Command attention this season in one of these army-inspired pieces of outerwear.

It’s 2016. You can embark upon a new career by swiping right on your phone, order Michelin-starred food from the comfort of your sofa and buy sneakers that do themselves up. But though the world is full of new and shiny things, we always find ourselves returning to the classics when it comes to clothes. And for good reason: they just work. A case in point is this season’s preoccupation with military outerwear. From the field jacket to the trench, the bomber to the peacoat, traditional military designs have had a lasting impact on menswear because they favour function as much as they do form, resulting in pieces that not only look good but work hard. If you were actually enlisting, such items might be issued to you as regulation uniform, but thankfully this season’s designer varieties provide plenty of different options with their contemporary design twists and deft employment of rich, camouflage-inspired colours. Scroll down to discover three of our current favourites:

Originally issued to soldiers in WWII, the field jacket has been reinterpreted by the US Army multiple times over the years, in variations of fabrics and designs, adding detachable hoods, button fastenings and drawstring waists to maximise functionality. Whichever variation you look at though, you’ll find robust and durable materials, and a number of immensely useful patch pockets. This particular Albam field jacket comes in a subtle herringbone stretch-cotton twill for comfort, with three deep compartments in which to stow the modern man’s survival kit – this might be more wallet, keys and phone than penknife, first aid kit and extra munitions, but there is still something slightly rugged about wandering around town with your hands free. Throw it on over a few choice layers and wear it with some selvedge denim jeans from The Workers Club.

Let’s face it: winter is now here. And if you hadn’t already got our memo about needing some substantial outerwear for the colder months, it’s about time you invested in something really warm, such as this hefty green duffle coat. Traditionally made from a thick woollen material developed in a town called Duffel in Belgium, the coats were originally worn by members of the Royal Navy in the late 19th century, before becoming popular postwar among rebellious students and, later, adorable preschoolers. Look more like the former than the latter, by wearing this Our Legacy example with a complementary grey-green Rag & Bone shirt, in a similarly insulating wool blend.

Few garments add a slick, sophisticated edge to your outfit as easily as trench coat, once worn by soldiers in WWI, now a versatile option that works just as well for formal purposes as for smart casual. Worn over a suit or to smarten up a knitted sweater – such as this ribbed one from minimalist brand Solid Homme – a slim-fitting trench coat will always distinguish you as a man of exceptional taste. And none more so than this piece from the masters of the form, Burberry. All the traditional trappings are there in the epaulettes, buckled cuffs and belt and storm flaps, but the brand has added a touch of modern comfort by rendering it in cashmere. Wear yours over anything in your wardrobe – but nowhere near an actual dugout, though – it’s far too nice for that.