Summer Military Style: Stylish Guide for Men and Women
Born in garrison workshops, the military style has spanned the decades to establish itself as a pillar of timeless elegance. At Coulange, founded in 1918 in Mayenne, we reinterpret this heritage with summer outdoor pieces combining historical pedigree and contemporary lightness. Far from combat outfits, military chic summer draws from army archives to offer structured silhouettes, breathable materials and mineral colors. This guide reveals how to wear these codes with sophistication without succumbing to the summer heat, thanks to our French artisanal know-how.
Women's Military Jackets: Lightness and Silhouette
The essence of a chic military summer outfit lies in its centerpiece: the jacket. Our women's light jacket reinvents the khaki with breathable Japanese cotton and a slim fit that sculpts the silhouette. Its refined details - button tabs inspired by uniforms and patch pockets - retain the military DNA while guaranteeing optimal ventilation. For cool evenings, the M63 officer jacket in lightweight cotton twill offers an impeccable fit with its discreet shoulder pads and adjustable belt. Pair them with a flowing dress or linen shorts for a delicate contrast between rigor and fluidity.
Masculine Military Elegance: From the Battlefield to the City
The men's summer military look finds its ultimate incarnation in the Coulange safari jacket. Inspired by colonial outfits, this iconic piece in durable cotton features four cargo pockets and a straight cut that exudes confidence. His secret? A tight weave protects against UV while allowing air circulation. Wear it over a technical tee and beige chinos for a sophisticated urban style. As demonstrated in our article on integrating military style into everyday life, the art lies in the balance between robustness and summer relaxation.
Strategic Accessories: The Final Touch
No chic summer military outfit would be complete without its accessories. Opt for natural leather belts with simple buckles, coated canvas messenger bags or watches with nato dials. Audacity lies in the art ofaccessorize with military elements without overload. As for shoes, swap heavy boots for light summer military boots in quilted leather or dare pairing casuals with sandals in woven leather for a Mediterranean touch. Our full-grain leather officer's belt, made in our Mayen workshops, will bring the touch of authenticity that makes the difference.
Tactical Tips: Staying Cool Under the Sun
Adopt a military style without being hot is based on three commandments: materials, cuts and colors. Opt for natural fibers like ventilated cotton or linen that regulate body temperature. Slightly loose fits create natural air vents – avoid tight-fitting outfits. On the palette side, the military colors for summer become lighter: pale khaki, sand, horizon blue and off-white replace the camouflage tones. Our secret: the Cupro Bemberg™ lining of our jackets, a material derived from cotton with a silky, temperature-regulating feel.
Color Palette: The Art of Summer Camouflage
Summer invites us to reinterpret the traditional military palette. Choose light mineral shades that reflect light: pearl gray, ecru and ice blue. These shades create an understated elegance that goes with everything. For statement pieces like our safari jacket, pale verdigris offers a refined alternative to classic khaki. The Coulange tip? Contrasting finishes on buttons and seams add depth without being visually overwhelming. These military colors for summer work in monochrome or mixed with indigo and terracotta.
Summer military style transcends the seasons with its perfect balance of functionality and elegance. At Coulange, each piece perpetuates this heritage with noble materials handcrafted in Mayenne. From light jackets to iconic safari jackets, our summer collection embodies the military spirit reinvented for contemporary urbanity. Explore our full range to create a wardrobe that combines resilience and refinement, and discover how our eco-responsible commitment - a tree planted for each product - honors the land that inspires us.