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? Join the discussion on Facebook, hit us up on Instagram, or reply on Threads.

DON’T MISS ANYTHING

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox. You can also follow us on Threads, Facebook, and Instagram.

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.
Half off GAP Khakis, Half off J. Crew Cords, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Half off GAP Khakis, Half off J. Crew Cords, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

It’s a pretty good weekend if you need some new pants.

Style Scenario: Feels Like Fall – Dressed Up

Style Scenario: Feels Like Fall – Dressed Up

The final of three style scenarios welcoming in the prime season for dressing well.

Win It: The Baltic Aquascaphe Classic

Win It: The Baltic Aquascaphe Classic

The prop-closet-cleanout continues. Win this watch. Automatic, assembled in France, and 39mm.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

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.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS

MOST POPULAR ON DAPPERED

  • Half off GAP Khakis, Half off J. Crew Cords, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Macy’s Watch Sale, $10 off UNIQLO Chinos, and more
  • Style Scenario: Feels Like Fall – Casual (nothing over $100 edition)
  • Steal Alert: J. Crew 30% off Suits and Blazers
  • Style Scenario: Feels Like Fall – Dressed Up
  • Win It: The Baltic Aquascaphe Classic

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

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.