This season, we are seeing a return of the army and cargo look everywhere! Straight leg cargo pants can be spotted at Luna, cargo capris are on display at National Jean Company and military inspired pieces, from jewelry to dresses, are popping up in stores all around Bethesda. However, our dressing room correspondents report that even the trendiest Bethesdans are expressing cargo-concerns. Given cargo’s less-than-stellar fashion past (i.e. Union Bay circa 1993), it’s no suprise that shoppers are wary of appearing sloppy and unshapely, or worse, like they are “trying too hard.” But, unlike the Travis Birkenstockesque baggy pants of the nineties, modern cargo can be worn with ease and sophistication. This week, Essie says that it’s time to embrace the infantry! We have found four utilitarian essentials that prove that cargo has come into its own.
1. J. Crew – Hand Painted Military Jacket – $158
How to balance feminine with masculine:
Layer this funky military jacket with a silk or light cotton shirt with feminine detailing (as seen in picture). Choose ruffles around the collar or down the front and go for colors in neutrals or pastels; the femininity of the shirt will counter the roughness of the military jacket. To avoid losing too much shape, pair the top with fitted straight leg jeans, cuffed around the ankles, and a pair of thick strapped sandals with a wooden heel.
2. Vintage Havana – Super Washed Capris – $78
How to look casual cool without looking disheveled:
Many worry that cargo pants should only be worn by stick-skinny celebrities and prepubescent teens, but we disagree! Making this look work for your body type is all about the balancing act. Women who weigh more than an Olsen twin will need to offset the slouchiness of the pants with a form-fitting top. Pair yours with a simple racerback tank for day-wear, or dress them up with a minimalistic silky top and a double stranded thin gold belt.
3. Theory – Mettie Silk-Blend Shirt Dress – $320
How to move this look beyond street-wear:
If you are still unconvinced about cargos, then opt for a less-weighty version of the military look. This light-weight silk-blend dress is sophisticated enough to wear into the office or for a romantic dinner date with your significant other. Wear it to work with snakeskin pumps, a simple gold drop necklace and a sports watch. For a romantic dinner date, swap out the pumps for brown peep-toe ankle booties, emphasize your waist with an elegant python-print belt, and layer the wrist with chunky lucite bracelets.
Burberry Prorsum – Perspex and Glass Ring – $175
This statement ring will rock out any of the outfits above; we just couldn’t leave it out! The reflective green-tinted glass will echo off the military greens of each look.
Have fun. Be daring. Soldier on.
Ciao,
Essie
