A Fashion History of Camouflage, 7 Ways to Wear It & Link Up On the Edge #214

October 9, 2020 / 62 Comments
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Camouflage is one of those prints that people either seem to love or hate. I have always been a huge fan of this print in any style or color although I really do favor traditional military camouflage prints in the expected color palettes.

Camouflage prints are fairly new in the textile world. The print itself was designed in the 20th century to help military personnel be less visible when fighting enemy forces.

*Fun Fact #1: The word “camouflage” is derived from a French expression meaning “puffing smoke”. It “refers to a process of evading visual detection through some combination of blend-in coloration, cryptic patterning, and blurring of the silhouette.” (Source)

The camouflage prints that we know today were mostly developed during the two World Wars, but did not become ubiquitous to armies worldwide until the 1950’s. In the 1960’s, camouflage started making its way into civilian style as part of a counterculture appropriation of military surplus in an ironic oppositional response to the Vietnam War. Since the 1960’s, this military print has come in and out of fashion for street style wear with major surges in popularity in the 1980’s, 1990’s, and again today.

*Fun Fact #2: There are 11 countries in the world where it is illegal for civilians to wear camouflage. If you travel to any of these countries, do not even pack camo garments with you because they will seize them. (Source) (Thank you to Cheryl of Cheryl Shops for informing me of this fun fact!)

But like I said, I have never stopped wearing camouflage since I first started shopping at military surplus stores in the 1980’s as a young teenager. Thirty years ago, however, you were really limited to actual military surplus clothing if you wanted to don this print. Camouflage lovers today can find all sorts of wardrobe staples and statement garments in a variety of colors and prints that can be classified as camouflage.

I wear this print so often that I now treat it like a neutral. So I wanted to share a few ideas on how you can incorporate camouflage prints into your own wardrobe.

Let’s check out some of my super stylish blogger friends and how they have mixed and matched camouflage prints in some really fun ways!

1. Camouflage and Leopard

This is probably my favorite pattern mix of all time. Maybe because leopard print is also a camouflage of sorts…for leopards. But there is just something super edgy and cool when these two prints appear together.

Check out Debbie of Fashion Fairy Dust styling camo pants with leopard booties in her post, Off The Shoulder Sweater & Camo Pants: Christmas Sneak Attack.

Debbie of Fashion Fairy Dust

2. Camouflage and Plaid

Another offbeat combination of prints that I really love is camo and plaid. Any plaid will do, but I am definitely partial to red plaids or black and white checks with camouflage print.

Mel of Mom with Style created the perfect fall look with an off the shoulder camo tee and plaid shirt in her post, Mixing Fall Prints.

Mel of Mom with Style

3. Camouflage and Floral

While camouflage and floral seem to be a very unlikely pairing, there is something really cool about combining these two prints for a masculine/feminine contradiction. I just love it!

Chrissy of Granola & Grace really nailed this combination in her post, Denim Jacket Round Up. And the red heels just take it to a whole new level of fabulous.

Chrissy of Granola & Grace

4. Camouflage and Stripes

Stripes have been treated as a neutral print in the fashion world for quite some time now. A simple black and white stripe is an easy way to mix basically any other pattern including camouflage.

I just love the way Amy Ann of Straight A Style mixed a simple striped tunic with a camo jacket for the perfect subtle combination of two timeless prints in her post, Camo and Stripes-Fun Print Mix.

Amy Ann of Straight A Style

5. Double Camouflage

Combining two similar prints in the same color palette creates a fun monochromatic look with lots of texture and interest. To keep double camouflage from looking like a military uniform, it is helpful if one of the prints is not a traditional camo print.

For example, Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style combined her camo pants with a floral print top in the same military green colors giving it the feel of camouflage. She topped off the whole look with feminine pink pieces in her post, How to Wear Camo. I absolutely adore this combination.

Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style

6. Camouflage and Pink

You can see from Nancy’s outfit above what a cool feminine contrast it creates when you add pale pink with camouflage.

Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish wore her camo pants with a blush pink moto jacket and pink floral blouse for a unique and feminine camouflage outfit in her post, Camo, Floral, and a Moto Jacket-Mixing Patterns.

Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish

7. Camouflage with a Blazer

I never would have thought to combine a structured blazer with camouflage pants for a more business style. But then I saw Kellyann of This Blonde’s Shopping Bag dress up her camo pants with a tan blazer in her post, Styling Camo Pants. She has a whole bunch of cool ways to style camo prints in this post and I love them all!

Kellyann of This Blonde’s Shopping Bag

I have an entire Pinterest board dedicated to camouflage called Camo Crazed. Also, this month we are featuring all things camouflage on The Good Buy/Good-Bye Book. If you haven’t sent your photos yet, please do so right away so we can include them in the post on October 15.

Here are some of my favorite camouflage looks from personal outfits past.

Camouflage and Leopard

Original Post: Strong Like Me & Link Up On the Edge #83 (February 23, 2018)
Original Post: Talking to Dead People & Link Up On the Edge #120 (November 16, 2018)
Original Post: Inspired by Le Stylo Rouge: Cream Sweater + Boyfriend Jeans & Link Up On the Edge #173 (November 29, 2019)

Camouflage and Plaid

Original Post: The Fab 40’s are Clad in Plaid (September 24, 2018)
Original Post: Inspired by Not Dressed as Lamb: Denim, Camo, & Combat Boots (October 24, 2019)

Camouflage and Stripes

Original Post: Childhood Grief & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #120 (April 30, 2019)

Are you a fan of camouflage in civilian wardrobes? Or this is a pattern that you would prefer to leave for military personnel?

Maybe you want to try the camo trend but don’t want to spend a ton of money. Check out my post, 4 Ways to Try a New Trend without Breaking the Bank. Also be sure to check all the upcoming holiday sales and the Best Black Friday Deals if you are looking for some new camouflage pieces on a budget.

Featured Favorites

Reader Favorites (Most Clicked)

It seems like y’all have been looking for things to read and watch and do because the most clicked posts were both round up posts of that sort.

First, Gail of Is This Mutton? shared her post, It’s Those Friday Favorites! Books, TV and Podcasts.

Gail of Is This Mutton?

And next is Joanne of Slices of Life with her post, What’s Up Wednesday for Sept. 2020.

Joanne of Slices of Life

Fashion Favorite

Alison of Midlife and Beyond shared her very inspiring post, Turning Sixty-No Big Deal!! Isn’t she radiant in this stunning white dress to celebrate a milestone birthday? But not only that, this post was such a fun walk down memory lane with Alison. I really enjoyed everything about it!

Alison of Midlife and Beyond

Non-Fashion Favorite

Patrick of Adventures in Weseland shared his enlightening and informative post, Life as a Blerd. I really love when Patrick gets down into the deep meaningful stuff! I am a firm believer in sharing our experiences in the hopes that others can learn from them. Well done, my friend. This was a very powerful post. Hopefully it will enlighten many people.

Adventures in Weseland

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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May 30, 2017

62 Comments

  • Nancy

    October 9, 2020 at 8:29 am Reply

    How good camouflage looks hey! Let’s see next week what more fabulous outfits will be created with this print! Thank you so much for including me my friend!

  • Joanne

    October 9, 2020 at 10:14 am Reply

    I really like the camo and blazer look; two things I would never have thought to put together. I also didn’t realize there were some countries where you couldn’t wear camo! Thanks for the feature and for hosting. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 9, 2020 at 11:08 am Reply

      Joanne, thanks so much! Kellyann’s camo pants and blazer look was what really put this post in motion! Isn’t that crazy about countries banning camo? But I think it is just a really popular print in the US and maybe not so much in other places. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Kellyann Rohr

    October 9, 2020 at 10:53 am Reply

    I love camo and it’s so inspiring to see how everyone else is wearing it! Thanks for doing this!
    xo,
    Kellyann

  • Jed

    October 9, 2020 at 11:28 am Reply

    Thanks for hosting another great linkup. And great pictures. I’m not the one who does the shopping, but with our five kiddos, there is plenty of camo in our home. Our girls love it.

    Wishing you a fantastic week!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 9, 2020 at 12:00 pm Reply

      Thanks, Mireille! Oooh I hate when my pants get all baggy and loose by the end of the day! You DO need new ones! Hahaha. Sorry, I am not going to encourage you to shop as I am trying to be good myself (except I keep going to the thrift shop and finding the cutest things)! Have a great weekend, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Chrissy Rowden

    October 9, 2020 at 2:10 pm Reply

    Shelbee! I finally get my act together enough to link up with your Friday posts and I’m rewarded with a sweet shoutout from you! You are so supportive of your blogger friends and I’m so taking notes. I want to be this blogger thoughtful. Anyway, you nailed the camo looks and I’m especially digging the camo hoodie!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 9, 2020 at 4:27 pm Reply

      Aw, Chrissy, thanks so much! This was a super fun post to create and you know I love giving shout outs to my blogger friends! I am so glad that you are making rounds to link up! I hope all is well with you and your family, my friend. Have a blessed weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Patrick Weseman

    October 9, 2020 at 2:24 pm Reply

    Thanks for the feature and thanks for encouraging me to do more deeper stuff. It means a lot.

    I did not know that camouflage is illegal in 11 countries, very interesting. I looked it up and six of those countries are located in the Caribbean. Something interesting.

    Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 9, 2020 at 4:24 pm Reply

      Patrick, thanks so much! And I will continue to encourage you to share that tough stuff. It’s what people need to read! I think many of the countries that ban camouflage have a lot of military forces patrolling their civilian areas and so they don’t want confusion. Also, one article I read stated that in some of those countries, many terrorist organizations dress in camo and that is another reason it is forbidden. Fascinating stuff, in my opinion! Have a wonderful weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Di

    October 9, 2020 at 2:26 pm Reply

    This post has so much great inspiration, thank you for sharing! I love that you featured so many options with your own outfits and other bloggers. The pattern mixes and color combinations are so creative. Hope you have a good weekend!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 9, 2020 at 4:21 pm Reply

      Di, thanks so much! I think I was getting tired of looking at photos of myself and needed a little variety in styles for a post like this! Plus my blogger friends have been killing it with their camouflage styles lately, too! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Gail

    October 9, 2020 at 2:43 pm Reply

    Very honored that I was one of the most clicked posts! Love your guide to camo – you and I had a comments chat about the history of camo, which explained to me why it’s so popular in the US but not so much in the UK. I love a lot of the camo looks and feel inspired. Have a good weekend my friend.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 9, 2020 at 4:20 pm Reply

      Gail, thanks so much! It was my pleasure to feature your post this week! And yes, I had a few different conversations about camouflage in the past week since publishing The Good Buy/Good-Bye Book Reminder last Friday and all of it triggered my interest in researching about this print. I think it is definitely a print that is much more favored in the US than anywhere else in the world. I hope you have an amazing weekend!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 9, 2020 at 4:18 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, MK! It can be difficult to break out of your comfort zone especially when it comes to fashion. But there are certain things that sometimes you just don’t like and that’s okay, too! There are lots of trends that I dislike or even hate and they just aren’t for me, but I certainly appreciate the cute ways other people style them. Maybe you can find a preppier garment in a camo print to give it a try? Or maybe just an accessory first? You know I am all about being edgy and trying new things!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Lauren Renee Sparks

    October 9, 2020 at 4:08 pm Reply

    Fun post! I need to get more brave about mixing patterns. It often looks so good on others but I’m angsty about it. And I know blazers are back in, but my comfort-seeking self wants the cozy cardigan instead. I do have a blazer or two still in my closet. Maybe I’ll branch out!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 9, 2020 at 4:14 pm Reply

      Lauren, thanks so much! I didn’t mix patterns very often before I started blogging. This community of bold and inspiring women has certainly helped me to branch out of my comfort zone as well! I much prefer a cozy cardigan to a structured blazer as well. It is much more suitable to my lifestyle. But I love to get all dressed up as well even if it is just to take some photos. It makes me happy! Have a blessed weekend, my friend! And start experimenting with some mixed up patterns…even if you just wear it around the house at first and get a feel for your comfort level.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 9, 2020 at 5:37 pm Reply

      Cheryl, thanks so much! I never would have gone researching the history of camo if it weren’t for your little fun fact! So thank you for making this fun post come to life. Have a fabulous weekend, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 10, 2020 at 11:21 am Reply

      Thanks, Amy! I did try to say that 3 times fast and I got all tongue twisted! Haha. The pinks with camo are always so great! I like it with both a pale blush pink or a brighter magenta pink as well. There is so much you can do with camouflage!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Grace

    October 9, 2020 at 7:22 pm Reply

    These are such fun facts about camo, Shelbee! And so many cute outfits. I do like the print but I only own one camo item, in the traditional green color scheme. Hope you have a great weekend!

    Miles of smiles,
    Grace

    gracefulrags.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 10, 2020 at 11:20 am Reply

      Grace, thanks so much! I really had fun creating this post! And it seems from the comments that people either love it and have tons of it or like you, they have one piece of camo in their closets! That is just as fascinating to me as the history of the print! I hope you have a lovely weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Midlife and Beyond

    October 9, 2020 at 7:41 pm Reply

    I really enjoyed this guide to camo – I’m definitely late to the game regarding this print, however, a few months ago I bought a really cool camo cap for my daily walk (I copied off my son who had one and I thought it looked so cool). I’ve also been looking for a jacket to wear with my jeans. Thank you so much for the feature Shelbee and so pleased you enjoyed the trip down memory lane with me. Have a great weekend!
    Alison xx

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 10, 2020 at 11:18 am Reply

      Alison, thanks so much! This was super fun to research and write. And I think camouflage is only just now (60 years after it entered civilian style) becoming popular in places other than the US. And I bet you look so adorable in your camo cap! That is something that I do not own and I have a lot of camouflage things! Camouflage utility jackets and bomber jackets are definitely great additions to any contemporary wardrobe, in my opinion. And it was my pleasure to feature your beautiful birthday post! Have a fabulous weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Darlene

    October 9, 2020 at 8:48 pm Reply

    Shelbee, thanks for this post! SO much inspiration for styling camo. I mean, who doesn’t have SOME in their closet, right? All of you ladies look amazing!! And you know I love exploring the history of these prints and fabrics. Very cool.

    xx Darlene

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 10, 2020 at 11:15 am Reply

      Darlene, thanks so much! This was such a fun topic to explore! I love the history of different fashion trends as well and I knew that camouflage is probably one of the newest prints in the fashion world (even though it’s been around for 60 years). I hope you have a fabulous weekend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Marielle

    October 9, 2020 at 11:00 pm Reply

    Those camo facts were really interesting! I love those kind of facts! Thanks as always for hosting Shelbee. I shared my holiday post again because the challenge starts on Monday. I’m looking forward to it! I hope you have a great weekend!

  • Mica

    October 10, 2020 at 3:02 am Reply

    I don’t have any camo in my wardrobe! I guess I could raid hubby’s for his army gear, or some of the camouflage camping gear he bought pre-kids when he used to camp a lot, haha! US bloggers rock the print so stylishly!

    Hope that you are having a lovely weekend 🙂

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 10, 2020 at 11:07 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Mica! Part of the reason I was so interested in the history of camouflage is because it is very popular in the US but doesn’t seem to be as popular in other countries. I was curious as to why and I think it is because camo as a fashion trend was born in response to the US-Vietnam conflict in the 1960’s. And in 60 years, it still is most popular in the US. I just find it so fascinating! But I bet you could style the heck out of some old military gear with just a bit of creativity! Have a wonderful weekend, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Rena

    October 10, 2020 at 3:44 am Reply

    Michelle,

    I also adore camo. In fact, my post tomorrow features a new camo item and I’m going to add a link to your post as a reference on the history of the print. As you and the bloggers you’ve showcased have proven, there are so many great ways to incorporate a little or a lot of camo into a fabulous look. And thanks for the reminder on good buy/good bye; I’ll be sending mine to you shortly.

    Be well,

    Rena
    http://www.finewhateverblog.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      October 10, 2020 at 11:04 am Reply

      Rena, thanks so much! You really do know how to style camo in some fabulous ways as well! And thanks for the link back to my post. I will head over to read your post soon! I did receive your photos for this month and I am so happy that you could join us! This was a super fun post to research and write. I hope you have a great weekend, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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