MILITARY CHIC

Now entering a militarized zone . . .

There are two ways to wear the ever-evolving military look. First, wear uniform-inspired garb. Second, go camo.

We'll get fatigued to start. This is a more subtle way to sport the look, and it's virtually timeless. See, for example, this Burberry Shirebrook trench jacket, for purchase at net-a-porter.com. Big price tag? At ease, soldier: it's an investment piece!

Anecdotal evidence: Couture Carrie bought a gorgeous, fitted, gold-button black St. John duster ten years ago, and whether Vogue and Elle deem military styles "chic" or "so last season", CC wears her fabulous coat without reservation . . . and it always gets a slew of compliments!

Or one can simply wear the colors to look the part: olives, browns, and taupes. Just look at Kristen Stewart in this recent photo for Vanity Fair - officer meets pin-up girl!

Jean Paul Gaultier did the camo look best this spring, with fanciful striped tights and deep greens in abundance, for everything from bustiers to feathered skirts. Runway shots at left and right via nymag.com/fashion. Fall in!

Couture Carrie feels that the optimum way to wear camouflage is in unexpected places. Witness the whimsy and luxury of these Manolo Blahnik Sedaraby jeweled d'Orsay pumps, for purchase at Bergdorf Goodman. Absolutely fierce!

When we heard rumors of its existence and saw previews at the Takashi Murakami exhibit in Brooklyn, we knew it would be an instant classic: the coveted and notoriously scarce Louis Vuitton Monogramouflage Tote. This handbag image via KarenKooper.com.

As you were!