The military-inspired topper once worn by Kate Moss and Beyoncé is back in rotation, styled with modern silhouettes by Parisian It girls.
A fashion writer's recent first visit to Paris revealed a city where elevated, chic style dominates—and where one particular outerwear piece stood out above the rest. The band jacket, also called the Napoleon or military jacket, has resurfaced as the season's most-wanted item.
This structured topper typically features a tailored silhouette, funnel neckline, and decorative embellishments including buttons, tassels, and rhinestones. Though most commonly linked to the early 2000s, when Kate Moss and Beyoncé helped turn the style into a cultural phenomenon, the nostalgic piece is climbing back into prominence thanks to fashion houses including McQueen and Khaite.
Throughout Paris—whether at cafés, along the Seine, or on the Champs-Élysées—the jacket appeared on It girls who made it feel far from dated. The key was pairing it with contemporary silhouettes such as baggy jeans and kitten heels.
Several styling approaches emerged from the observations. A low-key combination mixes casual staples with refined details like mini purses and strappy heels, channeling the aesthetic of Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner. For a polished desk-to-dinner option, refined button-downs, sleek denim, and sophisticated kitten heels create an intentional look.
Evening outings call for a sultry miniskirt pairing, elevated with bold accessories like bubble rings and oval sunglasses. For effortless elegance, simple jeans and kitten-heel mules evoke Carolyn Bessette Kennedy energy, with a longer hemline adding refinement. An embroidered version works best when grounded by bootcut denim and simple black heels—proof that more is more when it comes to this ornate variation.