Where to Find Military-Inspired Jackets

There are a few stand-out outerwear trends for fall and winter, the military-inspired jacket being one of them. Classic details of this design usually include brass button detailing running down the front of a double-breasted jacket. The collar is sometimes a funnel design.

But you don't have to go for the classic details to get the full-on look. Many retailers carry coats and blazers inspired by the look, but with varying twists on the classic. The options out there range from the very formal to the casual to completely quirky.

Here's a list of some of the styles out in stores right now.

Utility: On the teen retailer Delias' web site, they are selling the "Dallas Military Blazer." The military-style blazer has a utilitarian look with its army green color, double-breasted jacket with brass buttons. It's a lightweight jacket made of cotton and looks similar to the same material used on cargo pants. Two side pockets with flaps flank the front. This works with jeans, but it's not really dressy enough to wear with skirts or dresses. If anything, to dress up this jacket, where it with skinny dark denim jeans and some worn in, flat leather riding boots.

Where to Buy: www.delias.com for $59.50

Cropped: I love the look of this cropped military blazer at Alloy. It comes in either black or a very subtle dark plaid. Made of a cotton/polyester blend, it's a light-weight addition over a blouse (for a dressy look) or a T-shirt (for casual days).The brass buttons on the jacket are mainly there for look since the jacket has only one hook closure (but who buttons their jacket all the way up anyway, especially if you live in Southern California).

Where to Buy: www.alloy.com for $49.90

Twill: Old Navy, which equals great value, is selling a miltary-inspired twill blazer. The details are very subtle - double-breasted and slight funnel neck collar give this otherwise casual look some structure. I can see this with jean pants or a denim skirt and tights. It comes in black, grey and a light brown. I like the grey color which is the dressier of the bunch. The black is a faded black making it more casual than versatile as a dressy piece too.

Where to Buy: www.oldnavy.com for $39.50

Corset: Windsor's short-sleeve corset blazer has a subtle military inspiration to it. Two sides of button detailing run down the front of this scoop neck jacket in a dark purple color with cap sleeves. This polishes up any old T-shirt and jeans ensemble.

Where to Buy: www.ewindsor.com for $39.90

Long: I love Victoria's Secret's long, wool military style coat. It has a high waist-line that flares out slightly in an A-line style, but it's still fitted for a slimming look. Shiny, round brass buttons detail the front and back tab as well as the cuffs on each sleeve. I especially like the white wool color, which will look great with some tall pointy boots. The classic black is always great. And then it also comes in a bright lipstick red as well as chocolate. Any of the colors would look great with dark denim or trouser pants and a definite heel. This coat brings a seriously polished effect to any outfit.

Where to Buy: www.victoriassecret.com for $168.

Puffy Sleeves: If you want something a little off the cuff, try puffy sleeves. Silence & Noise makes a slightly puffed sleeve military jacket with tiny round button detailing on the front of a double-breasted jacket made of a cotton/polyester blend. This is a more subtle take on the traditional military style jacket. I think it's best to pair this with a dress or skirt. It has a bit of a boxy shape that needs to be paired with something a little more feminine. It comes in both navy or grey.

Where to Buy: www.urbanoutfitters.com for $78

Band-Inspired: This military jacket has the front detailing that makes it look like it came from a marching band member. But beautifully detailed buttons, full lining and a fitted look make this fully functional out in the real world with pants, dresses and even jeans. The problem? It's only at select Banana Republic stores.

Where to Buy: Banana Republic for $175

Splurge: While Juicy Couture's Bird collection is an obvious splurge (at $498), you are paying for a beautifully tailored piece that will last forever. The double-breasted button detailing is classic military with a straight zippered closure. What's different is that the sides of the jacket are actually longer than the front, which is cropped, making it an interesting, well-designed piece.

Where to Buy: www.net-a-porter.com for $498