Camouflage: The Most Underrated Pattern in Fashion

Camouflage doesn’t get nearly the enough attention it should. Normal patterns and textiles like lace, floral, cheetah, leopard, polka-dots and stripes suck up all the attention and leave nothing for poor, ole’ camouflage. Which is weird because this wasn’t always the case. In 1943, Vogue was the first to recognize camouflage in the fashion world. Eventually with the war, artists and fashion designers like Andy Warhol, Christian Dior, and Nicole Miller it would become a national phenomenon.

I admit I wasn’t always the biggest fan of camouflage because I never realized how many different patterns there are. I was used to seeing camouflage for strictly hunting purposes such the patterns Mossy Oak and RealTree. According to Heddels, there are 12 distinct camouflage patterns used in modern day fashion. I was completely unaware of all 12. That was until I decided to break out of my comfort zone, yet again, and purchase my first camouflage piece. 

Tip: Pair camouflage jackets as a neutral statement piece. 

When I saw this camouflage jacket in Francesca’s, I knew it would soon be put in a bag and carried home. Don’t be fooled by the clear skies and dry hair, this jacket is actually a rain jacket. I decided to style the jacket like a normal jacket to give my outfit an extra fun pattern. Sometimes when you’re trying a new pattern might as well go all out. If you’re willing to do so, pair the pattern just as you would pair a neutral color. Pair it with other patterns and loud colors… after all, fashion is supposed to be fun.

Tip: If you want to tone down the camouflage, pair it with colors you would regularly see in nature. 

When taken out of a natural environment camouflage changes from a textile intended to conceal to a textile intended to make a statement. If you’re worried about making a loud statement with this pattern, pair it with colors the pattern would naturally be around. Colors like browns, blacks, olives, and even oranges can make the pattern seem less bold.

Biggest Reason: Adding a camouflage creates an instant chic vibe to any outfit. If anything, it makes it seem like you know something about fashion. (I’m still trying to pull that off).

By taking off the jacket this outfit doesn’t have nearly as much of a “wow” factor as it has with a camouflage jacket. The extra pattern and layer add so much to an outfit, which is why I’m so obsessed with the textile as of lately. Don’t let a new pattern freak you out, you’ll rock it just like you rock your classic stripes.

Have I convinced you that you need camouflage in your life? Here are five options that I’m obsessed with. I currently own the American Eagle jeans but I’m seriously eyeing the other four items. I mean the jacket from J.Crew… 

J.Crew Jacket,  Aerie Leggings (sale),    Express Shirt,     Lulu T-shirt,     AE Jeans (sale)

What do you think about camouflage? Do you own any camouflage or would you? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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