Prince Of Wales Check Trousers CharcoalReiss Taylor Prince Of Wales Check Trousers Charcoal
  • He By Mango Leather Worker BootsHe By Mango Leather Worker Boots
Key Pieces
  • Paul Smith Jeans BlazerPaul Smith Jeans Blazer
  • Gloverall Duffle Coat In Melton WoolGloverall Duffle Coat In Melton Wool
  • Topman Khaki Marl Crew JumperTopman Khaki Marl Crew Jumper
  • He By Mango Adjustable Tabs Garment-dyed ChinosHe By Mango Adjustable Tabs Garment-dyed Chinos
  • Asos Polo Shirt In JerseyAsos Polo Shirt In Jersey
  • He By Mango Contrast Elbow-patch CardiganHe By Mango Contrast Elbow-patch Cardigan
  • Wooyoungmi Slim-fit Panelled-collar Cotton ShirtWooyoungmi Slim-fit Panelled-collar Cotton Shirt
  • Acne Studios Selo Bomber Jacket 207073Acne Studios Selo Bomber Jacket 207073
  • Acne Studios Canada Oversized Brushed-lambswool ScarfAcne Studios Canada Oversized Brushed-lambswool Scarf
Key Pieces: Military Boots

Regardless of current trends, a sturdy pair of boots should be top of your winter wish list – if you haven’t invested already. Footwear is always something that’s definitely worth spending that bit extra on, and practical, well-made boots are something you’ll live in when the weather inevitably worsens.

Military-style boots had a fleeting menswear moment a few years back and unfortunately became a mainstay of UK boy bands – however, the silhouette is back in vogue this season with a new mature approach. Long gone are the days of tucking spray-on jeans into them; this year the styling is a lot more relaxed and rugged.

Skinny cuts have been shipped out for more wearable slim fits and tucking has been replaced by a neat roll-up that sits on top of, or just above, the boot.

Clearly a casual silhouette, military boots aren’t something you’re going to be pairing with your tailoring for work. Instead, style with flannels, denim and imposing outerwear for a wholly masculine aesthetic – our lookbook below provides an array of astute examples of this.

Lookbook Inspiration

Men's Military Boots Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

vince aw14 scotch & soda AMSTERDAMS BLAUW FALL 2014 massimo dutti september 2014 matalan aw14 Toast aw14 new look aw14 The Kooples aw14 Todd Snyder aw13 lbm 1911 aw14 louis vuitton aw14 massimo dutti december 2013 massimo dutti nyc 5th avenue aw14
Outfit Inspiration: Sports Luxe/Military

Consider merging two trends and bringing a little sports luxe to this key military piece.

2Some contemporary cuffed track pants paired with boots is a comfortable and cosy option come winter. If you do choose to go down this route then you’ll have to backtrack on the tucking in – just don’t strap them in too tightly, you don’t want to take the styling back to the JLS days, do you?

  • Allsaints Noon ShirtAllsaints Noon Shirt
  • Asos Wool Peacoat In NavyAsos Wool Peacoat In Navy
  • River Island Dark Grey Jogger TrousersRiver Island Dark Grey Jogger Trousers
  • Billy Reid Burnished-leather Lace-up BootsBilly Reid Burnished-leather Lace-up Boots
Current Styles
  • Aldo Leather BootsAldo Leather Boots
  • Grenson Joseph Grain Boots In TanGrenson Joseph Grain Boots In Tan
  • Reiss Pablos Leather Military Boots BlackReiss Pablos Leather Military Boots Black
  • He By Mango Lace-up Leather BootsHe By Mango Lace-up Leather Boots
  • Allsaints Tremor BootAllsaints Tremor Boot
  • Base London Victoria Shearling Look BootsBase London Victoria Shearling Look Boots
  • Cheaney Scott Shearling-lined Pebble-grain Leather And Suede BootsCheaney Scott Shearling-lined Pebble-grain Leather And Suede Boots
  • Dr Martens Triumph 10-eye BootsDr Martens Triumph 10-eye Boots
  • Maison Martin Margiela 22 Mens Black Leather And Wool Military BootsMaison Martin Margiela 22 Mens Black Leather And Wool Military Boots
Key Pieces: Military-Inspired Outerwear

Without military influences our outerwear options would be severely depleted. A host of styles we class as timeless or essential owe their popularity to the military: the duffle, trench and bomber jacket, to name just three, were all born out of use in the armed forces.

However, it’s two other silhouettes that have stepped up to be counted this season. The agelessly cool pea coat and parka are set to reclaim their mantle as cold-weather must-haves.

The Parka

A favourite among both the mods and military alike, this all-purpose winter coat will keep you protected no matter what mother nature throws at you. If you’re searching for a silhouette that you can rely on every day of the week, you needn’t look further than the parka.

There isn’t a particularly prevailing design for AW14. Fishtail or fur-lined Arctic styles can both be considered, just as long as they’re not too lightweight – keep unlined versions for the transitional season.

Parka Lookbook

Men's Parka Jacket Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

j crew aw14 he by mango fall 2014 massimo dutti aw13 bellfield aw14 burton aw13 Woolrich John Rich & Bros aw13 drykorn ss14 h&m aw13 reiss aw14
Outfit Inspiration: Mod-Inspired

Take a nod from the mods when incorporating this military item into your outfits by combining it with your work suit for the morning commute.

Slip the parka on over a timeless grey textured version and ground the look with some smart leather Derby boots. A substantial synthetic sole is essential for staying sure-footed when the weather turns – a cast and crutches have never been stylish accessories:

  • Reiss Barney B Two Tone Modern Blazer GreyReiss Barney B Two Tone Modern Blazer Grey
  • Reiss Barney T Two Tone Modern Trousers GreyReiss Barney T Two Tone Modern Trousers Grey
  • Asos Quilted Parka JacketAsos Quilted Parka Jacket
  • Topman Ben Sherman Ohns Oxblood 4 Eye Derby BootsTopman Ben Sherman Ohns Oxblood 4 Eye Derby Boots
Key Styles
  • Topman Navy Heavyweight Parka<img

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