How to Use Epaulettes to Add a Sense of History to Your Attire

by

A Definitive Guide to Using Epaulettes to Add a Sense of History to Your Attire

Epaulettes are more than just decorative shoulder pieces; they are sartorial echoes of a bygone era, silent narrators of military heritage, and potent symbols of rank and authority. In the world of modern fashion, they offer a unique opportunity to inject your personal style with a sense of history, a touch of regimental rigor, and a powerful dose of architectural detail. This guide will walk you through the practical, actionable steps to incorporate epaulettes into your wardrobe, transforming your everyday attire into something with a story.

This isn’t about wearing a costume. It’s about a conscious, deliberate choice to borrow a design element steeped in tradition and repurpose it for contemporary expression. We’ll move beyond the basics of what an epaulette is and dive deep into the how-to, providing you with a playbook for integrating this powerful accessory with style and sophistication.

The Foundation: Understanding the Anatomy of an Epaulette

Before you can style them, you need to understand them. Epaulettes are not a monolith; they come in a variety of forms, each with its own history and visual impact. Familiarizing yourself with these types is the first step to making informed, stylish choices.

  • The Hard Shoulder Board: This is the most formal and structured type. Imagine a stiff, rectangular piece of fabric, often adorned with embroidered insignia, gold braid, or metal pips. These are typically associated with dress uniforms and offer a rigid, powerful silhouette. When using these, think of them as a statement piece akin to a structured necklace or a bold lapel pin.

  • The Soft Shoulder Strap: A more common and versatile option. This is the simple strap sewn onto the shoulder seam of a jacket or shirt, secured with a button. The function here is more subtle, creating a vertical line that elongates the torso and adds a touch of military-inspired detail without the formality. This is the gateway to epaulette styling for many.

  • The Fringed Epaulette: This is the showstopper. Characterized by decorative fringes hanging from the shoulder piece, these were historically used to denote high rank. Today, they are a high-fashion element, adding dramatic movement and texture. Use these with caution, as they are the most visually commanding.

  • The Lanyard or Aiguillette: While not a true epaulette, the cord that is often draped from the shoulder board to a button on the chest is a related element that adds a similar sense of history and detail. This is for advanced styling, adding another layer of complexity and visual interest.

Strategically Selecting Your Garments: The Canvas for Your Epaulettes

The success of your epaulette-based outfit hinges on the garment you choose as your base. The wrong jacket or shirt will make the epaulette look out of place, while the right one will make it look like a cohesive, intentional design choice.

  • For the Hard Shoulder Board: Opt for structured, solid-colored garments with clean lines. A navy blazer, a charcoal grey wool coat, or a crisp white dress shirt are ideal canvases. Avoid busy patterns or overly casual fabrics like jersey or fleece. The hard epaulette is a piece of architecture; it needs a stable, unadorned surface to stand on.

  • For the Soft Shoulder Strap: This is where versatility shines. Look for jackets and shirts that already have the soft strap built in. A classic trench coat, a utility jacket, or a button-down shirt with shoulder straps are perfect. If you’re adding them yourself, choose a garment with a well-defined shoulder seam and a sturdy fabric like cotton twill or denim.

  • For the Fringed Epaulette: This is a high-fashion element, so the garment should either be extremely simple to let the epaulette be the star or equally dramatic to create a powerful, coordinated look. A simple, sleeveless black dress or a sleek leather jacket provides a minimalist backdrop. For a more avant-garde approach, pair them with a garment with sculptural sleeves or an asymmetric cut.

Actionable Techniques for Integrating Epaulettes into Your Attire

Now we get to the core of the matter: the practical steps to make this work. These are not just suggestions; they are a series of deliberate actions that will transform your approach to styling with epaulettes.

1. The Single Epaulette Accent

Instead of a matching pair, use a single epaulette on one shoulder. This is a subtle yet powerful statement that modernizes the traditional look.

  • Concrete Example: Attach a single, hard shoulder board with a small, metallic insignia to the left shoulder of a simple, black crewneck sweater. The contrast between the rigid, formal accessory and the soft, casual knit creates a dynamic tension. This works best with solid colors and a minimalist aesthetic.

2. The Mismatched Material Play

Combine an epaulette of one material with a garment of a completely different texture. This creates an interesting visual and tactile contrast.

  • Concrete Example: Sew a vintage, military-style epaulette with gold braid and embroidery onto the shoulder of a raw denim jacket. The rugged, unrefined texture of the denim is elevated by the intricate, formal detail of the epaulette. This also works well with a leather jacket and a fabric epaulette.

3. The Color Coordination Strategy

Use color to either make the epaulette stand out or to blend it seamlessly into the outfit.

  • To Stand Out: Attach a white, fringed epaulette to a navy blue or black dress. The bright color and movement will be the focal point of the entire outfit, drawing the eye upwards.

  • To Blend In: Find an epaulette in a color that is a slightly different shade of your garment. For example, a dark olive green soft shoulder strap on a lighter olive utility jacket. This creates a subtle, tone-on-tone effect that adds depth without being ostentatious.

4. The Layering Technique

Integrate epaulettes into a layered outfit to add an unexpected detail that is revealed as you move.

  • Concrete Example: Wear a crisp, button-down shirt with built-in soft shoulder straps under a simple blazer. Leave the blazer unbuttoned so the straps are visible as you walk or sit. This provides a glimpse of the detailed layering without being overt. The epaulettes become a secret, a subtle nod to the historical influence.

5. The Deconstructed Epaulette

Don’t feel limited to a traditional epaulette. Use elements of them to create a unique piece.

  • Concrete Example: Take a fringed epaulette and remove the fringe. Attach the base to the shoulder of a t-shirt. The empty shoulder board becomes a minimalist, architectural detail. Alternatively, remove the insignia from a hard shoulder board and use the unadorned fabric piece as a bold, structural accent on a bomber jacket.

6. The Epaulette as a Closure

Instead of a button, use the epaulette as a functional closure. This is a creative, advanced technique that adds a high-fashion, DIY feel.

  • Concrete Example: For a sleeveless vest or top, create a large epaulette that drapes from the front to the back, secured with a button on the back of the shoulder. This acts as both a shoulder strap and a decorative element. You are literally building the garment around the epaulette.

7. The “Borrowed from the Boys” Aesthetic

Epaulettes are a quintessentially masculine military accessory. Lean into this and pair them with traditionally feminine pieces for a powerful contrast.

  • Concrete Example: Attach a hard, brass-and-gold shoulder board to a delicate, silk slip dress. The juxtaposition of the rigid, heavy military element with the soft, flowing fabric creates an androgynous and visually stunning look. This is a high-impact, high-fashion move that challenges traditional gendered aesthetics.

8. The Unconventional Placement

Break free from the shoulder. While epaulettes are designed for the shoulder, their elements can be used elsewhere for a fresh take.

  • Concrete Example: Take a soft shoulder strap and attach it diagonally across the front of a simple t-shirt, from the collarbone down to the armpit. Secure it with a button at the end. This creates a chest strap effect, adding a subtle military-inspired harness feel without being a full-fledged accessory. It recontextualizes the element completely.

9. The Textural Build-Up

Use the epaulette to add another layer of texture to an already textured garment.

  • Concrete Example: Attach a hard, wool epaulette with a smooth, embroidered insignia to a chunky knit sweater. The contrast between the rough, irregular texture of the sweater and the smooth, fine detail of the epaulette creates a sophisticated and complex visual. This is about adding depth, not just a single detail.

10. The DIY Customization

Don’t buy off-the-shelf. The most personal and historically resonant way to use epaulettes is to create or customize them yourself.

  • Concrete Example: Find a vintage military epaulette at a second-hand store. Instead of using it as-is, deconstruct it. Take the brass button and sew it onto the cuff of a blazer. Use the embroidered insignia and attach it to the collar of a denim shirt. Use the base fabric as a patch. This is about honoring the history of the piece by giving its individual components a new life, a new story to tell.

Final Considerations for a Flawless Execution

  • Scale and Proportion: Be mindful of the size of the epaulette in relation to your body and the garment. A massive, fringed epaulette on a petite frame can be overwhelming, while a tiny, understated one on a broad-shouldered coat may be lost.

  • Context is Key: Consider the setting. A hard shoulder board on a blazer is suitable for a formal event, while a soft strap on a utility jacket is perfect for a casual day out. Don’t mix and match inappropriately.

  • The Power of One: As a general rule, if the epaulette is highly decorative or large, let it be the only significant detail. Don’t compete with other bold accessories or patterns.

  • Confidence is the Ultimate Accessory: Epaulettes are a bold choice. Wear them with conviction. Your posture and attitude will sell the look more than any of the pieces themselves.

By following these practical, actionable steps, you can move beyond a superficial understanding of epaulettes and harness their power as a design element. You are not just wearing a piece of fabric; you are wearing a piece of history, reinterpreted and reimagined for your own modern story.