Free People / Shopbop
If you weren’t taking notes during New York Fashion Week, here’s a sneak peek of mine: Military-inspired styles ruled the runway.
And while it can be difficult to take high fashion trends to the streets—especially considering it’s another return to 2016 that requires a careful balance—we tapped Celebrity Stylist Samantha Brown to help translate and teach us how to style the trend IRL.
“Post-NYFW, utility style is everywhere. Designers leaned into structured silhouettes, cargo pockets, and military-inspired outerwear,” Brown exclusively tells E!.
“On the streets, people are pairing these tougher pieces with sleek foundations underneath so the look feels intentional rather than bulky. Shaping pieces work especially well under oversized utility jackets.”
Keep scrolling for more expert advice on how to wear the utility trend—plus our favorite styles, starting at just $24.
Stylist tip: “Designers showed a more polished take on utility with tailored cargo trousers, structured jackets, and monochromatic sets,” Brown says.
“Everyday wearers are balancing the proportions with fitted layers underneath, often reaching for smoothing dresses or slim pants to create a clean, streamlined shape. For beginners, pair a legging with a longer military jacket and sling back kitten heels or knee high riding boots.”
GRAPENT Military-Inspired Blazer
This military-inspired blazer really captures the updated take on the trend with a more polished look that you can wear for dinner, drinks, or even to the office.
Quince Stretch Cotton Jersey Short Sleeve Bodysuit
A fitted basic is key when styling your utility look, Brown says. This sleek, simple Quince bodysuit is a staple that’ll pair so well with your fave military mini skirt, cargo pants, or jacket.
Buck Mason Parachute Poplin Pull-On Pant
These Buck Mason Pants have a utility vibe without taking the trend too literally. The high-rise military-inspired style is made from the comfiest cotton and has a cropped barrel leg that’s flattering and comfy.
Stylist tip: “A simple but reliable way to nail the trend is a military jacket layered over a fitted top with straight-leg pants. If you want a sleek base layer that doesn’t add bulk, MiracleSuit’s shaping pants help create a smooth silhouette so the jacket remains the standout piece,” Brown explains.
Lucky Brand Legend Band Jacket
Toss on this chic Lucky Brand Military Jacket with your fave straight-leg trousers or jeans and stick with basics for the rest of your look. It will let the jacket do all the talking.
We The Free Noho Jacket
The metal stud detailing along the cuffs, and the panel accents that completely cinches the waist really sold me on this Free People Noho Jacket. It’s perfect for layering.
Miraclesuit Leggings
Brown recommends styling your military jacket with a pair of leggings, like this Miraclesuit pair. She says it’s perfect for everyday: “A lightweight utility jacket layered over denim or leggings keeps the look easy and practical.” Looking for a cheaper alternative? We love this classic $25 Amazon style too.
Stylist tip: “You can tap into utility without relying on a classic military jacket. Utility skirts, structured vests, and tailored dresses all capture the vibe. Cargo skirts, and details like gold buttons and braided materials give a nod to military style and can feel more nuanced.”
LILLUSORY Cargo Mini Skirt
Switch it up from your go-to denim skirt with this cargo style instead. “To keep the trend feeling relaxed, choose one standout utility piece and keep the rest simple,” Brown says.
BDG 360 Utility Low-Rise Straight Leg Pant
You can’t go wrong with a pair of classic cargos, either. Brown says to style them with a crisp button-down for a “modern, polished take on utility” that you can even wear to your nine-to-five.
Stylist tip: “Layering is essential to utility style,” she says. “A utility vest over a fitted long-sleeve top adds dimension, and pairing a military jacket with a knit dress gives the look structure. Cargo skirts, especially midi lengths, are another refined way to embrace the trend.”
Lionness Rinata Jacket
This Lionness Rinata Jacket is ideal for layering. It has a slightly oversized fit and belting at the waist that can be worn so many different ways—whether you’re going for a simple tee underneath or fitted dress.
Brown suggests “twill, canvas, waxed cotton, and crisp cotton blends” for the aesthetic and says to “stick with olive, tan, charcoal, black or deep navy for the most verstaile and elevated results.”
Superdown Ciaran Skort
This Revolve skirt—which is crafted from twill and comes in the perfect olive green shade—checks both those boxes.
How We Choose
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As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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