By virtue of the institution that inspired it, military dressing should be ceremonious and rigid - or, at the very least, formal.
But the designers and retailers who have adopted the theme, slated to be one of the hottest looks of next season, have struck a balance between fashion relevance and acceptance by the consumer.
What that boils down to is military style that is anything but uniform, and a tactical approach to design that is anything but intimidating.
And despite the suggestion of harshness that rises from a military image, fashion specialists have managed to infuse their collections with more than a touch of feminine styling.
It can be seen in the colours, which run from regimentary browns and khakis to soft pastels.
It can be felt in the fabrics - cashmere and brocade from Chanel have been fashioned into the most dramatic of military coats.
