CHERYL COLE launched a fresh offensive on the military look for her assault on the pop charts. The Girls Aloud singer chose a military jacket for her No. 1 solo single, Fight For This Love, both on X-Factor and in her video.
Luella, Paul Smith and Dries Van Noten have marched models down the catwalk in utilitarian khakis, sturdy military jackets and bold as brass detailing.
You'll find military styles in long tailored tail coat versions or cute cropped jackets a la Ms Cole that will work for both smart and casual ensembles.
This season's winter coats and jackets have had a military makeover with brass buttons, frogging (braid fastenings) and belted styles. Think pared-down Sergeant Pepper and you're on the right track.
Opt for traditional black, navy or grey for versatility or stand out from the style army with grenadier guard-inspired vivid red.
Military styling doesn't have to be obvious. Much of the military on the autumn/winter catwalks showcased pocket shirts, high-waisted belted trousers and khaki dresses that you could easily adopt into your everyday wardrobe.
Sienna Miller ditched the dresses in favour of daytime soldier chic to promote film GI Joe, posing in military-inspired Loewe canvas trousers and white blouse with piping and gold buttons.
Work two trends in one by seeking out tops with statement shoulders featuring gold embellishment or buttons.
Have fun with dressing-up box extras like statement brooches, peak hats and medal-inspired embellishments to give a salute to the military trend.
Fashion Notes
Wallis: 2-3, Clayton Square Shopping Centre, Liverpool, tel: 0151 709 1710
River Island: 9, Church St, Liverpool, tel: 0844 395 1007;
Dorothy Perkins: 38-46, Church St, Liverpool, 0151 709 2731
Hobbs: Metquarter, Whitechapel, tel: 0151 227 9336
Primark: 48-56, Church Street, tel: 0151 709 4635
