Military style jackets and coats are a firm favourite of mine because they instantly elevate even the most basic of outfits. In my last post I wore a new embroidered military jacket from Zara, which reminded me that I had this one, also from Zara. I bought it about seven years ago when, in a post-baby haze, Balmain came onto my radar and tormented me with eye-wateringly expensive jackets that I drooled over, but alas couldn’t afford. Thankfully Balmain’s influence swiftly filtered down onto the High Street and I snapped this lookalike up for a much more purse-friendly price.
Previously, I’d only worn the jacket with skinny jeans and heeled boots, so it was fun to try on different trousers with it to see which worked. I was actually quite surprised that these trousers did work with the jacket; I’d assumed that the accentuated shoulders needed a streamlined bottom half to balance them out. It just goes to show that it’s worth trying different combinations, even when you have doubts. Pairing it with these cropped trousers and heels creates an office-appropriate look that’s also on trend. Although a tote bag would be a more sensible option for work, I chose an over-sized embellished clutch to match the gold studs on my shoes. Combining the structured cut of the Balmain-esque military jacket and studs on the shoes and bag creates an edgy, but smart look. I’m not sure I could wear these very high heels all day though!
SHOP THE LOOK
Jacket: Zara (old, similar here and here) | trousers: Zara | shoes: Aperlai (these are a great budget option) | clutch: Asos (old, similar) | sunglasses: Joe’s (similar)
Linking up with: Turning Heads Tuesday, Wearable Wednesday, Style Swap Tuesdays, Midweek Inspirations, Brilliant Blog Posts, I Feel Pretty, Pretty and Primp, Celebrating Style, Spread the Kindness, Top of the World Style, Color and Grace, Style Sessions, Fab Favorites, Weekend Wear, Up Down All-Around, Friday Faves, Thursday Fashion Files, The Weekly Style Edit, Spring Fever Fashion, Hello Monday, Visible Monday, On Mondays We Link-Up, The Saturday Share, Spotlight Weekly, Thursday Moda, On the Edge of the Week, Linkup With Lisa, Confident Twosday, On Trend Tuesdays, Fashion Frenzy, Oh, Hey Girl!, Passion4Fashion, Fabulous Friday, Fun Fashion Friday, Beauty by MissL, Tina’s Pink Friday Link Up
*Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links meaning I may earn a small amount if you click on them, which goes towards the running costs of the blog.
I’m a big fan of military inspired jackets, and I am loving yours! I love how you styled it with the black, and what a great bag!
Rachael
http://www.threadsforthomasblog.com
Thank you Rachael!
I have always been a fan of military inspired fashion. This jacket is gorgeous and I love it styled with the looser cropped trousers and heels. I love the contrast of the more masculine military jacket with the feminine pieces. Absolutely stunning!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thanks Shelbee 🙂
lovely outfit! what a great blazer!
Thanks Tianna!
What a stunning look! I love the colour of the jacket and the bag sets the look off perfectly x
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
Thanks Laurie 🙂
I’m also a fan of jackets with military type details. I have a black jacket that I’ve been sharing lately that has some of those. Your outfit is lovely and a fabulous look on you. Thank you for sharing this trend and for hosting.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
Thank you Rena! My pleasure 🙂
A modern interpretation of the military jacket…very elegant colour combo! I tried on a military jacket at the weekend but rejected it because it seemed a bit dated with the badges and insignia….yours is a much more contemporary version.
– Gail
Thank you Gail. There are lots of different interpretations of the military trend on the High Street at the moment but Zara always seem to nail it. Mango and Topshop are also a good bet.
This was fabulously styled Emma, especially love how the studs on your shoes match so perfectly with your clutch!
XO
– http://www.inmyjoi.blogspot.com
Thank you Joi!
In love with the blazer!
xxx, Eva
http://www.dark-rebel.com
Thanks Eva 🙂
You’re right, this jacket is SO Balmain-esque! Absolutely gorgeous.
Thank you so much for linking up with On Mondays We Link-Up!
–Roxanne
http://glassofglam.com
Thanks so much Roxanne!
It may be a high street interpretation, Emma, Balmain’s penchant for sharp, sleek lines and a structured silhouette are clearly apparent in this piece. And very much adored by this commentator here 🙂
It’s great that stores such as Zara and Topshop quickly “pay homage” to designer trends because Balmain is insanely expensive!
Perfect colour mixing and you’ve given depth and interest with your necklace, bag and shoe embellishments – love it – well done Emma. Glad I’ve found your blog. Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
Thank you Jacqui! It’s lovely to connect with you, the appreciation is mutual 🙂
This is a fun, modern and super elegant chic-street way to do a suit look without actually wearing a suit. I love the culotte trousers and that beautiful khaki military jacket, Emma. =) Well done!
Thanks Ada! I’m deliberating whether to buy the trousers in pink too…they are so comfortable.
I don’t think I have anything like this….hmmm! I really like it on you, but I’ve probably stayed away from it because it can look so masculine!
That’ll teach me to keep my mind open—it just looks so great Emma!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thanks Jodie. I find military jackets can look masculine if they’re too buttoned up. I think this one looks better with only one hook and eye fastened to create a deep V…plus I can’t do it up all the way because of my bust!
I’m a HUGE fan of the military look – not that I have anything in my wardrobe to prove it though 🙁
I love this jacket, and the way that you’ve styled it. Those shoes are absolutely gorgeous!!
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
Thank you Suzy xx
That jacket is such a great piece! Love this chic military inspired look!
Jill
Doused In Pink
Thanks Jill!
Emma, I love the style and cut of the jacket on you! I have a military jacket I was going to sell but so glad I didnt! What a great clutch too, love the deiign. You know I love Zara, great style.. Im going to visit my brother in DC next week and we will be going to the Zara store in Goergetown 🙂 ( my sis in law) . Great shoes too!
Have a great week!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thanks Jess! Have fun shopping in Zara, can’t wait to see what you buy 😉
I love those heels girl!
Thank you Johanna! They’re definitely limo shoes 😉
I love military jackets, too! The color of this one and the button details are so lovely!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Thank you Carrie 🙂
Such a darling jacket. Those shoes and that clutch are the perfect compliment! You look gorgeous!
Thank you so much Andrea! xxx
Great jacket!! You’re rocking the military trend.
Brooke
pumps and push-ups
Thanks Brooke!
Dear Emma, you look fabulous. XO Tina
Thank you Tina xxx
Thanks for linking up to the Top of the World Style party.
I love how structured the military style looks and you rocked it so well.
http://www.stylediarybyosy.com/2017/03/color-block-jumpsuit-winter-to-spring.html
Thank you Osy!
The jacket is so fun!
Thanks for linking up with Fabulous Friday.
http://tresfly.blogspot.com
Thanks Jessica!