Introduction
I
‘m happy to say I’ve always had this idea in my mind of creating a lookbook—a kind of picture book or inspiration guide—that people can use to get ideas for styling. I always turned to Pinterest for that inspiration, but I thought, why not jump into that myself? So I’m creating a lookbook inspired by the world of 88th Company, featuring my own accessories—bags, jackets, and pieces I’ve customized. So, I decided to launch a new section on the blog—a lookbook for styling.
The Story
T
his week, I decided to build an outfit around one of my forever obsessions: the American M-field military jacket. I’ve always been drawn to these pieces — not just because of the silhouette (even though I love it), but because of the life inside them. Jackets like the M-65 field jacket or the M-51 field jacket were made for function first — durability, adaptability, purpose. And maybe that’s what moves me the most. They weren’t designed to be fashionable. They were designed to survive.
I collect them because they feel real. The faded fabric, the softened collars, the little repairs — those details aren’t flaws. They’re memory. They’re proof of movement. Every jacket carries a past, and when I wear one, I’m not pretending to be part of history — I’m simply continuing its story in my own way.
My relationship with Ralph Lauren started early. Before I even knew what “heritage fashion” meant, I felt something through his world. It wasn’t just clothing — it was atmosphere. Military references, Ivy League silhouettes, Western romance, cinematic Americana… it all felt like pages from a novel. Collecting vintage Ralph Lauren became instinctive for me. Those older pieces have weight. They age beautifully. They tell stories quietly. And layered under an M-field jacket, they just make sense. Same language. Same soul.
And then, of course, there’s my world — the 88th Company Sailor Cat bag. That piece grounds everything. It’s my own narrative stitched into the outfit. A little naval spirit. A little nostalgia. A little humor. But also craftsmanship. It reminds me that I’m not just collecting history — I’m adding to it.
This look isn’t about recreating the past.
It’s about carrying it forward — softly, intentionally, in my own way.
Pieces
So for this outfit, I chose the M51 fishtail parka. This jacket is just legendary—lightweight, long, with that bold zipper that they don’t make like this anymore. I paired it with a simple white tee, Polo Ralph Lauren chambray shirt, Ralph Lauren denim jeans, a vintage belt (unknown origin), and a German floral bandana. I hope this gives you inspiration—whether you’re into city boy style, heritage looks, Americana, or Japanese Americana, I think you’ll find something here.
Scent
T
his scent, Le Labo Another 13, pairs perfectly with the outfit, especially in the contrast between the green and the blue, plus the pop of orange in the leather. These colors evoke that natural balance—earthy, yet striking—and the musk and woody notes mirror that same grounded, sophisticated vibe
Time Piece
F
or this outfit, I wanted to offer two watch directions — because timepieces change the energy completely.
First, the modern option: the Seiko 5 Sports SNK805 (full review here). I love this watch for its honest, everyday character. The green dial paired with a matching NATO strap gives it that rugged, field-ready attitude without trying too hard. It’s practical, reliable, and effortless — the kind of piece you wear daily without overthinking it.
Then there’s the vintage route. For those who appreciate true military watch history, I always think about the legendary “Dirty Dozen” watches issued to British forces during WWII. If I could choose one for this outfit, I’d go for a vintage Omega Dirty Dozen — especially one like the beautiful example I saw featured on WatchGecko’s blog. Absolute banger. Pure history on the wrist.
Whether you gravitate toward a modern, low-maintenance field watch or a storied vintage military piece, each option anchors the outfit in its own way. One feels practical and current. The other feels cinematic and timeless.
And of course, the strap changes everything.
To elevate the style even more, I love swapping straps to make the watch feel personal. A beige NATO would soften the green tones beautifully. A classic olive strap would lean fully into the military aesthetic. Or you can never go wrong with a simple leather strap — warm, timeless, and slightly more refined.
Small detail. Big impact.
Footwear
O
riginally developed in the 1970s for the German military, this minimalist sneaker became iconic because of its simplicity — soft white leather, suede detailing, and that perfect gum sole. Clean. Functional. No noise.
What I love about the German Army Trainer is that it carries the same philosophy as the M-51 fishtail parka: purpose first, style second — and somehow that’s exactly why it looks so good today.
You can still find original vintage pairs in military surplus stores, which makes them even more special. But many brands have reissued their own interpretations over the years. Even Adidas was involved in producing early versions for the military, and later luxury fashion houses reimagined the silhouette. It’s one of those designs that quietly moved from barracks to fashion without ever losing its integrity.
For this outfit specifically — with the white hat and the military layers — the white leather version with a gum sole feels like the perfect balance. Clean at the base. Strong but understated.
It grounds everything without stealing attention.
Accessories
A
ccessories are important — very important. Inside the 88th Company bag, there’s a small detail I love: a keychain pendant shaped like an art deco submarine. A quiet nod to exploration, naval history, and that cinematic sea atmosphere I’m always drawn to.
When it comes to rings, I chose two — both silver, both strong in character.
On one hand, a distressed WWII souvenir ring from Tunisia. I love those old souvenir pieces. They carry geography and memory at the same time. Considering how many battles took place in Tunisia, wearing one feels like holding a fragment of layered history — raw, imperfect, real.
On the other hand, a classic Native American silver ring with turquoise. Bold, grounded, timeless. The turquoise adds just enough color, but it also brings craft and cultural depth into the look.
Two rings. Two different stories. Both rooted in heritage.
Accessories
T
his is the kind of styling I want to share more often.
Not trends. Not fast fashion. But real pieces with history — military jackets, vintage Ralph Lauren, timepieces, footwear — and how I personally bring them together around 88th Company.
Style, for me, has always been about storytelling. About mixing heritage with personal expression. And I think it’s time I speak about that side of my world more openly and more consistently.
If you enjoy this kind of content, follow me on Pinterest for weekly pins where I share mood, references, and pieces that inspire me:
https://www.pinterest.com/88thcompany/
And if you want to dive deeper into the atmosphere behind it all, explore my inspirational board here:
https://www.pinterest.com/88thcompany/japanese-americana-vintage-outfits-style/ boards
More style. More heritage. More 88th Company.
Sonia 🙂