Military-Style Jackets

"A white church spire whistles into space

like a swordfish, a rocket pierces heaven

as the thawed springs in icy chevrons race

down hillsides and Old Glories flail

the crosses of green farm boys back from 'Nam." 

- Old New England, Derek Walcott

I find it incredible how the same motifs and themes (art and beauty, war and violence, life and religion) dominate art and culture for centuries and beyond opinions or capabilities changed by modern science and technology never seen to change much. Walcott's reaction to the draft and war in Vietnam could just as easily be a reaction to the deaths of soldiers in Iraq. And those same topics that persist in culture and political discourse continue to dominate in fashion, too.

I can't seem to get chevrons and epaulets out of my mind this season but I both realize how unoriginal this trend is and the centuries of history behind it. Afterall, military coats have come and gone from fashion for quite literally millenia. Here are some picks from Topshop, Zara, Balmain, Marc Jacobs, and a few others in the military theme.

From left to right, top row to bottom row: Topshop Military Belted Coat ($160), Zara Mao Collar Jacket with Strass ($79.90), MARC by Marc Jacobs Uniform Cotton Pants ($218), Smythe Double-breasted Wool Jacket ($595), Balmain Silk-blend Tweed Military Jacket ($6,285), Juicy Couture Skylar Twill Military Jacket ($298), Gryphon Band Stud Jacket ($495), Zara Cloth Military Jacket ($79.90), Zara Velveteen Military Style Coat ($99.90), L.A.M.B. Camo Cargo Pants ($275).

Thanks to We Heart It, Topshop, Zara, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter for the images. Collage by me.