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From outerwear, to accessories, to footwear, military-inspired styles and prints have a major influence on modern day fashions. This summer, the ever-popular camouflage fabric design maintains its spot in the limelight as a trending print, particularly in neutral and earthy tones. The classic camouflage print and the more modern pixelated digital camouflage print are giving feminine designs a hardened edge in this summer’s women’s wear collections, in fabrics that range from durable twills to lightweight, slinky charmeuse.

Skinny continues to reign as the king of jean styles for women, and this summer, colored and printed skinny jeans are all the rage. Durable, yet comfortable and breathable twill cotton blends with a slight stretch are a great option for summer jeans. For easy pairing, opt for a neutral color scheme like Tan Camouflage Twill (97% cotton, 3% lycra), which has a slightly brushed, soft surface.

Summer is all about enjoying and basking in the beauty of the outdoors, so a rugged pair of shorts is essential to any adventurous girl’s wardrobe. A super durable, 100% cotton twill like the Green Camouflage Twill for a pair of shorts like these Dani Love cut-offs, guarantee the shorts will keep their shape and resist tearing after multiple wears, washes, and spontaneous summer adventures.

Taslan, known as a “parachute type fabric,” is durable, water repellant, lightweight and breathable, making it a perfect material for outer garments worn in warmer weather. Given its military origins, it should come at no surprise that the fabric is popular in the camouflage print variety. This summer, the newer digital camouflage print like Taslan All Purpose Camo #7 (85% nylon, 15% cotton) and Taslan All Purpose Camo #8 (85% nylon, 15% cotton) is popular in women’s jackets like this bomber from The Ragged Priest.

Camouflage also takes on a softer side this summer, embellishing flowing skirts, slim-fitting summer dresses and slinky, sexy blouses. Short, flirty skirts are popular in lightweight cotton blends like Camo Print Bolt (65% polyester, 35% cotton), this mixture of a feminine style and an edgy print creates a super chic and modern look.

The classic jersey knit summer dress gets a modern makeover this summer with the addition of neutral camouflage prints like the lightweight, super soft Taupe/Black Camo Jersey Knit (100% cotton). Unlike solid colored jersey knit dresses that can sometimes hug in the wrong places, the camouflage print adds a flattering element for a woman of any size.

With a hint of a sheen and a flirty, flowing drape, a camouflage print satin charmeuse fabric like True Timber Conceal Satin Bolt (100% polyester) has a modern edge that gives a hint of attitude to an otherwise soft and girly blouse style.

We’ve all seen it, animal print fabric can range from frightfully tacky to amazingly stylish. So what are the defining elements of success? How do we avoid Snooki and shoot for Heidi Klum? And how do we implement this into our next creations?

There are three rules for success: classy cuts, classy lengths and classy fits. Leopard print takes on a whole new personality when it’s in the form of a tight body-con dress versus a sleek sheath.

Here are five key things to keep in mind:

1. For dresses or skirts, choose patterns with hemlines no shorter than a few inches above the knee.
2. If you pick a stretchy fabric, allow some extra comfort room to avoid any cling.
3. Opt for sleeves—either cap, ¾ length, or full will make your dress or top office-to-cocktail appropriate.
4. Try draping! Elegantly draped, pleated or layered fabric automatically has a high-end feel.
5. Keep accessories in mind. Belts, statement necklaces, embellished purses and even tights have the power to up the style ante.

Here are some examples of supremely elegant animal print fabric in stores now:

So what’s the verdict, are you going to give the wild trend a go?

Fall is coming, fall is coming! Sure, it’s just the beginning of September, and most of the country will be basking in warm weather well into next month, but this is precisely the time of year I start aching for cooler days. Why? I crave layering up in cozy clothes, I want to bust out my favorite boots, and really, how many times can I keep wearing the same sundresses? Excitingly, New York Fashion Week is around the corner, which signifies new trends and new excuses to start plotting a wardrobe revival.

Luckily, you and I can makeover our closets with one single piece: a new coat. Lightweight or heavy duty, this staple can easily infuse chic sophistication into everyday ensembles. And hey, when you’ve got the skills (and some quality wool fabric!) you can make one inspired by the latest high-end designs at a fraction of the price.

In my pre-season anticipation I picked out a few inspiring wool coats.

In the mood for mod? Take note of Marni’s black and red plaid number—and mark my words, this classic print will be given new life these next few months! Quotation’s “Walter Coat” has a similar vibe with a bolder pattern and also happens to look incredibly cozy.

Military influence will also be big, so look no further than Burberry’s structured design with leather accents and gold buttons to get that army look.

Want to feel you stepped out of the Vogue offices? Gorgeous neutrals with luxe textures will do the trick! Just take a peek at Joseph’s belted robe coat or this heather gray topper from Theysken’s Theory.

If you’re dying to replicate that artsy home crafted vibe instead, you’ll adore BB Dakota’s Aztek wrap.

Which style is your favorite? When will you be loading up on your favorite wool fabrics?