At Last, The Multi Pocket Army Parka Returns

The khaki army jacket was never meant to be fashionable. Built for practicality and function, it was designed to withstand all elements (rain, snow, a...painting situation), not dictate trends. But fashion has a habit of reimagining the most niche pieces, and the army jacket is one of the greatest success stories. Somewhere between surplus store and street style, it became a perennial staple and has remained forever relevant.

I was probably first introduced to the jacket through pictures of Kate Moss. The supermodel was rarely without hers, tossing it over slip dresses, skinny jeans, or cut-offs. Sometimes she’d even contrast with the most unexpected pieces like satin and sequins, grounded by the jacket that looked like something borrowed from the boys. She made it look accidental, which of course made it all the more deliberate.

Alexa Chung, too, claimed the army jacket as her own. She wore it with tea dresses, ballet pumps, and tousled hair, infusing the piece with her brand of Brit-girl insouciance. For a generation, this became the uniform: slightly messy, chaotic and never out of place - whether at Glastonbury or when running between fashion shows.

And what made the khaki jacket so good? Its ease. It slips seamlessly into any wardrobe, flattering without trying, styling without shouting. The muted khaki shade works with everything from denim blues to faded greys, while its roomy cut invites layering when the weather turns crisp. It’s one of those pieces that makes an outfit.

Now, as fashion circles back to utility, the army jacket feels more relevant than ever. Oversized pockets echo this season’s love for for big bags and room to hold essentials, while its heritage roots nod to the nostalgic fashion cycle currently taking place (shoutout to Isabel Marants Beckett Trainer, the Balenciga City Bag and the divisive Alexander McQueen Scarf).

As autumn sets in, few pieces promise to carry you through the season like this gem. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most unassuming pieces hold the most enduring power.

Shop: Khaki Army Jackets

Renee Washington, Grazia's digital fashion and beauty writer, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie..

Main image credit: Getty Images