Words + Styling ~ By Lyle Eero ~ 11 November 2016
 e owe much — from our very freedom through many of the style staples that we now turn to and wear on a daily basis — to the armed forces and its various (specialized) militaristic branches. An eternal debt, as it were, that should be respectfully paid in not only unified silence but also humble salute and solemn honour come every Remembrance Day (Armistice Day in the U.K./ Veteran's Day in the U.S.A.) by one and all. |
In that regard, every gentleman should make it his sole mission to go out of his way to ensure that all due (and proper) respects are paid to those — from nameless unsung heroes to relatives alike — who have dutifully fought, sacrificed, and given (or continue to lay) their lives in the line of fire in due course of providing the freedoms we often take for granted, the cultural inclusivity that we still strive for, and the safety we all value.
That means, of course, for the modern sarotrialst of wearing not only a poppy (which is a must on such a day of remembrance) but also all manner of military-inspired garb that has transitional (transcendent) merit that reaches beyond such marked occasions: think bomber jackets, trench and officer’s coats, henley’s, military boots…to name but an immediate few that come to mind and can be worn year round.
That means, of course, for the modern sarotrialst of wearing not only a poppy (which is a must on such a day of remembrance) but also all manner of military-inspired garb that has transitional (transcendent) merit that reaches beyond such marked occasions: think bomber jackets, trench and officer’s coats, henley’s, military boots…to name but an immediate few that come to mind and can be worn year round.
Be that as it may, my advice for actively dressing to pay respects (should you desire it year round) is to avoid gravitating towards any form of camouflage (which has become more streetwear staple then proper military essential as of late) and to opt rather for either one of the following two looks (or your persona interpretation thereof) with one being formal in nature and the other leisurely.
Leaning upon what is a classic military colour palette marked by muted greens, browns, and blues that have been fashioned upon hardy fabrications and finished with universally flattering cuts, both of these handsome military silhouettes (as well as military uniformity on a whole) are profoundly clean and streamlined in structure, undeniably masculine in essence, practical in styling, and utilitarian in their contemporary applicational versatility.
Simply put, no man will look bad in either of these tastefully curated odes to our armed forces — both past and present.
Leaning upon what is a classic military colour palette marked by muted greens, browns, and blues that have been fashioned upon hardy fabrications and finished with universally flattering cuts, both of these handsome military silhouettes (as well as military uniformity on a whole) are profoundly clean and streamlined in structure, undeniably masculine in essence, practical in styling, and utilitarian in their contemporary applicational versatility.
Simply put, no man will look bad in either of these tastefully curated odes to our armed forces — both past and present.
| TODD SNYDER NYLON PILOT BOMBER || TOPMAN NAVY WOOL BLEND SKINNY CHINO || TODD SNYDER HEAVY STITCH CREWNECK JUMPER || TIMEX EXPEDITION CHRONOGRAPH || TRICKER’S LIMITED EDITION LEATHER BROGUE BOOT On the casual hand, an aviator bomber that is fashioned in the colour of the season — green — is something that has deep military roots, looks smashing on any gent, and affords a great deal of warmth to its bearer when worn on (what may well be) a brisk autumn morning as you stand in a salute of sombre silence whilst paying your respects as the clock rings in the 11th hour on November 11th. Forged in the cockpit of conflict and borne out of functional necessity, the pilot aviator jacket (originally fashioned in leather; here in a military grade nylon and 100% Melton wool blend) is purposefully cropped to comfortably sit upon ones waist (for sitting in the cockpit) and arrives boasting a thick (and warming) shearling collar that is proportionately juxtaposed by a flattering slim fit — both active and ruggedly sportive in its innovative spirit. Pairing perfectly with a camel heavy stitch crewneck jumper, navy (wool) skinny chinos, a chronograph watch, and a pair of fanciful brogue cap-toed military-inspired boots, it is — in reflective totality — a look in which form follows function and where a unison between what is a respectful uniformed armed forces homage meets that of a transitionally viable modern aesthetic. |
| POLO RALPH LAUREN WOOL TWILL SPORT COAT || INDOCHINO WHITE DOBBY TWIL SHIRT || TOPMAN GREY WOOL TROUSERS || CHURCH’S BLACK POLISHED OXFORDS On the other end of the spectrum (and opposite hand as it were), a tailored camelhair officer’s coat — whose fabrication is richly luxurious yet extremely practical and durable — anchored by grey (pleated) wool trousers, a white twill dress shirt and a tonally accentuating regimented tie that is topped off with a navy sport coat/blazer (with natural shoulders and gold buttons) and black polished oxfords will bring a touch of sophisticated military uniformity to your daily style rotation that looks as good sported to the office as it ever could (with a few alternative components thrown in here-and-there) upon the battle field. The officer’s coat in particular, which is finely finished with horn buttons and two front patch and vertical slit chest pockets each, is a statement making piece that is innately imbued with both rugged militaristic panache and tailored formal aptitude. As for the rest of the accompanying pieces, they are all wardrobe staples every gentleman of considered style should already have at his creative disposal and be comfortable wearing whether in any manner. |
Share your thoughts…
What military pieces hold sway over you or do you turn to on a (near) daily basis to attire yourself?
Chime in below (or via social media) to share your opinions or to open a discussion…
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