In this week’s Fashion on Fifth, I’m honoring one of my favorite prints, camouflage. Because let’s face it, good camo is hard to find. Composed of browns, greens, and grays, I consider it a neutral in my wardrobe. It’s a print with a long history. Camouflage was first introduced in 1914 by artists in France who participated in the military, setting the trend for the British and Americans who followed. It’s trickled down from the military to be utilized by high fashion designers as a symbol of uniform, workwear, and even rebellion. For me, camouflage is embodied by my favorite pair of shorts that go down to my knees and are several sizes too big, so I always wear them with my silver and black leather belt. 

Paired with boots and a black T-shirt, camouflage has taken on a consistent role in many wardrobes. It’s truly a trend that came out of nowhere. Kidding, because it’s everywhere. Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring 2008 is camo masterfully crafted. Miu Miu Fall 2019 had camo-clad models wearing the print on knits and fleece, plus trenches in the form of coats and minidresses. The best way to wear camo, of course, is up to you. The print is perfect for blending in, but in the case of the students this week, I’d say it accomplishes the opposite.

Sammy Sachs he/him — @sammy.balls

First-year Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts undecided student

Sammy’s raglan top with camo three-quarter sleeves is a cool alternative to the traditional style of the top, the bottom of which he proudly cropped himself. He thrifted it from a spot in Los Angeles, where he’s from, made apparent by his slouchy skater style. Sammy shops completely secondhand, often altering his own clothes in a fashion similar to the shirt he wears here. His cropped jeans, mismatched shoelaces, green tote, and dangling headphones compliment the camo perfectly. 

Jessi Pool she/her

Third-year Lang sociology student

Jessi wears a more toned down pair of camo cargo pants with the most darling pair of black ballet flats. Her muted cargos are a secondhand pair from Old Navy, proving camo can really be found anywhere. Her black cardigan, leather jacket, and bag are the ideal layering combo for the transitional weather that leaves you freezing when it’s time to leave class. Jessi prefers a gray patterned camo as opposed to something colorful, or god forbid, Realtree.

Cooper Samuels he/him — @cooper_samuels

Third-year Lang culture and media studies student

Speaking of Realtree camo, Cooper stole this hoodie from his girlfriend. “She shops for the both of us,” he says, and as soon as she changes her style, Cooper takes the opportunity to wear her old clothes. He rarely buys his own, but when he does, he always thrifts. I’m loving the gender role reversal; I think this is the first time I’ve heard of a boyfriend stealing a girlfriend’s hoodie! Cooper has layered this Realtree camo sweatshirt over another pattern, his plaid button-up shirt. He practically blends into the background, leaving his head floating above his baggy, black jeans. Chuck Taylors and a slouchy tote are the easy accessories that make this outfit blend in…in a good way!

Nora Luptak she/her — @coolgirln0ra

First-year Lang psychology student

Nora poses in her Realtree camo pants with oversized sunglasses and a necessary iced coffee. Not only is it sunny, it’s also early. The cropped scoop neck top makes me excited for the warming weather as we can all start to wear our small top/big pants combinations again. Nora bought her pants off Depop. “I wanted to hop on the camo trend,” she says. However, she prefers Realtree to the classic style. Classic Adidas Sambas and a slouchy black tote are casual black accessories to complete the outfit.

Elijah Levitt he/him

Second-year Parsons School of Design strategic design and management student

Elijah always thrifts, which is how he found his favorite camo hoodie. He walked by as soon as I had finished talking to Cooper, and I think I accidentally startled him with my shock over two camouflage hoodies in the same courtyard. His style is sleek with an otherwise monochromatic black outfit. Tote bags have been a constant theme in this week’s issue, however, Elijah’s black leather one is the more timeless and durable option.

Camouflage! Are you an expert yet? I’m not, but each piece of camo clothing I buy gets me one step closer. In a perfect world, this camo Jean Paul Gaultier dress/top set on eBay would be mine, but until then, I might be trying out a ‘70s and ‘80s revival with a Bape scrunchie and these Vetements flared trousers. As spring blooms and summer approaches, my camo shorts will be out and proud. I consider camouflage to be more of a lifestyle than a trend. It can be neutral or bright, and in turn, a statement to make you stand out or…well, camouflage! Whether you hope to embody its militant roots or a designer’s modern adaption, camo is here for you (if you can find it).