If you’ve been online in the past year, you might have noticed the rise of this military-style jacket. But it’s not soldiers or members of a marching band that are sporting them: they’re being worn by the most stylish women around.
What was originally worn by Hussar regiments in the Napoleonic wars has developed a close association with music over the decades. In the late ‘60s, musicians like The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix adopted the style. In the ’00s, bands like My Chemical Romance and The Libertines picked up the mantle. Cheryl Cole wore one, aptly, for her ‘Fight For This Love’ music video in 2009. But probably the most famous lover of this jacket in pop culture is Michael Jackson.
Perhaps this pop culture soup is what designer Christophe Decarnin had in mind when he designed his version of the jacket for the house of Balmain in the early 2010s. From there, the style conquered high fashion and was seen on the likes of Rihanna and Beyoncé. (The Balmain version even ended up back on Michael Jackson, creating a fashion full circle.)
So, here’s how to style a military jacket if you want to look more like Kate Moss at Glastonbury 2005, and less like a musician in uniform.
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With a denim mini skirt
Back in September, Jenna Ortega proved that this trend is for the hot girls while attending the Dior show. Sure, the aviator sunglasses are rather Michael Jackson-coded, but the denim mini skirt and pointy black pumps inject the outfit with some glam sexiness. Jenna sports the sleeveless version, but the look would be just as successful with long sleeves.
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With low-rise jeans
Actor Jodie Turner-Smith wore a version of the jacket by Georgian designer George Keburia. Attending the Victoria’s Secret show after-party, she paired it with low-rise baggy jeans, a tank top, and a chainmail bag. Since the jacket itself is such a statement, pairing it with low-key basics is a good idea. Wide-leg jeans (as opposed to skinny ones) keep the look firmly out of indie sleaze boy band territory. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, if you’re going for that style!
