Dua Lipa is currently leading a resurgence of the military-inspired jacket, making this structured garment a prominent feature in contemporary fashion. Her recent travels to Cape Town, South Africa, provided a perfect backdrop for her to display this updated trend. The artist shared glimpses of her journey, which blended professional engagements with leisure, including a fine dining experience at La Colombe and exploration of local art and landscapes. Central to her stylish ensembles was a distinctive military jacket, underscoring its return as a chic and versatile wardrobe staple. This re-emergence mirrors past fashion cycles, recalling how style icons once popularized similar designs, seamlessly integrating them into their signature looks.
The specific piece making waves in Lipa's wardrobe is an Ann Demeulemeester design from its spring 2026 collection. This particular jacket is notable for its cropped silhouette, vibrant red hue, and mustard piping, accented with striking silver buttons. She expertly paired this statement jacket with a white ribbed tank top from Mm6 Maison Margiela, Ann Demeulemeester runway boots from the same collection, and a long-strapped Chanel shoulder bag, also from its spring 2026 line. This combination highlights a sophisticated yet edgy aesthetic, demonstrating how traditional elements can be reinterpreted for modern appeal. The influence of runway collections is evident, showcasing how high fashion dictates and revitalizes trends for wider adoption.
The military jacket, characterized by its precise cut, standing collar, epaulets, and metal buttons, has transcended its origins to become a symbol of controlled nonchalance rather than strict command. This season, designers such as Chloé, Dior, McQueen, and Ralph Lauren have infused their individual house codes into the classic design, offering fresh interpretations. These updates include cropped lengths, novel color palettes, and innovative fabrics, all while honoring the garment's utilitarian roots. The result is a diverse range of styles, from bohemian twists to more feminine details and even historical homages, ensuring the military jacket seamlessly fits into a contemporary wardrobe. Celebrities like Sofia Richie Grainge, Jenna Ortega, Greta Lee, and Jodie Turner-Smith have also been seen sporting variations of this trend, confirming its widespread appeal and versatility across different personal styles.
On the Ann Demeulemeester runway, the military jacket featured in Lipa's outfit was presented alongside a delicate cream slip dress and combat boots, illustrating a compelling contrast between hard and soft elements. This styling approach underscores the garment's adaptability. For Dua Lipa, this jacket aligns perfectly with her evolving personal style, which often blends unconventional pieces with refined elements. Beyond her stage costumes, which frequently include embellished Mugler bodysuits and Versace mini-dresses, her daily wear showcases a mix of casual and luxurious separates, such as bohemian Chloé puff-sleeved tops, Schiaparelli bombers, and Martine Rose track pants. Her consistent accessory, a chunky gold engagement ring, further grounds her eclectic yet polished aesthetic. Ultimately, her fashion choices reinforce the idea that outerwear should subtly enhance one's presence, lending just the right amount of confidence and allure.
The current popularity of the military jacket, championed by trendsetters like Dua Lipa, signifies its journey from a historical uniform to a fashion-forward statement piece. Its re-imagination by leading designers and adoption by celebrities demonstrates its enduring appeal and capacity for stylistic evolution, proving that a classic silhouette can always find new relevance in the ever-changing landscape of fashion.