Military inspired clothing and accessories continue to be a huge trend this season. Whether it’s through hardcore decorative styles, or subtle timeless ones – all ages and body types can make this look work. You probably have military-inspired items in your wardrobe already without even realizing it.

This look can be embraced in many different ways. Much like the androgynous look, it will depend on how far you want to take it.

• For the fashionista – if you want to truly capture this Napoleon moment in fashion, buy items like studded stacked boots, bullion embroidered jackets/coats/vests, ornamental belts and medallion chains. It is beaming brass buttons and immaculate tailoring that will make this look authentic.
• For a more timeless look – stick to tailored double breasted coats, belted trenches and subtle pinstriped suiting with self-colour buttons. In other words, steer clear of the brass hardware. While combat pants and camouflage prints are not for everybody, they have become a mainstream military fashion statement for teenagers.

The fashion interpretation of anything “soldiery” usually amounts to multiple rows of some type of button on a garment or accessory. Salute this trend with the items that work best for you.

Decorative military coats. the two on the left (Macy’s) are for the fashionistas, and the two on the right (Nordstrom and Gap) are more timeless choices.

Voluminous cropped A-line jackets were popular for Spring and are even more so for Autumn. These boxy styles generally do little for your body shape, but there are ways of wearing them that will flatter your figure:

• Keep it tailored on top – choose a style that’s snug on the shoulders and upper chest. It’s fine if the jacket drapes from the chest down – as long as it’s tailored on top.
• Keep it three quarter sleeves – the jacket has better proportions this way and it will emphasize the length of your arms.
• Keep it layered – it’s very important to wear a longer length fitted top underneath. This will draw attention to your waistline, give you shape and re-establish that long lean line that we look for.

When worn this way, these boxy cropped jackets look particularly good on curvier body types. Don’t lose your figure underneath it all – tailor and layer for shape instead.

These boxy jackets (Urban Outfitters and Gap) have tailored shoulders that are layered with longer length tops for a flattering look.

Bodywarmers (or vests) are not just a fashion statement for ladies this season. Their sporty and urban appeal makes them a stylish denim jacket alternative for men. Their breezy sleeveless styling offers a practical solution for gents who tend to get warm easily.

There are plenty of styles and fabrications to choose from. For the best look, stick to styles that are:

• Snug – wearing this item roomy is unflattering
• Loosely quilted – thick piles of down will make you look bigger then you are
• Not fleece – fleece is good for sport and outdoor activity, but not for everyday casual dressing

They are particularly fun in colours like red and orange.

Bodywarmers look best on blokes when they are layered over knits such as T’s, sweaters, pullovers, casual cardigans and turtle necks. They don’t look good over collared shirts. This often reversible layering outerwear item is a perfect addition to the modern man’s wardrobe.

Men’s bodywarmers from Gap, J. Crew and Macy’s.

Selecting the right fragrance is not always easy. You need to live with a scent for a while before you know whether it really works for you. Fragrances are expensive and this can become a costly exercise. 

Joey recently shared a comment that is worth repeating so that more people can benefit from the information: Nordstrom will make a handbag sample of the scents that you like for $6.50 each! Forking out $50 instead of $500 is much easier on the pocket. This gives you the opportunity to wear each fragrance for several days so that you can make a more informed decision.

This cost effective and experimental way of finding your scent is an excellent way to maximize the quality of your decision and minimize your dollars spent.