For as long as our country has held the celebrity in such high esteem, they have ultimately been incredible starters of some major fashion trends that have stuck within the minds and activities of a very impressionable overall American society.  Their established presence in television, movies, and media have had a profound impact on the way “common” individuals think in regards to everything from political viewpoints and a wide array of foreign and domestic policies.  With such incredible amounts of exposure and widespread popularity, it’s hard for the everyday individual to resist the powerful temptation to try to emulate the styles of those who are notably more rich, powerful, and influential throughout society.

Whether they are seen being adorned by Britney Spears, as she engages in an all-out, upscale, shopping spree, or to a lesser known, yet emerging Hollywood star, one fashion trend that has emerged is the casual wearing of all types of military clothing.  The wearing if newer military clothing to authentic, or vintage, military clothing has most certainly taken off recently and has become a popular line of product for the more common person to purchase.  From military-inspired flight jackets and military camouflage fatigues to cargo pants and combat boots, it clearly hasn’t been just one article of military clothing that has been adopted into the fashion wardrobe of even the most influential in our country, and this reaches to our neighboring countries, as well as, those who live in countries overseas.

From humble military beginnings, why exactly has the adoption of military clothing into one’s fashion clothing line become so commonplace?  For what reason do fans of those celebrities want to follow their example and wear these battered, and beat-up, military articles of clothing?

Firstly, the adoption of these trends in military clothing  inherently lends themselves to great variation and expression.  Military camouflage can come in all different types of colors, and flavors, that can perfectly highlight, or accent, other pieces of clothing.  Whether mixed and matched with a vintage t-shirt, or it’s inverse set of casual cargo pants, its no wonder that such a trend has really caught on in American Society.  This application is seemingly effortless: giving any individual a more rugged hardy look, without sacrificing that much sought after impressionable appeal.  Now, fashion statements can be made by just about anyone, and, to the relief of some, more easily understood, adaptable, and oftentimes inexpensive.

Secondly, a brief glance at the history of Hollywood, and influential past celebrities and stars, will most certainly provide clues in regards to certain individuals’ direct preference for this specific kind of garb, and military clothing.  It was actually accepted as commonplace that, compared to now, many Hollywood legends were actually involved in our United States’ Armed Forces in one way, or another.  Many of these revered celebrities actually experienced service to their country long before the barrage of stardom engulfed them, or they became constantly photographed subjects of paparazzi interest. 

The examples do not stop with Elvis Presley, but, instead, many of our country’s early celebrities actually took great pride in this military service.  Set forth as national icons, and role models, for their tremendous success in the various arenas of acting and singing, in particular, they further became heroes for their incredible patriotism even in the most difficult times that our country faced.  While being held in such high esteem, their bravery and support of their country were naturally heartland qualities that many Americans wanted to emulate, even to the extent of imitating their military clothing look and style.