Dua Lipa Has Co-Signed the Return of the Millennial Fave Military Jacket

The last time military jackets were in style, Kate Moss was hitting the runways and the fields of Glastonbury, pairing them with denim shorts and a tiny vest. Of course, Dua Lipa has successfully reinvented the trend, making the gold-button cargo jacket once again a symbol of effortless cool-girl style.

Lipa visited Cape Town, South Africa this week and posted a grid carousel on Instagram showing a “fun work week with some side missions,” which included dinner with Lipa’s dad at Cape Town’s prestigious La Colombe restaurant, admiring some art and exploring the lush local scenery. Her choice of clothing is primarily the aforementioned military jacket. This is Ann Demeulemeester’s spring 2026 piece, short red style with mustard piping and silver buttons. She paired it with an Mm6 Maison Margiela white ribbed tank top, Ann Demeulemeester Spring 2026 runway boots and Chanel Spring 2026 long strap shoulder bag.

Somehow, the military jacket has become a contender as the go-to jacket of the season, appearing on stars ranging from Sofia Richie Grainge to Jenna Ortega, Greta Lee and Jodie Turner-Smith, as well as on the spring 2026 runways. Characterized by epaulettes, stand-up collars, metal buttons and unwavering, precise tailoring, military jackets, once synonymous with command, are now associated with measured coolness. While these details remain, they’ve been reimagined for the current moment in cropped silhouettes, fresh hues, and unexpected fabrics that call back to the style’s utilitarian roots while complementing modern wardrobes. All thanks to Chloé, Dior, McQueen and Ralph Lauren, who interpreted jackets with their own unique brand style: bohemian style, more feminine details, historical role play.