Cheryl Cole may be creating headlines with her outrageous dresses as judge on the X Factor but she's adopted a different look for her music career.

The pop princess has aptly turned to military styling to launch her attack on the charts with No. 1 solo single Fight For This Love.

In both her music video and much-talked-about X Factor performance, she stood to stylish attention in statement peak cap, bright red military jacket and tough black boots.

Cheryl's military fashion moment has made soldier-inspired styling this season's surprise hit.

Luella, Paul Smith and Dries Van Noten put military on the style map this season marching models down the catwalk in utilitarian khakis, sturdy military jackets and bold as brass detailing.

Tapping into soldier chic doesn't have to be a military operation. Stand guard for some styling tricks that will have all your fashion peers saluting you.

Coat of arms

This season's winter coats and jackets have had a military makeover with brass buttons, frogging (braid fastenings) and belted styles. Think pared-down Sergeant Pepper and you're on the right track.

You'll find military styles in long tailored tail coat versions or cute cropped jackets a la Ms Cole that will work for both smart and casual ensembles.

Opt for traditional black, navy or grey for versatility or stand out from the style army with grenadier guard-inspired vivid red.

Try: Primark sequin military jacket, £21; Yasmin Le Bon for Wallis Ink embroidered military coat, £150; New Look red military coat, £45; Monsoon Fusion grey military Michelangelo coat, £100.

Soldier-style staples

Military styling doesn't have to be obvious. Much of the military on the autumn/winter catwalks showcased practical staples like pocket shirts, high-waisted belted trousers and khaki dresses you could adopt into your everyday wardrobe.

Sienna Miller ditched the dresses during her promotional tour for film G.I Joe for daytime soldier chic, posing in military-inspired Loewe canvas trousers and white blouse with piping and gold buttons.

Work two trends in one by seeking out tops and cardigans with statement shoulders featuring gold embellishment or buttons.

Try: Rare at Oli military cardigan, £45; Joules red military waistcoat, £89; Dorothy Perkins black embellished shoulder top, £30; Paul Smith khaki military jumper dress, £199.

Military styling tricks

The direction you take your military style strike is all in the accessories.

Cheryl Cole bagged designer Alexander Wang's fierce strappy heeled boots to stomp through her X Factor dance routine.

March down a tough biker style road with strappy lace-up and buckle boots or take on a more refined equestrian look with long riding boots.

Have fun with dressing-up box extras like statement brooches, peak hats and medal-inspired embellishments to give a not-so-subtle salute to the military trend.

Try: River Island military hat, £24.99; Butler & Wilson at QVC crystal military brooch, £47.25; Evans chunky khaki snood, £15; Moda in Pelle Loz black lace-up military boots, £150.