Boot Camp: Five Favorite Military Jackets for Summer

Last week while I was working downtown, I started counting the number of military jackets worn by the women out on the street. There were a lot. It starting me thinking about what a trend is and how something gets to that status. For me, a trend is about something that starts out as an idea or resurfaces from the past, evolves, and transitions to different areas of fashion and the marketplace. And while we are often encouraged to not be a "slave" to trends, but rather be true to one's own style, your own interpretation of a look makes it unique to you. Like with the military jacket I saw everywhere last week--worn with denim, tossed over a dress, worn as a shirt, added to a skirt. Each look was original and each interpretation of the military jacket was au courant.

The military jacket is one of my favorite pieces for this summer. This is a look that is so chic that it can be worn with literally anything. It is casual, but can be dressed up. It is masculine, but looks great with feminine prints and silhouettes. It's shape can be altered and it doesn't lose its edge or the original feel of the piece. Here are my five favorites military jackets for this summer--sign me up!

Barneys NY Army Jacket

This first little number, the Barneys New York Vintage Button Front Army Jacket has such great details. I love the patches on the shoulders, collar and body, the drawstring waist, and zipper pulls. It definitely has an edge and an authentic feel. It would be fabulous with a pair of skinny pants, or leather leggings and heels. A neutral like a black or white tank underneath keeps the vibe cool downtown girl. 

Citizens of Humanity Kylie Jacket

The Citizens of Humanity "Kylie" Distressed Military Jacket would be fabulous with leather shorts, like these rag & bone perforated shorts, or distressed denim shorts with a higher waist, like these Jolt button front pair. Or rock a cropped top underneath it and pair it with a pair of silky pajama pants. I am partial to these Kate Moss Topshop Paisley Wide Leg Pants. 

Joie Ferrell Jacket

The Joie Ferrell Jacket takes the utilitarian air of this jacket style and glams it up. The sheen of the fabric and cropped silhouette mean it would a great match with a evening look. The Theory Remaline Stretch Crepe Jumpsuit is a modern clean look that shows a cutout when you remove your jacket. Add a pair of big 'ol earrings, like this J.Crew pair, or a larger statement necklace, which I am sure everyone must own by now....right? :)  If you aren't a jumpsuit girl, then wear it with a feminine dress, like this Cambria Dress from Anthropolgie. Its fit and flare style flatters everyone and the Joie Jacket is unexpected and cool. 

Talula Balfour Jacket

I am a big fan of wearing leather any time of year, and it is a great way to add edgy details to a piece in a subtle way. The Talula Balfour Jacket has faux-leather sleeves and comes in three colors, dark olive, surplus, or a washed grey, argentique. The leather, or in the case, faux leather details make it a versatile piece as well. Toss on leather leggings and heels for a great evening look or wear it to run errands in the daytime--it works either way.

Veronica Beard Military Jacket

Last but not least, I love this jacket by Veronica Beard. The hem in the back is vented and the piping detail on the jacket sets it apart. One of my favorite parts of the jacket is the collar zips and snaps all the way up, which is such a great detail. I would wear this with a black dress, or camo leggings, like this True Religion pair. Wear your favorite white tee, swipe on a bright lip color and you will look perfect.

Military jackets are surprisingly versatile and give your look an update that is modern and edgy without being over the top. The jackets come in olive, green, browns, and grey, although I am partial to the olive because it is authentic looking. Pick your personal look and wear it into fall--it doesn't take any boot camp training to make this look a summer favorite.