military

The top trends at New York Fashion Week Fall 2013 have everything to do with shimmery metallics, luxurious textures, military details, and '90s references. And that's just the beginning. Designers like Tibi, Proenza Schouler, and Jason Wu looked to Winter whites, supplied us with new (feminine) takes on the suit, and delivered our latest handbag craze by way of slim, structured clutches and crossbody bags. We've broken it down — standout trend by standout trend — so see our top 10 straight from New York Fashion Week's Fall '13 runways now. 

Unless you've put yourself into shopping hibernation, you would have noticed that our local labels are choc-a-block full of military inspired wares. A sea of khaki heralds the return of this trend, which we saw most recently on the runway at Prabal Gurung's Fall '13 show in New York. It's not by any means new, but this perfect-for-Winter look has staying power. Think classic, gold-button coats, weekend-perfect anoraks and loads of olive. The 20-13 updates to take note of? Skinny cargos are even more streamlined (loose those bulky pockets!), camouflage is making a splash in fleece and jersey and accessories are getting involved this season. Keep clicking to see what to buy, and how to wear. That's an order! 

Prabal Gurung's Fall 2013 collection could easily be interpreted as a master class in how to make a more subversive, edgy military aesthetic entirely wearable — and impeccably polished. That's no easy feat when you consider how Gurung began crafting the Fall line — WWD reports that he took a very literal inspiration point from an article he read in Time about the U.S. military testing body armour specifically designed for women, after learning that the men's gear was hugely oversized for female troops. But after you've watched Prabal's own army of gorgeous crafted gowns (again, the designer's wheelhouse), sculptural peplum-trimmed jackets, ornate brocades, and sexy revelations of skin, it's hard to imagine that this was all born from the idea of military uniforms. There are the references, of course, to power and structure — and certainly the olive and navy palette draws from those uniforms — but Prabal's line is impossibly beautiful and sexy. There's attention to femininity and a woman's body in every detail — cinched waists, slit skirts, back and side cut-outs, and sumptuous satins that flaunt and move with curves. Now we're waiting to see whether it will be Jennifer Lawrence or Anne Hathaway who snags one of the gowns to arm herself for the Oscars red carpet — and which style-setter will nab those buckled, knee-high gladiator heels first.

• Trends: Peplum, cut-outs, slits, brocade, military-inspired outerwear, fur.
• Colours: Olive, navy, crimson, gold, and white.
• Shoes: Casadei for Prabal Gurung knee-high, buckled gladiator boots.
• Who should wear it: Strong, confident leading ladies. We'd be happy to see Jennifer Lawrence continue her Gurung streak on the red carpet in the final navy silk crepe, satin gown with that killer back.

We think of Zara's TRF line as the younger, more casual little sister to the Spanish chain's sophisticated main line offerings, and despite the cold-weather skew, the November look book is full of off-duty essentials and versatile separates that we think we could make work for our southern hemisphere Spring. A sleeveless anorak would work a treat over a floral-print frock, the military toppers would make a cool night-time topper over tailored shorts and those Breton knits? Always in need. Step inside to get a preview of what you can expect in-store this month from Zara.

When did we start thinking about camouflage in the same vein as floral, abstract and painterly prints? Maybe it was the Olsen's slick take on the military's graphic of choice? Or it could've been the way J.Crew styled their standard-issue anoraks with prim pencil skirts? Think of this iconic pattern as the new way to wear the military trend now that J. Brand's houlihans have had their day in the sun. After some raised eyebrows from Bella regarding the wearability of camo print off the battlefield, I'm putting my styling money where my mouth is. The trick? Balance any army corps connotations with something completely pretty; lace, sky-high heels, sexy little shorts and luxurious fabrications will keep you from going AWOL.

For Chloé's Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, Clare Waight Keller showed an effortlessly chic collection filled with pastel hues and sporty nuances. It was all about looking effortlessly luxe, as Waight Kellar sent her models down the runway in barely-there makeup and a lineup of relaxed silhouettes. Full, knee-length skirts and pantaloon style shorts were cinched in with elastic waistbands, while soft wool trousers received the same treatment at the ankles. However, it was Waight Keller's outerwear which stole the show. An array of luxurious oversized military coats and car coats were splashed in pastel pink, blue, and yellow hues. Dresses ranged from feminine lace frocks to a silk black taffeta cutout gown. There were also a bevy of colour-blocked satchels and oversized clutches that will surely hit the must-have accessory list.

• Trends: Oversized coats, capes, lace, sporty details.
• Colours: Pastel pink, baby blue, ivory, red, grey, camel, brown.
• Key Piece: The outerwear pieces were gorgeous, especially the pastel pink opening number.
• Accessories: Ankle-strap pumps, colour-block satchels, oversized clutches, wide belts.
• Who Would Wear It: The effortless, polished girl like Kirsten Dunst and Chloe Moretz.

For her Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, Isabel Marant mixed her signature bohemian-cool style with a splash of the Wild West. Specifically, it was the late 19th century cowgirls that inspired Marant: "I love the way they were wearing very masculine trousers to ride horses with lace shirts," said Marant. That said, the designer mixed feminine pieces with tougher elements by pairing a bevy of cowgirl shirts and sheer blouses with ruffled skirts and cropped pants. The latter featured a mix of fringed jeans and a standout pair of louche grey suede trousers with red trim. Short dresses ranged from laser-cut leather minis to a silk shirtdress rendition of the cowgirl top. Shoes are always a big seller for Marant, and we can already predict a long waiting list for her newest offerings: pointy-toe pumps with cut-out details and embroidered leather cowboy boots. More details from Isabel Marant's irresistibly cool collection below.

• Trends: Western influence, oversized coats, laser-cut detailing, cropped flare pants.
• Colours: Red, grey, ivory, military green, black, navy, pink.
• Key Piece: The military coat, suede trousers, and cute cowboy shirts.
• Accessories: Embroidered cowboy boots, suede point-toe pumps, skinny leather and brass belts.
• Who Would Wear It: It girls like Kate Bosworth and Alexa Chung; anyone who craves an effortless cool look.

Milan Fashion Week showed some of the most stunning collections so far for A/W 2012. While designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Ferragamo, and Pucci were all in an opulent state of mind — think brocade, jewelled embellishments and lace — Bottega Veneta and Etro veered toward ladylike dressing via peplum pops. We also spotted an artillery of military influences and enough colourful statement fur to please every style personality. Click the slideshow to get the complete breakdown of the top trends from Milan Fashion Week now.

2012 A/W London Fashion Week showed some covetable trends to try out come A/W 2012. While brands like Erdem, Mulberry, and Moschino Cheap & Chic showed off their penchant for modern lace, Burberry and Topshop Unique opted for a military influence. Furthermore, we spotted a lot of pink hues, interesting fur detailing, and brilliant digital prints. Want to get the complete lowdown? Click to see our comprehensive round-up of London Fashion Week's top runway trends.