A Definitive Guide to Making a Statement with Epaulettes: 10 Creative Styling Ideas
Epaulettes are more than just a military-inspired detail; they are a sartorial statement, a powerful accent that can transform an ordinary outfit into a commanding ensemble. Once a symbol of rank and distinction, these shoulder ornaments have been co-opted by the fashion world as a tool for adding structure, drama, and a touch of rebellious elegance. But how do you wear them without looking like you’re in a costume? This guide will take you through ten creative, practical, and highly-stylable ideas to master the art of the epaulette. We’ll move beyond the obvious, providing you with actionable advice and concrete examples to ensure you’re making a statement, not just wearing a trend.
The key to styling epaulettes lies in balance. They draw attention to the shoulders, creating a strong silhouette. The rest of the outfit should either complement this strength or provide a soft counterpoint. This is a detail that demands attention, so the rest of your look should be carefully considered to avoid an overly busy or theatrical appearance.
1. The Modern Minimalist: Subtlety is the New Strength
For those who believe less is more, epaulettes can be a powerful, yet understated, accent. The goal here is not to dominate the outfit, but to provide a subtle, architectural detail that elevates the entire look.
How to do it:
- Choose monochromatic pieces. Start with a single color palette, such as all black, navy, or camel. This creates a clean, uninterrupted canvas for the epaulettes to shine.
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Select a garment with tonal epaulettes. The epaulettes should be the same color as the fabric of the jacket or top. This prevents them from shouting for attention and instead allows them to function as a quiet, textural element. Think of a black wool blazer with black leather epaulettes, or a navy trench coat with navy fabric epaulettes.
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Pair with simple silhouettes. Avoid ruffles, excessive hardware, or busy prints elsewhere. Straight-leg trousers, a classic pencil skirt, or a simple A-line dress will keep the focus on the sleek lines of the shoulders.
Concrete Example: A crisp, white poplin shirt with white cotton epaulettes, styled with tailored beige trousers and white leather loafers. The epaulettes are an integrated part of the shirt’s design, adding a hint of military precision without overpowering the minimalist aesthetic. The overall effect is polished, modern, and confidently understated.
2. The High-Fashion Contradiction: Softness Meets Structure
This approach plays with contrast, pitting the sharp, structured lines of the epaulettes against soft, flowing fabrics. It’s a dynamic and visually interesting way to style this detail, creating a sophisticated tension in the outfit.
How to do it:
- Find a structured piece with epaulettes. A blazer, a denim jacket, or a military-inspired coat are ideal candidates. The epaulettes on these items naturally emphasize their strong form.
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Layer with a contrasting texture or silhouette. The key is to introduce a soft, fluid element. Think of a structured black blazer with epaulettes worn over a flowing silk slip dress, or a crisp trench coat with epaulettes over a delicate lace top.
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Keep accessories minimal. Let the textural contrast be the main event. A pair of delicate earrings or a simple chain necklace will suffice. Avoid heavy, chunky jewelry that might compete with the epaulettes.
Concrete Example: A structured, forest-green utility jacket with metal button epaulettes, worn over a pale pink, tiered chiffon maxi dress. The ruggedness of the jacket and the delicacy of the dress create a striking juxtaposition. Finish the look with ankle boots to ground the outfit and add a practical edge.
3. The Streetwear Edge: Fusing Function and Attitude
Epaulettes aren’t just for formal wear. They can add a dose of rebellious flair to a casual, street-inspired outfit. This is about taking a traditional detail and subverting its meaning.
How to do it:
- Start with a foundational streetwear piece. A hoodie, a graphic t-shirt, or a pair of distressed jeans are good starting points.
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Choose a jacket with pronounced epaulettes. A bomber jacket, a utility vest, or a parka with clear, defined epaulettes will work best. The more rugged and functional the piece, the better.
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Mix textures and proportions. Layer a boxy denim jacket with prominent epaulettes over a baggy hoodie. Pair this with slim-fit cargo pants or wide-leg jeans.
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Accessorize with a sporty touch. A beanie, a pair of chunky sneakers, or a tactical belt will complement the functional aesthetic.
Concrete Example: A black oversized hoodie, layered under a distressed denim jacket with frayed denim epaulettes. The denim and epaulettes are treated as a single, cohesive element. Style this with black ripped jeans and a pair of high-top sneakers. This look is about effortless cool, where the epaulettes are an integrated part of a gritty, urban uniform.
4. The Power Professional: Epaulettes in the Boardroom
Epaulettes can be a subtle but potent tool for conveying authority and confidence in a professional setting. They add structure to the shoulders, an area of the body that, when emphasized, can project strength.
How to do it:
- Opt for a classic blazer or a tailored coat. A well-fitting blazer is the perfect vehicle for this look. The epaulettes should be integrated into the design, not an added embellishment.
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Select a muted color palette. Stick to professional colors like charcoal gray, navy blue, black, or camel. This keeps the look serious and polished.
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Ensure a perfect fit. The shoulder seams and the epaulettes should sit perfectly on your shoulders. A poor fit will ruin the intended effect.
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Pair with sophisticated workwear. A silk blouse, a tailored sheath dress, or a pair of well-cut trousers will complete the look.
Concrete Example: A navy blue, single-breasted blazer with thin, tonal epaulettes and gold button detailing. Wear this over a cream-colored silk shell top and black wide-leg trousers. The epaulettes add a sharp, authoritative detail to a classic professional silhouette. This is a subtle power move, a detail that speaks volumes without being ostentatious.
5. The Bohemian Rhapsody: Epaulettes as Folkloric Embellishment
Think beyond the military aesthetic. Epaulettes can be interpreted as a form of elaborate embroidery or decoration, fitting perfectly within a bohemian or folk-inspired style.
How to do it:
- Look for embellished epaulettes. Seek out pieces with epaulettes that are adorned with beads, tassels, intricate stitching, or mirrors. These are not about structure but about artistry.
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Choose natural fabrics and earthy tones. Linen, cotton, and suede in shades of rust, olive, cream, and burnt orange will provide the perfect backdrop.
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Embrace a relaxed silhouette. A loose-fitting tunic, a peasant blouse, or a flowing maxi skirt will complement the decorative nature of the epaulettes.
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Layer with other bohemian elements. A fringe bag, stacked bangles, or a wide-brimmed hat will complete the free-spirited look.
Concrete Example: A cream-colored linen tunic with intricate, beaded epaulettes featuring small gold mirrors and colorful thread. Pair this with flared denim jeans and suede ankle boots. The epaulettes become a central piece of jewelry for the outfit, a handcrafted detail that tells a story.
6. The Evening Drama: Epaulettes for a High-Impact Look
For a night out or a formal event, epaulettes can be a powerful tool for creating a dramatic, unforgettable silhouette. This is about making a bold statement under the lights.
How to do it:
- Choose a garment with exaggerated epaulettes. This is where you can go for volume, shine, and texture. Think of a satin blazer with large, ruffled epaulettes or a black dress with heavy, sequined epaulettes.
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Go for luxe fabrics. Velvet, satin, silk, and sequins will catch the light and enhance the drama of the epaulettes.
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Focus the look on a single statement piece. If your dress has dramatic epaulettes, the rest of the dress should be relatively simple. The epaulettes are the focal point, so everything else should be a supporting player.
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Keep hair and makeup sleek. A sharp bob, a high ponytail, or a sleek chignon will draw attention to the shoulder line. A bold lip or a smoky eye can complement the drama of the outfit.
Concrete Example: A structured, black velvet dress with gold-sequined, fringed epaulettes that cascade down the arms. The rest of the dress is a simple, sheath silhouette. Paired with minimalist heels and a clutch, this look is all about the power and glamour of the shoulders.
7. The Monochromatic Master: Texture and Tone
While a minimalist approach uses color, this strategy uses different textures within a single color family to highlight the epaulettes. It’s a sophisticated way to create visual interest without introducing another color.
How to do it:
- Select a single color. Black, white, or various shades of beige are excellent choices.
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Combine different textures. The epaulettes can be made of a different material from the main garment. For example, a black wool coat with black leather epaulettes, or a beige silk blouse with beige linen epaulettes.
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Layer with purpose. A black leather jacket with epaulettes worn over a black cotton t-shirt and black denim jeans. The different textures of the leather, cotton, and denim create depth and visual intrigue.
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Keep it clean. This approach relies on precision. The lines should be sharp, and the silhouettes should be clean.
Concrete Example: A crisp, white cotton button-down shirt with white eyelet lace epaulettes. The delicate, embroidered texture of the lace contrasts beautifully with the smooth, structured cotton, adding a romantic yet polished detail. Style with white wide-leg trousers and white platform sneakers for a modern, fashion-forward look.
8. The Color Pop: Epaulettes as an Unexpected Contrast
This styling idea is for those who aren’t afraid to use color to make a bold statement. The epaulettes are treated as a punctuation mark, a splash of color that energizes the entire outfit.
How to do it:
- Choose a garment in a neutral or dark color. A black, gray, or navy jacket provides a strong foundation.
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Find a jacket with epaulettes in a vibrant, contrasting color. Think a black blazer with bright red epaulettes, or a navy coat with yellow epaulettes.
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Let the epaulettes be the only pop of color. The rest of the outfit should remain in the neutral color palette. This prevents the look from becoming chaotic.
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Choose a garment with simple epaulettes. A plain colored epaulette will have more impact than a heavily embellished one when using this technique.
Concrete Example: A charcoal gray wool coat with electric blue epaulettes. The unexpected burst of blue on the shoulder immediately grabs attention. Pair it with black skinny jeans and black leather boots to let the blue epaulettes be the star of the show.
9. The Retro Revival: Nostalgia with a Modern Twist
Epaulettes are a feature of many past fashion eras, from the 1940s to the 1980s. This approach pays homage to a specific era but updates it for a contemporary audience.
How to do it:
- Identify a retro silhouette. A double-breasted blazer from the 80s, a safari jacket from the 70s, or a tailored coat from the 40s are all great starting points.
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Find a modern counterpart. Don’t wear a literal vintage piece unless you can style it in a very contemporary way. Look for modern garments that have strong retro influences, like a new-season blazer with broad shoulders and prominent epaulettes.
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Mix in modern pieces. Pair the retro-inspired piece with contemporary denim, sneakers, or a sleek, minimalist bag. This prevents the look from feeling like a costume.
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Play with proportions. An oversized, 80s-style blazer with large epaulettes can be worn over a fitted mini dress to balance the volume.
Concrete Example: An oversized, double-breasted beige blazer with pronounced epaulettes, reminiscent of 1980s power dressing. Wear it over a black bodysuit and a pair of modern, high-waisted, wide-leg denim trousers. The epaulettes give the blazer its vintage feel, while the sleek bodysuit and modern jeans anchor the outfit firmly in the present.
10. The Utilitarian Chic: Form and Function
This style celebrates the original function of epaulettes as part of a uniform. It’s about a no-nonsense, functional aesthetic that is both practical and fashionable.
How to do it:
- Embrace utility-inspired clothing. Think cargo pants, jumpsuits, and canvas jackets.
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Look for a piece with prominent, functional-looking epaulettes. These epaulettes should look like they are there for a reason, perhaps with a button or a buckle.
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Stick to a military color palette. Khaki, olive green, tan, and beige are perfect for this look.
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Keep it rugged. Choose durable materials and practical accessories. Leather boots, a sturdy backpack, or a canvas tote bag will complete the look.
Concrete Example: An olive-green utility jumpsuit with buttoned epaulettes and multiple pockets. The epaulettes add a touch of military precision to the relaxed, functional silhouette. Pair it with black combat boots and a simple silver watch for a look that is both tough and stylish.
Conclusion
Epaulettes are a versatile and powerful tool in a fashion stylist’s arsenal. By understanding the principles of balance, contrast, and context, you can transform this detail from a simple decoration into a deliberate statement. Whether you prefer a subtle, minimalist approach or a bold, high-drama look, the key is to choose your garment and accessories with intention. Use these ten ideas as a springboard to explore the potential of epaulettes and make them a signature part of your personal style.