I’m officially a camo print convert - here’s how to master the army-chic look

Channel military à la mode and introduce transformative design into your year-round wardrobe

A guest wearing military bomber, brown sunglasses, black cropped top, black shorts and fur boots outside Yuhan Wang during London Fashion Week on September 20, 2025 in London, England. (© Getty Images

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Tania Leslau
Tania LeslauFashion Features Editor
Updated: January 19, 2026
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Despite my best efforts, I have given in to the camo print pull. A design I used to regard with the utmost contempt, the splotched, earth-toned print has shimmied its way into my wardrobe, with late night Vinted scrollings resulting in a new utilitarian-tinged era. 

What prompted this change of heart? Certainly not a newly-discovered fascination with the inner workings or aesthetics of the military (of which I know next to nothing), nor a desire to go outside and roll around in mud (despite my country-bumpkin upbringing.) Oh no, if we’re assigning blame, it arguably sits with the Spice Girls - and the camouflage they wore in Spice World (1997), during the film’s mock training-camp sequence.

With nostalgia for past eras on the rise, fashion is collectively taking a moment to revisit the defining trends of the 2010s. Camo print was a regular feature in London back in the day, worn by the likes of pop princesses and teen Disney Channel stars. From khaki cargo pants to sneakers and everything in between, camo dominated the high street like no other daring design.

Geri Halliwell and Emma Bunton on the set of Spice World (1997)
Geri Halliwell and Emma Bunton on the set of Spice World (1997)

Camo print first broke into mainstream fashion during the 1960s and 70s, embraced by anti-war protesters and the burgeoning counterculture scene. By the 1990s, avant-garde designers like John Galliano and Jean Paul Gaultier were elevating the pattern, fusing practical military origins with high-fashion innovation.

Emily Ratajkowski wearing camo print trousers© GC Images
Emily Ratajkowski wearing camo print trousers

In the 2000s, luxury labels such as Saint Laurent, Miu Miu, Valentino and Christopher Kane reinvented camo with vibrant neon shades and sumptuous fabrics. More recently, streetwear pioneers, including Virgil Abloh’s Off-White and Demna Gvasalia’s Balenciaga have reimagined the look, further cementing its reputation as an enduring, transformative element in contemporary fashion.

Zomer SS26© Imaxtree
Zomer SS26
Miu Miu AW19© Miu Miu
Miu Miu AW19
Saint Laurent SS16© Getty Images
Saint Laurent SS16
Isabel Marant Womenswear SS23 © Getty Images
Isabel Marant SS23

Today, the aesthetic has been reclaimed as a Gen Z staple, peppering designs courtesy of brands spanning Bape, Praying, O-Mighty and Diesel, reflecting a widely felt desire to reject the 'clean girl' look and embrace a messier, more authentic aesthetic. After all, camo print is quite literally made for getting down and dirty.

However, it can be a challenge to style camo print without looking like you’re stuck in an age of pencil skirts and coral-coloured statement necklaces - which, coincidentally, are fully back in business following the new 2016 throwback trend. 

So, we’re here to help. Discover the best ways to style camo below and revisit the print with panache. 

How to style camo print for 2026:

Yoyo Cao wears a beige and brown leather bag, brown suede loafers, a black hat, a black crop top, a brown leather cropped jacket, a black leather bag and cargo military printed low waist trousers outside Kenzo during the Womenswear Fall/Winter 2025/2026 © Getty Images

Jort-Jeans

Layering is bang on trend for 2026 - a fad beloved by style-savvy Gen Zs and influencers alike. We love the combination of this jean-jort ensemble with a lick of classic leather, making for a playful Y2K look to glean major inspiration from.

A guest wearing military bomber, brown sunglasses, black cropped top, black shorts and fur boots outside Yuhan Wang during London Fashion Week on September 20, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Hanna Lassen/Getty Images)© Getty Images

Bomber Chic

When it comes to wardrobe crashouts (a weekly occurence for us), there's nothing an oversized bomber jacket can't fix. The slouchy design of this outerwear layer perfectly complements a pair of tailored jorts, elevated by some fur-clad Yeti boots that radiate early Aughts flair. 

A guest wears straight platinum-blonde hair parted in the middle, black rectangular sunglasses, layered silver chain necklaces and multiple silver rings, a small bright-pink shoulder bag with a short strap and tassel detail, a bright-pink long-sleeve printed cardigan with black ornamental print layered over a black tank top printed with a large bright-pink star graphic with paint-drip detail, high-waisted brown / beige / khaki camouflage / military print pattern cargo trousers, brown and black secured with a black studded belt featuring silver grommets and a hanging silver chain, black pointed leather low-heeled shoes,© Getty Images

Punk Princess

Someone call Avril Lavigne, because Gen Z have stolen her style! As the above look so brilliantly captures, punkish, pop princess aesthetics are well and truly back - proving that the best way to refine your camo print collection is with a touch of neon pink. 

A passerby wears a camouflage bomber jacket with applique© lettering over a white shirt and plaid tie, paired with wide black trousers, camel platform shoes, and a plaid shearling cap, accessorized with a printed satchel, multiple gold rings, and keychains; hair worn long in loose waves outside Pilot Room © Getty Images

Haute Hoodie

The best excuse to wear a hoodie, camo printed loungewear is on the up. A street style staple, these statement layers are primed for at-home mooching on the weekends or statement fashion week appearances when the FROW comes calling.

Mini Mode© Getty Images

Mini Mode

A camo print mini skirt is the perfect blend of femininity and army flair. Pair yours with a cosy knit and leather biker boots for a touch of texture.

Cargo Charm© Getty Images

Cargo Charm

Comfortable and cool, cargo pants are here to stay. We'd style ours with a sports-inspired top to create a contemporary, It-girl look.

Midi Magic© Getty Images

Midi Magic

Camo and ruffles? The ultimate contrast. Camo print has long been associated with masculine uniform, so why not shake things up and throw some frills into the mix?

Graphic Glory© Getty Images

Graphic Glory

Indulge in some Y2K flair and layer a long sleeve camo print tee with a cute mini skirt for a Gen Z-approved look. Chunky jewels essential.

Fendi bags are always in style© Getty Images

Pattern Clash

Didn't you hear? Print clashing is in for SS25. Spice up your look and introduce a mix of colours, designs and textures into your playful street style agenda. 

Camo Sneakers© Getty Images

Camo Sneakers

Add a subtle dose of camo charm to your off-duty attire by slipping into some printed kicks to elevate any weekend-ready look.

Non-Green Glam© Getty Images

Non-Green Glam

Who said camo has to be khaki? Experiment with your colour palettes and opt for a sunset-hued camo piece instead.

How to shop camo print for 2026:

  • t-afry top by diesel

    T-Afry Top

    Diesel

    Topping my current wish list is Diesel's slinky camo tie-up top - the perfect printed piece to take you from day to night with army-chic ease.

  • Camouflage cargo pants blumarine

    Camouflage Cargo Pants

    Blumarine

    Nobody does Y2K quite like Blumarine. The brand's camo print cargo pants are both practical and playful, complete with handy pockets for all your essentials. The dream functional fashion statement - no handbag required.

  • Soninha camo bikini

    Soninha Convertible Bikini

    Brasini Swimwear

    Bold camouflage print meets luxe versatility with Brasini Swimwear's Soninha convertible bikini, which boasts adjustable ties and clear bead details for chic custom styling. Perfect for sun-soaked pool days and resort vibes. Matching bottoms available here.

  • BOXY PRINTED SHORT-SLEEVED T-SHIRT

    Boxy Printed Short-Sleeved T-Shirt

    Weekday

    Effortlessly cool and casual, this boxy cotton tee in white camo delivers laid‑back street style with a relaxed silhouette and graphic edge.

  • Gray & Brown Crew Neck T-shirt

    Gray & Brown Crew Neck T-shirt

    Acne Studios

    Acne Studios elevates the basics with this grey-green crew-neck tee. Soft cotton, a relaxed fit, subtle logo detailing and a layered fit make for a luxe look that's perfect for everyday cool.

  • Multicolor Camo Mesh Maxi Dress ottolinger

    Multicolour Camo Mesh Maxi Dress

    Ottolinger

    Crafted from semi‑sheer recycled polyester mesh, Ottolinger's multicolour camo maxi embraces eco‑credentials with planet‑friendly fibres and artisanal Greek production. An unapologetic look made for maximalists.

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