2 Ways to Style Camo + More Ideas

Good morning! I was determined to get today’s blog post up at the break of dawn since I was so tardy with yesterday’s post. If you didn’t get a chance to read about the 5 Shopping Mistakes We All Make and How to Fix Them (because I got it up so late!), I hope you’ll take some time to do that today. But first, let’s look at my 2 ways to style camo this fall and winter. Plus I have additional tips for styling this trending print.

I must confess, when it comes to wearing camo, I’m late to the dance. There are a couple of reasons for me joining in so late. One, the last time I wore camo was when I was in college. And somehow it’s just harder for some of us gals to repeat a trend that we embraced when we were so much younger. But what the hey! Let’s go!

Second, since I live in a military town, I have come to associate camouflage with the soldiers I see on a daily basis at the grocery store, Target and the post office. Somehow it has seemed a little presumptuous to don the fabric I see these brave men and women wearing in preparation to defend our country. And honestly, I’m still not sure how I feel about that one. If you have thoughts on that I’d love to hear them.

All the same, I’ve decided to join the dance, for the sake of fashion. Because that’s what I do here. So let’s talk about how to style this unique but very versatile print.

Camouflage Skirt + Sweater + Booties

First I paired a straight fit camouflage skirt with a cotton sweater in winter white for a sporty, fun look. I finished off the look with my split shaft neutral toned booties and a sporty Michael Kors pebble leather messenger bag.

Style Tip #1 – Pair your camo with a pretty neutral such as winter white or cream, grey, black or burgundy. Steer clear of red so you don’t create a distinctly Christmas look. 

I found this straight camouflage skirt at Steinmart and they still have them in stock, but they aren’t priced as low as they were when I picked this one up. I’m wearing a 6 whereas I normally wear an 8 in skirts. This skirt has lots of stretch and is kind of wide in the waistband and more fitted in the hips. It’s really quite comfortable, but in the interest of full disclosure, I did return it. Only because I could only justify keeping one camo item (see yesterday’s post!).

I also love this camo skirt if you’d like more to choose from. Plus, I’m including others in the shopping widget below.

This Michael Kors messenger bag is marked down significantly right now. I did return this one, but I kept the maroon one like it.

Style Tip #2 – Provide an interesting juxtaposition by pairing your camo piece with something lacy, ruffled, shimmery or metallic. Or add dressy pumps to achieve the same effect.

I’m wearing my jewelry from Fashion & Compassion which features upcycled bullet casings from war torn Ethiopia. You can find similar jewelry here. Somehow it just seemed appropriate to wear this redemptive jewelry with camouflage, which is often worn on battlefields.

Style Tip #3 – Wear your camouflage pants or skirt with a black & white novelty t-shirt or sweatshirt. Keep it simple, though. Maybe your shirt could even feature a slogan that is both respectful of and goes contrary to the battlefield purpose of camouflage, like a scripture about peace or hope. You might find an appropriate one at Crazy Cool Threads.

Camouflage Pants + Henley Sweater + Booties or Sneakers

Next I tried a pair of camouflage straight cargo pants from J. Crew. These pants feel great on, with lots of stretch and a high waist band. I’m wearing the 29 tall. The regular fit was just too short on me, and I’m only 5’8″, so order accordingly. Today they are 25% off with code BUNDLEUP, plus coats, sweaters and boots are 40%. But this is an “online only” sale.

First, for a dressier casual vibe, I wore the pants with my Vince Camuto split shaft booties again. On top, I wore this simple, thin burgundy curved hem sweater. I’m just loving burgundy with camo, and it’s definitely a trending color this season.

Style Tip #4 – Soften the look of camo by adding a draping cardigan over a simple white, beige, black or grey t-shirt. 

When James and I were looking over the photos to choose the ones for the post, I told him camo sure doesn’t camouflage a rear end. I think it accentuates it! At any rate, I wanted you to see the all important rear view of the pants. So there it is. Moving on.

Finally, my favorite look. I simply switched out the split shaft booties for my Teva sneakers. The fig color happens to work wonderfully with my burgundy shirt. But they’d look just as good with a pale pink t-shirt or grey one or whatever really. And of course, your navy or black or white sneakers would look great with camo pants, too.

Style Tip #5 – Camouflage also looks great with denim or chambray. So you could pair camo pants or skirt with a white t-shirt and a jean jacket or just top either of them with a long sleeve chambray shirt.

I returned the skirt, like I said, but kept the pants. In fact, I’m wearing them right now:

Style Tip #6 – You can also add a classic cut blazer to your simple camos and t-shirt ensemble. Maybe a black or grey blazer would work best. But then again, if you have a soft pink one, wouldn’t that look great over a white tee and a pair of camo pants?

What’s your favorite way to style camo? I’d love to hear from you. If you enjoyed today’s post, why not pin it to one or more of your Pinterest boards? Also, you could share it with your friends on Facebook. I love it when you share. Just yesterday I got an email from a subscriber who found Dressed for My Day via Pinterest. Isn’t that cool? Happens all the time, thanks to you!

I have used affiliate links in this post for your shopping ease. I try to link to the retailer where you’ll get the best price and where you’ll find the best size selection. I do earn a little bit of commission if you purchase anything through the links, but at absolutely no cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work and my effort to share style tips and encouragement with older women…so we can remain relevant and influential in our world.

You gals have a great day! And, hey, as you go through your day, if you happen to come across someone who is wearing camo, not as a style statement but as a uniform, be sure to thank them for their service.

Blessed for My Day

Lord, today as we talk about wearing camouflage as a style statement, I want to pause and thank you for those who are currently wearing the uniforms of our country’s armed forces. Thank you for calling them to defend and protect our nation. Thank you for equipping them, for seeing them through difficult training, deployments and assignments. We also thank you for the care you give their families in their absence or as they deal with the unique problems that accompany that lifestyle. Please bless the men and women in uniform with courage, knowledge, skill, wisdom, endurance and safety. And give their families an extra dose of your grace.

I’ve linked this post to Jo-Lynne Shane’s Fashion Friday Link-Up, so be sure to check out the other great styles there.