Brian Maynor November 14, 2013

Monday we celebrated Veterans Day.  A day honoring all men and women who haveserved in the armed forces, while across the world other countriescelebrate Remembrance Day; Armistice Day and the end of World War I,which occurred on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in1918.

The influence and impact of the military can be seenacross many platforms, but today we are going to focus on fashion.  Foryears the military theme and style have been a staple in the fashionindustry, and here are a few current ways to incorporate the trend inyour office wardrobe:

1.    Overcoat.  What wardrobe would be complete without a double-breasted wool overcoat?  None if you askme.  This is not only a wardrobe pillar it is one of the longest lasting carryovers of military influence.  Also called an officer’s coat thisis an easy and versatile way to show your military support.

2.    Blazer.  Growing in popular culture over the past couple of years, the military blazeris less subtle homage to the military.  This blazer will have epaulettes and flap pockets on both the chest and hips.  With the metal buttonsand extra details it is easy to pull this jacket off casually, but itcan be worn more formally.  Paired with a shirt and tie this is a greatway to break up your everyday office routine.

3.    Lace-up boots.  One of my favorite types of footwear, a pair of lace-up boots is apopular way to add some structure to your footwear.  Sturdy, refined and high-gloss these boots work great with any pair of slacks, especiallyon days when you need a little extra psychosomatic fortitude.

4.    Color Palette.  You can’t think about military fashion without visualizing army green.Often a flat, olive green, this is one of those colors you may not beable to describe, but you know it when you see it.  I like to think ofit more as a range of colors rather than one specific color.  Navy isanother popular military color that features heavily this season,particularly with outwear.

5.    Studs.  Studdedaccessories and garments are a relatively new trend and are not a direct relation to military dress, but they remind me of the metal buttonsused on military coats and a great way to evoke reference to the style.

To me there can be no higher praise than imitation.  Whether you choose to don an actual captains jacket or infer the style with a studdedhandbag, incorporating military inspired pieces into your wardrobe is amust this season.  This is one trend that has clearly become a permanent style. 

Click on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].   Also find each of these storyboards athttp://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches inthe Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIANMAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consultingservices. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earthpersonality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations;modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; recordlabels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashionblogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trustedand recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education andtraining as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee,and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows,expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands likeBanana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach isinnovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.