Camouflage Chic: A Fashion Evolution with See ROSE Go

Welcome back, fashionistas! We're diving into the captivating world of camouflage fashion, a trend that has stood the test of time and now takes center stage in modern wardrobes. At See ROSE Go, we've always been passionate about celebrating diversity and style for every body. Join us as we explore the fascinating history of camouflage, its evolution into the world of fashion, and discover three fabulous ways to style camo prints to make a statement that's uniquely your own.

The Origins of Camouflage:

The camo print, once used as a way to help shield military equipment and personnel, has become a very common staple print in many people’s wardrobes. A color and print that was once designed to conceal has turned into a bold fashion statement. Camo print has become a pattern that signals strength, unity, and protection. It can also signify a sense of rebellion and power. 

Camouflage, originally a military innovation, traces its roots back to the late 19th century. The term itself is derived from the French word "camoufler," meaning to disguise. In World War I, artists and soldiers worked together to create effective camouflage patterns for the battlefield. These patterns aimed to blend soldiers and equipment into their surroundings, making them less visible to the enemy.

Becoming popular in the WWI era, “Militaries first used camouflage patterning to hide, not people, but locations and equipment. When machine guns, trench warfare, and aerial photography emerged, France, as well as England, Germany, and the United States, abandoned the traditional, brighter uniform colors, and opted for a muted olive drab color,” according to toprankvintage.com.

Camouflage in Fashion Through the Decades:

• The 1960s and 1970s: Camouflage started to creep into the fashion scene during the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s. It was adopted by anti-establishment protesters and became a symbol of rebellion and individualism. Iconic musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin were often seen wearing camo prints, reinforcing the trend's connection to rebellion and self-expression. I n the late 1960’s through to the early 1970’s, wearing camo and bomber jackets were seen as an act of protest against the war efforts during the Vietnam War. 
• In the 1980s, camouflage made a bold leap into the mainstream fashion world. Pop culture icons like Madonna and Michael Jackson incorporated camo into their music videos and stage performances. It became synonymous with power dressing and was embraced by the emerging hip-hop culture, with artists like Run-DMC and LL Cool J sporting camo looks. By the late 80’s and 90’s that rebellious camo trend took off as a major fashion statement. Camo was adopted by creators and fans of hip-hop in Brooklyn. Camouflage was worn by rappers and skaters looking for durable, but inexpensive pieces from army surplus shops; utility jackets like military jackets, camo bomber jackets, and camo parkas became a mainstay in cool, ultra-functional street style. The pieces were then paired with different graphic t-shirts, levi's and cool kicks.
• The 1990s to Present:Camouflage fashion continued to evolve in the 1990s,  thanks to the grunge movement and the rise of streetwear. Today, it's a staple in street fashion, blending effortlessly with various styles and aesthetics. Celebrities like Rihanna and Kanye West have frequently donned camo-inspired outfits, further solidifying its place in the fashion world.

The print continued to become more and more popular, and was eventually being worn by major names in the hip-hop industry. Public Enemy, a hip-hop crew formed in 1986 in Long Island, are known as one of the first major groups that popularized the camo print. They were a politically charged group, making music about social injustices, and with a print like camo signaling rebellion and protest, it's no surprise that the group was frequently seen and photographed in the print. Notably, fashion brand BAPE is one of the first clothing brands that incorporated the camo print into popular silhouettes. The brand was exclusive, and limited. Their popular camo pattern was seen on virtually every music artist that was popular in the late 90's. Most recognizable might be The Notorious B.I.G. (pictured above) in a BAPE first ever camouflage parka. Camo's popularity continued into the 90’s, and was being worn by pretty much everyone from rappers like Tupac and Wu-Tang Clan, to boy-bands like NSYNC, to the Spice Girls and Destiny’s Child. Camo took off and became one of the first real street-style trends. It was seen on runways and streets everywhere, and now-a-days can be found in almost every silhouette from denim jackets, leggings, joggers, hoodies, and blazers! 

Brands continued to include camo print in their collections. Still, even in 2023, the Fall fashion runways around the world were adorned with camo. It was a popular print in many designer’s collections including Sandy Liang, Philipp Plein, Palm Angels, Nicole Miller, and so many others. The print’s versatility was showcased through the designers’ styling of the pieces. From jackets to tops to full pantsuits and jumpsuits, any witness to the runway can see the many possibilities for wearing and styling the popular print. 

Knowing the omnipresence of iconic camo print, a timeless and modern option is quit difficult to find for a majority of women, specifically within in women's plus size fashion.  If you are seeking a relevant + chic wear to wear this trend, look no further...

Our Camo Cardigan is a premium design without the luxury price tag. The cardigan is a luxurious camo patterned with all the richness of Fall. There are endless ways to style it, which guarantees that you’ll get the most bang for your buck. The cardigan is a warm wool blend with naturally water repellent benefits thanks to wool.  How to care for wool. 

Three Easy Ways to Style Camo Print: 

• Casual Calm Collected: Pair our camo- cardigan with our Coolest T-Shirt and distressed boyfriend jeans for a relaxed, effortlessly stylish look. Complete the outfit with sneakers and a beanie for an extra dose of urban chic.
• Elevated Elegance: Elevate camo to new heights by combining it with sleek black pieces, such as our Signature Tunic Shirt with Piping, tucked into soft tailoring Multitasker black pants. Finish off the look with heeled ankle boots for a modern, sophisticated twist.
• Pattern mixing: Looking to take your fashion game to the next level? Here's how to master the art of camo and stripes layering for a fashion-forward look. This creates a sense of depth and allows your striped top to peek through. It's the perfect blend of contrasting patterns and textures. To balance the boldness of your top layers, keep your bottoms and footwear understated. A pair of black skinny jeans or classic blue denim works well. For shoes, stick to clean, neutral options like white sneakers or ankle boots.
  
  
• Sporty Vibes: Embrace athleisure by teaming the Camo Cardigan with a cropped hoodie and minimal sneakers. Add oversized sunglasses and a crossbody bag to complete the sporty yet fashion-forward ensemble.

Rather than throwing on a sweatshirt, this piece is the perfect outer layer to pair with your favorite pair of denim jeans over a simple graphic tee to create a more elevated look. There are truly so many ways to style this seasonless piece. Whichever way you style it, our Camo Cardigan will become a go-to piece in your wardrobe. Camo fashion has certainly come a long way, evolving from its military origins to become a symbol of self-expression and style. At See ROSE Go, we believe that fashion is about embracing your unique identity and celebrating diversity. So, why not add a touch of camouflage to your wardrobe and create your own fashion statement? Whether you're going for casual, elegant, or sporty, camo prints are here to stay and ready to make a statement, just like you. Shop the Camo Cardigan