Join Fashion’s Military Army

The international catwalks saw an injection of military influences for spring/summer 2015, from Gucci to Marc Jacobs. This doesn't mean you need to dress like Destiny's Child in the Survivor video (although what a look that was); infiltrating army nods can be a subtle affair.

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It's a murky business this military trend, but allow us to help with this six-point guide:

Epaulettes are the easy way in

Scared of wearing a boiler suit? Try a shirt with epaulettes and tuck it into a leather mini skirt, army-inspired but still feminine.

The parka is still your essential

When fashion rediscovers an item that mixes practicality with relaxed chic, it clings onto them as these are rare and precious finds - step forward the parka and the more durable the better. Etre Cecile has a luxe navy version, while Parka London has a perennial khaki style. Wear with a sequinned mini skirt so you don't look as if you're in full army regalia.

Beware Timberlands

Steer clear of Timberlands; the only people who ever looked good in those were Biggie Smalls, and Rihanna (sometimes). A chunky leather ankle boot is good - they should look hardy and tough - and worn with skinnies or little dresses as it gets warmer.

Mix your fabrics and textures

Good military-inspired style is about teaming hardy fabrics such as heavy cottons and waterproofs with silks, chiffons and soft merino wool. Wear your parka with a silk slip dress and biker boots for a girly take on tomboy chic; or your leather mini with a chunky cable knit jumper.

No one needs to wear head-to-toe khaki

Military styles tend to veer towards khaki (trust us, we've looked), but don't forget to mix it up with navy, black, grey and maroon too. Otherwise you'll look like a tree.

Do investigate your nearest army surplus shop

Yes Topshop, Zara and Asos are full of military-inspired gems, but there isn't nothing like an original. The quality will be great, and it'll look much more authentic than something from the high street. We recommend Golding Surplus in Canterbury for excellent ribbed jumpers and parka coats and also Nauticalia.com for Breton hats and gurnsey sweaters in navy and cream.

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