Military fashion as a trend is nothing new, in fact I've been tracking its rise on Fashionising.com since 2008. But while fashion trends tend to burn out within a few years, the women's military fashion trend isn't going anywhere, though like all true fashion trends, in 2010 the military trend will evolve. Gone (but not quite) are the decadent lashings inspired by military uniforms of the Georgian and Victorian eras. Rather, military is now about functionality and utility. If the 18th and 19th centuries originally inspired women's military fashion, then it's true to say that in 2010 it's inspired by the military uniforms of the 20th century.

Think functionality. Think understatement.

Functional military clothing in 2010

Perhaps understatement is the wrong word for the military trend for Spring 2010 and Autumn / Fall 2010. After all, there are obvious military connotations - they're just not as obvious as in past years.

Key Elements

Women's military fashion runs parallel to the new men's military fashion trend in that there are several key motifs:

• Army green is the colour, followed a distant second by navy.
• A great coat / military jacket is the key piece for the Autumn (Fall) / Winter wearing of the style.
• If army green is the trend's colour, then shearling is it's fabric. And that's because of it's dual use as a an embellishment on aviator boots / military fashion boots and a coat's collar.

How to wear it in 2010

For the military fashion trend pick from the two key looks: army and aviator.

While the army interpretation is all about army greens it can still be broadly interpreted and we've seen it styled successfully with everything from cropped shearling collared coats to loose fitting cargo pants. A word of warning though: we have the odd occurrence of camouflage print, we'd recommend you avoid it for the time being - it's simply too soon a come back.

For more inspiration pictures view the gallery at the bottom of this page or view the links in '2010 military fashion trend inspiration' for lots more pictorials.

The aviator interpretation of the trend is far less open. It's about a sleek look with slim cuts. And forget military green, this is all about darker hues with dark-brown leather jackets.

Military fashion may have been big for some time now... but guess what? It's evolving. Ancient warlords and kings have stormed the imagination of the fashion world, and elements of military history have been reinterpreted with a modern - often futuristic - twist. A little wilder, a little more fierce, the new military brings ancient civilisations and their warriors to life for this 2010 fashion trend.

Future warrior: what is it

A combination of the military fashion trend and the more savage side of the tribal fashion trend, the new warrior leaves the formal and decorated style of military detailing behind. The ancient world is at the centre of this trend - from ancient Rome, to Egypt, to the Celtic warrior woman. To bring the look into 2010, the historical elements are modernised or melded with futuristic twists.

Elements of the future warrior trend

• Metal plating
• Tunics; especially in leather
• Chain-mail inspired detailing
• Tribal inspired motifs

The warrior fashion trend: how to wear it

This isn't the sort of trend where rules should be laid down; it's open to interpretation and rich with possibility. It's not intended to be taken too literally either, and works best when an outfit gives the impression of some underlying fierceness rather than the overt look of a costume. So again no strict rules, but some pointers:

• Be creative, be confident; wear it with conviction.
• Mix some of the elements listed above in with more glamorous pieces. Sequins as a perfect example can give a look that's modern mixed with metal.
• Mix ultra-feminine with tough warrioress. For example soft, flowing fabric against sharp metal plating or studded straps.
• Invest in accessories that will give any outfit a warrior edge; like studded leather belts, new and edgier takes on the gladiator sandal, jewellery based on ancient cultures.

For more inspiration on how to wear the look, visit the gallery of warrior trend pictures below.

Fashion trends complimentary to 'warrior clothes'

• With anything warrior inspired be sure to not overlook leather. It can add a hard edge or historical authenticity
• Look to the tribal fashion trend for inspiration. But remember that in 2010, the warrior trend is more Dark Ages than bright kaftan. Thus look to the detailing, particularly in tribal accessories and jewellery.
• If you're wearing warrior inspired clothing during the colder Autumn (Fall) / Winter months consider pairing your pieces with ripped tights for an edgy look.
• If you're wearing a tribal piece that is just a top and not a full dress or outfit, consider pairing it with short shorts or boy shorts. Particularly good here would be to wear them with khaki coloured shorts in the vein of 'Westerner gone native'.

Styles & who has designed them

Sass & Bide duo Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton mixed tribal and Amazonian influences into their heavily detailed Spring 2010 collection. Some uses of metal plating - like the label's armoured leggings - were distinctly futuristic in feel. Others seemed to conjure up the spirits of wild Amazonian warriors, with breastplate-like detailing and strong feminine undertones.

Todd Lynn Spring/Summer 2010

If Amazon warriors were forging battles in the imaginations of Sass & Bide, then Tin Hinan was storming the imagination of Todd Lynn. Mixed with Lynn's trademark darkness, giant horned shoulders ensued for a captivating and uncompromising take on the modern warrior trend. Lynn cited the legendary Tuareg queen as his inspiration.

Dontatella Versace's vision of the warrior woman was much more romantic. Metallic detail on the busts of dresses was subtly breast-plate inspired, but from there cascaded into flowing pastel fabrics; part knight, part maiden.

Balmain's take had its basis in the Ancient Roman soldier; with tunic dresses, drapes of fabric, and shoulder epaulettes.

Balenciaga's urban warrior takes her battle to the streets with gladiator tunics, plating, and makeup that hints at urban war-paint.