We can thank military outfitters for inspiring generations of fashion designers, who have adapted the colors, boxy shapes, precision tailoring and utilitarian pockets typical to fighting uniforms time and again for civilian consumption. For spring 2015, Marc Jacobs and No. 21 embraced the colors and shapes of army dressing, and J Brand offered up many more inspired options for pre-fall. On the fall 2015 runways, olive and army green proved popular once again, though the silhouettes were not always distinctly military.

Seasonal trends aside, there is no better time to incorporate military-inspired pieces into one's wardrobe than the temperamental summer months. They lend themselves to layering (vests over collared shirts, vests over tees) and are often made from cotton or lightweight technical fabrics. For those not inclined to wear head-to-toe fashion fatigues, take military-inspired one piece at a time and balance it with girlier pieces, like a frilly white blouse or a pair of sexy heels.

See below for 10 utilitarian pieces to wear now. 

Pants

Left: Marc by Marc Jacobs suspender pants, $358, available at Stylebop.
Right: Topshop pants, $68, available at Topshop. 

Jumpsuits

Left: Abercrombie & Fitch jumpsuit, $78, available at Abercrombie & Fitch. 
Right: Band of Outsiders jumpsuit, $339 (from $565), available at Shopbop.

Tops

Equipment linen shirt, $210, available at Net-a-Porter. 
Right: J Brand vest, $250, available at Net-a-Porter. 

Shorts

Left: Thakoon Addition shorts, $172.80 (from $288), available at Farfetch. 
Right: Topshop skort, $68, available at Topshop. 

Jackets

Left: Rebecca Minkoff jacket, $368, available at Rebecca Minkoff.
Right: Veronica Beard jacket, $489 (from $698.00), available at Intermix. 

For more military-edged style inspiration, browse the slideshow below.

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