As someone whose personal style typically stands out in a crowd, it may come as a surprise that my latest pattern obsession is camouflage. I blame my affinity for the early 2000s as the culprit for my newfound love of the subdued print. Also to blame is my boyfriend, who taught me the pattern’s history and that there are many different types of camo. Whether it’s a cargo pant in traditional M81 Woodland (a symbol of ‘90s counterculture) or sweatpants in Realtree-inspired camouflage (a commercialized print developed for hunting), I believe that the styling options of camo are endless.
For me, it’s important to incorporate color (I usually go for pink) and elements of femininity when wearing the otherwise muted and somewhat masculine print. One of my go-to looks features Still Here jeans in the Outside pattern with a fuchsia Balenciaga logo sweater. On other days, I have added girliness to a head-to-toe Realtree moment with a pink puffer jacket, Uggs, and a Dior bowling bag. Back in my editor days, I even rocked a camouflage Canada Goose puffer with leather pants to New York Fashion Week. As long as there is something to balance out the toned-down nature of the print, it feels just right to me.
Read on to see some more of my favorite ways to wear camo and how you can incorporate the print into your everyday outfits.
Add Pink
I may be biased, but my natural inclination is always to pair camouflage with pink. I love the contrast of the darker print with something brighter and more me. Whether it’s a hot pink Balenciaga sweater, a metallic City bag, or Jean Paul Gaultier mesh sleeves, the combo is, and always will be, my go-to.
Go Girly
M81 camouflage is often associated with the military, so it tends to lean a bit masculine. I like to offset that with my most feminine and girly pieces. Think: pink Versace heels, a vintage Dior corset, and a cropped fur coat or a candy-hued puffer.
Choose a Variety of Hues
If wearing darker colors and patterns is not for you, don’t fear. Some of my favorite brands have offered up camo in brighter, happier hues. Balenciaga’s pink peplum shirt and a grey-and-white Marc Jacobs hoodie are some of my most-worn camo pieces. And I am always on the hunt for more ways to incorporate camo that fits my maximalist aesthetic.
