Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

Attack of the Epaulets

November 17, 2009 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Attack of the Epaulets – Jacket $178 | Sweater $68 | Cardigan $88

expressepauleteI think we’ve all fallen victim to a trend or a fad.  It’s easy to do, and costly in the long run.  The key is spotting them in advance.  That way you won’t mindlessly end up with a closet full of polo shirts that have collars that are oh-so-perfect for “popping.”

The latest fad to be aware of is military design inspired men’s clothes.  More specifically, the tacking of epaulets on the shoulders of everything.

Gap, Kenneth Cole, Express.  They’re all doing it.  And the speed in which epaulet adorned clothes have proliferated is stunning.  Now epaulets can absolutely look great in their classic form.  On trench coats, other outwear, and some work shirts.  But they’re now on everything, everywhere.  It looks forced.

It seems every designer on the planet decided to refresh their men’s line with epaulets.  Remember last year’s new shirt?  Put some epaulets on it.  Got a new cardigan to sell?  Put epaulets on it.  And now blazers?

My epaulet epiphany was generated by the above “tuxedo jacket.”  When I saw it in a local Express Store I was genuinely surprised at how ugly it was.  It’s this bizarre Frankenstein-ish hybrid of two things that didn’t belong together.  Shiny going-out blazer with epaulets, double button breast pockets, and large lower buttoned pockets.

It’s the Liger of the blazer world. Just because it’s possible, doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.

Where are they going to stop?  Who knows.  But guaranteed it won’t be before some guy wearing an epaulet adorned shirt, under an epaulet adorned sweater, puts on his epaulet adorned blazer and heads out on a date.

Filed Under: Clothing, Too Expensive Tagged With: Epaulete, fad, Men's fashion, Military, trend

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Allen Edmonds: Anniversary Sale 2023 – Top 10 Picks

Allen Edmonds: Anniversary Sale 2023 – Top 10 Picks

Chelsea boots, suede sneakers, and a lot of dress oxfords. Ranking the 10 best from one of AE’s biggest sales of the year.

Bonobos 25% off “Big Spring Sale”

Bonobos 25% off “Big Spring Sale”

Unconstructed blazers, lightweight chinos, and even swim trunks.

Allen Edmonds Anniv. Sale Early Access, Brooks Bros 30% off, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Allen Edmonds Anniv. Sale Early Access, Brooks Bros 30% off, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Last call for those wristwatches at Macy’s too.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • Steal and Stock Alert: Seiko 5 Sports GMT 20% off
  • J. Crew: 40% off select full + additional 40% off final sale
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Allen Edmonds Extra 20% off F2s, New BR Sale items, & More
  • Style Scenario: Feels like Spring – Casual (nothing over $100 edition)
  • Allen Edmonds Anniv. Sale Early Access, Brooks Bros 30% off, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • Bonobos 25% off “Big Spring Sale”

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.