The military look first appeared as a fashion statement during the Gulf War. In support of troops, guys started wearing camo everything; from underwear to t-shirts, the world was awash with the look of camo. It took (of course) the women to show them how it’s done, and today the infantry look has expanded into an array of styles, colors and designs.

In the last few years, the khaki jacket has become a mainstay for the celebrity to grab-and-go out. But, not everyone seems to have it down when it comes to how to wear the jacket. If worn with the wrong top, it can look frumpy. But if worn a bit oversized, with the right top, it can fit the bill.
camo
Matching the right colors for the military fashion statement is fairly easy. Start with one piece that will be the main focus, or anchor piece. This is typically the most vibrant pattern in dark or light tones of khaki or green. Add the other pieces in neutral tones of champagne, white, black or even gray. The real appeal about infantry styling is that you can mix and match some of the hottest colors like cinnamon or poppy red and they will be your anchor piece.

Because the look has a base of neutrals, you can pair it with jeans, t-shirts or any other jacket style and it is totally ok. Just because it’s camo, also doesn’t mean it has to be cotton. The appearance of silk and blends in tanks as well as jackets brings the infantry style to a more sophisticated level. Infantry tops and jackets also have added pockets, applets, unique buttons and even embroidered patches for that added touch.

The base concept of the camo look is for desert colors, but you can look out and see some of the beauty of the desert in its varying floral colors and mountain tones. There are many shades and color combinations that work with the infantry look: camel, rock, sand, bark, clay, dry grass, and the burnt orange brown of the mountains. Golds, yellows and bronze tones are perfect accent colors that blend so well.

If you are keeping your look to the pale neutral tones of sand, champagne and camel, you can easily add Native American turquoise and antique bronze jewelry for your anchor pieces. There is a resurgence of interest in those antique pieces and Grandma’s necklace never looked so beautiful. Another idea is to blend bronze and brass pieces together in earring, necklace and wrist bands. This works incredibly well if your outfit has bronze or brass buttons. Large wrap leather belts with big buckles are the opposite reflection of a pair of long feather earrings. One is brash and bold and the other soft and smooth. You can use layers of cotton and silk tank tops in varying neutral tones and pair them with cut off shorts and a braided belt.

If you remember the colors of the earth and the desert, you should be able to put together your unique infantry or military look with a touch of your own style and panache.

Sources:
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1906083,00.html
http://respectthefresh.com/10-deep-spring-2013-desert-pacific-camo-collection/
http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2013/02/world/war-and-fashion/