Military Fashions Hit the Runway

Military styles have always been a popular form of American vintage clothing. Whether items like camouflage pants or military jackets are being worn ironically or as a serious fashion statement, there's no doubt that military clothing has become a staple of the fashion scene. This dates back centuries, when military life - and uniformed officers - was much more of an everyday presence in the lives of the average person. The influence of officers and other soldiers on daily life extended to all aspects, including dress.

The same is true today. Top fashion designers have been turning to the military for inspiration for decades, and that remains the case in 2010. The runways in New York, Paris and Milan have seen a dramatic increase in the number of high-fashion garments inspired by military looks. Top designers such as Marc Jacobs and lines such as Burberry have produced runway looks that have been influenced by items such as the m65 field jacket and the protective vest.

Why are these items so popular? There are several reasons for the surge in popularity. The fact that American and other forces are currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan have certainly played a significant role in this trend; designers frequently use runway shows as platforms to make statements on the larger world. There have also been several movies in recent years that have dealt with modern military issues (like Oscar-winner "The Hurt Locker") which have put the military look and style directly into the public consciousness.

Adding military items or looks to an outfit certainly sets a certain tone for the piece. Much like wearing vintage sport tee shirts, wearing military garments send a clear message about the person wearing them to the rest of the world. Military pieces can also be added to other outfits to create an intriguing juxtaposition.

One of the best things about military fashion is that anyone can create them. The ability to mix and match different pieces found at vintage clothing websites like VintageTrends.com creates a strong DIY aesthetic and lets anyone come up with their own unique spin on the otherwise rigid rules of military dress.