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4[[quoteright:350:[[TabletopGame/WarhammerAgeOfSigmar https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/wqsohstormcast.png]]]]
5[[caption-width-right:350:Blind your foes with [[GodEmperor Sigmar]]'s light.]]
6
7->'''Merrill:''' Your armor is very shiny, Sebastian. Doesn't that make you an easier target?\
8'''Sebastian:''' The Light of the Maker is my armor, Merrill. I am not afraid.\
9'''Merrill:''' Maybe you could ask Him to make His Light less shiny? Then you wouldn't need as much armor.
10-->-- ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII''
11
12So, you've just entered your country's military force. And everyone seems to have these really spiffy dress uniforms. Really fancy, with actual silk and gold and precious gems.
13
14Wait, what? Those are ''combat'' uniforms?
15
16Yes, some fiction has characters wearing combat uniforms that are more appropriate for dress uniforms.
17
18But they look nice, so artists love to use them whenever they can, especially in {{anime}}, {{manga}}, {{comicbooks}}, and VideoGames. (And not to mention paintings and relief sculptures; this trope is very much OlderThanDirt!) In literary genres, where we do not actually get to look at them, these are generally the mark of [[BlueBlood aristocrats]], the MilesGloriosus, the ArmchairMilitary, and the GloryHound. On the other hand, the serious soldiers are more practical and drably dressed, and certainly regard looking splendid as a much lower priority. Only their dress uniforms embody the trope -- if then.
19
20Personal weapons may or may not involve BlingBlingBang. The hat is often a CommissarCap. Officers and senior enlisted may carry some [[StaffOfAuthority stick or baton indicating their rank]], and expect their [[ChestOfMedals chests to be covered in various jangling medals]]. Futuristic settings can even have PoweredArmor or HumongousMecha in this style.
21
22This can overlap with ImpossiblyTackyClothes, when the work is making a TakeThat to this trope, or dealing with cases where the uniforms are purely for showing off wealth rather than conveying a kind of aristocratic dignity. Historically many successful mercenaries have tended to dress in elaborate and expensive ways, given that this was one of the few reliable status symbols they could spend their money on, and such get-ups are much more likely to be regarded as tacky and unsophisticated.
23
24A sub trope is one where an individual disdains the awarding of such medals and ribbons and refuses to wear them. This is always an indicator that the person in question is a real badass, especially in comparison to the FakeUltimateHero (who will usually play this trope straight).
25
26This trope is very much TruthInTelevision; see the [[Analysis/BlingOfWar Analysis Page]] for more.
27
28A SubTrope of CostumePorn.
29
30Compare SukhomlinovEffect, ErmineCapeEffect, CostumePorn, PimpedOutDress, StylishProtectionGear, HighlyConspicuousUniform, HighlyVisibleNinja, GoldMakesEverythingShiny, KickingAssInAllHerFinery.
31
32Design determines if a particular uniform also falls into ImpracticallyFancyOutfit or ImpossiblyCoolClothes. ScaryImpracticalArmor might be considered a more overtly sinister variant.
33
34See also CustomUniform, ModestRoyalty.
35
36----
37!!Examples:
38
39[[foldercontrol]]
40
41[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
42* ''Anime/LastExile'' does reserve them for officers.
43* As just about all the ''Franchise/{{Gundam}}'' shows.
44** There are even a few HumongousMecha examples from ''Gundam'', like [[http://www.mahq.net/mecha/gundam/msv/ms-06f-dozle.htm Dozle Zabi's Zaku II]] or [[http://www.mahq.net/mecha/gundam/msv/ms-07b-mquve.htm M'Quve's Gouf.]] Taken to an extreme with the [[http://www.mahq.net/mecha/gundam/gihrensgreed/ma-08s.htm Zabi Family Custom Big Zam]], which is basically a [[http://www.mahq.net/mecha/gundam/msgundam/ma-08.htm Big Zam]] with the same gold etching as Dozle's Zaku.
45*** However, it should be noted that these are not actual combat models but more of a ceremonial design. It also did not appear in any of the anime or manga, just AllThereInTheManual.
46** There is also the higher-ranking officers of [[Anime/MobileSuitGundamUnicorn "The Sleeves"]] that have the nice uniforms and rather decorative embellishments on their mobile suits, [[http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4444044172_3d565b6220_o.jpg especially]] the [[http://moetron.com/newimages/20090408_sinanju.jpg Sinanju.]]
47*** This is what you get if you have lots of gold but no one willing to sell you actual military supplies.
48** Subverted with the Hyaku Shiki from ''Anime/MobileSuitZetaGundam'' and the Akatsuki from ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEEDDestiny''. Both are painted in brilliant gold, (in fact, the Hyaku Shiki is the trend setter for gold mobile suits in ''Gundam,'') but there are good reasons behind their colors. The Hyaku Shiki's scheme is a result of being covered in Anti-Beam Coating, as well as acting as a [[DidYouJustFlipOffCthulhu middle finger]] to the Titans (i.e. "we can make new MS right under your nose"), made possible through [[RedBaron "Quattro Bajeena"]] being the pilot. Meanwhile, the Akatsuki takes its predecessor's special feature up a notch, in that its gold armor is actually an advanced beam reflection system.
49*** ''[[Manga/MobileSuitGundamSEEDAstray Gundam SEED Frame Astrays]]'' has an extreme example with Rudolf Wittgenstein's custom GOUF Ignited: It doesn't just use gold paint, it has ''actual'' gold bonded to the armor. Unlike the Akatsuki, it serves no practical purpose whatsoever.
50** ''Anime/MobileSuitGundam00'' has the mobile armor Alvatore; its gold plating may be plain compared to the aforementioned designs from the other series, but it also has lavish pop-up window designs in its cockpit viewscreens! Also, it has been noted that [[spoiler:the Alvatore's mobile suit component, the Alvaaron, has the Corner family crest on its chest. Strangely it does not show on any of its depictions]].
51** This is used for visual storytelling in ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamTheWitchFromMercury''. The Dueling Committee's mobile suits tend to have bright colors and cool-looking accessories and weapons, best shown off in the first episode with Guel's Dilanza featuring a huge feathered headcrest. This is because these suits are essentially serving as toys for rich kids and they participate in what is essentially a futuristic equivalent of a medieval joust. The suits we see serving in actual ''combat'' tend to be far more drab and unadorned.
52* The Black Order uniforms from ''Manga/DGrayMan''. Fanciness partially justified though, as the Exorcists intentionally make themselves targets.
53* The Britannian military in ''Anime/CodeGeass'' probably counts -- [[LadyOfWar Cornelia]] and the [[PraetorianGuard Knights of Rounds]]' uniforms in particular. To be fair, though, most of the time they fight inside mecha, and wear appropriate suits while doing so. Footsoldiers have appropriately helpful attire.
54* In ''Manga/DemonSlayerKimetsuNoYaiba'', despite being a shinobi themed demon slayer, Tengen is a self-proclaimed god of festivities who’s all about flamboyancy, his forehead protector is adorned with jewels, his arms are adorned with four massive golden bracelets, two in each arm.
55* ''Literature/HaruhiSuzumiya'': Haruhi and the SOS-Brigade wear these in the anime adaptation of "Day Of Sagittarius" during the scenes of DeepImmersionGaming, since they're playing a sci-fi strategy game.
56* The Headliners of ''Manga/TheFiveStarStories'' wear fairly elaborate costumes, unsurprising considering the manga is basically Mamoru Nagano's giant love letter to [[BlingBlingBang weaponized bling]]. No as crazy as some of the other examples, though as the Headdliners mainly serve as pilots for HumongousMecha. The ordinary ground troops typically wear more sensible uniforms with design elements borrowed from recent real-life military gear.
57** The [[HumongousMecha Mortar Headds]] [[http://www.gearsonline.net/series/fivestarstories/mh/kog/calvary1.jpg themselves]] also fit this trope to a T.
58** In his and (of all people) Creator/KunihikoIkuhara's collaborative two-volume light novel ''Schell Bullet'', however, his love of bling manifested itself rather more spectacularly (it helps when your co-author is also a fashion model). Junior Navy officers wearing ''capes'' as a part of an everyday uniform? Infantry grunts with an Italian Renaissance-inspired headgear? ''Quilted'' body armor? True, modern body armor has quilted layers, but they are usually concealed, as quilts present a weak points. Knee-high boots? Two-inch heels (for ''men'', mind you)? What are you smoking, man, really?
59* Kaneo Takarada of ''Anime/KillLaKill'' fame fought to protect his school in a crab mini-mecha made of gold.
60* In ''Manga/FullmetalAlchemist'', even the lowliest foot soldier apparently gets outfitted with one of those snazzy uniforms, and they're not just for show -- in ''Anime/FullmetalAlchemist2003'', we see Amestris soldiers going into ''battle'' wearing them.
61* What about France from ''Webcomic/HetaliaAxisPowers''? Even his own allies tell him "you're too flashy, moron!"
62** This is TruthInTelevision. There's a reason the pretty red and blue colors were changed into something more drab during the course of UsefulNotes/WorldWarI...
63** Bling of War + CoolMask + a ''kilij'' scimitar = Turkey.
64* Apparently the guiding principle of TheEmpire in ''Literature/LegendOfTheGalacticHeroes''; its highest-ranking admirals sport full capes (in unique colors!) and field marshals' batons.
65** Their insignia is literally ''embroidered'' on the uniforms. In ''real silver thread''. It goes from rather simple patterns for junior officers to the ornate tapestries just short of the flak vest for admirals. You see, the Empire really dug that ceremony thing.
66* Just about every important military character in ''Anime/GlassFleet'', though Michel and Vetti's are the most noticeable. Justified in that ''Anime/GlassFleet'' is the French Revolution [[JustForFun/RecycledInSpace in space!]]
67* ''Manga/{{Berserk}}'' has commanders and nobles wear these, though most seem practical with just a few elaborate designs. Boscogn of the Purple Rhino Knights is a prime example, with his armor having plenty of pointed ends and his helmet shaped like a rhino's head.
68* Not exactly war, but ''Anime/RevolutionaryGirlUtena'' clearly has this in mind with the duelist outfits. Hell, half of the time Anthy uses her powers is to add frills and tassels to Utena's CustomUniform and [[RuleOfCool just generally make her look more awesome]].
69* ''Manga/TheRoseOfVersailles'':
70** In line with historical practice around the time of the French Revolution, this features some fancy uniforms, especially on the lead character. Even the "dregs of the army" (the French Guard, which Oscar commands at the end of the series) gets their share of bling.
71** Also features in the sequel ''Eikou no Napoleon: Eroica''. It backfires spectacularly on the Mamluks, the most blinged one by virtue of wearing large amounts of gold jewels when going at war, when Napoleon tells his men that, just for once, he'll recognize their right of [[RapePillageAndBurn sacking]] and ''why'' the Mamluks are so shiny. [[CurbStompBattle The Battle of the Pyramids ends in a French triumph]].
72* Somewhat justified in ''Manga/OnePiece''. A lot of the really blinged out Marines in the series have Devil Fruit powers which turn both them and their clothes into some kind of element. The one that doesn't, Sengoku, drops the bling when using his powers (though said [[LivingStatue powers]] provide a whole different bling).
73* Played both straight and subverted among the Time-Space Administration Bureau aces and specialists in ''Franchise/LyricalNanoha''. While their [[CustomUniform personal]] [[InstantArmor Barrier]] [[PoweredArmor Jacket]] occasionally has blings, frills or [[SpikesOfVillainy spikes]], they also have modestly designed regular military uniforms.
74* Takuto from ''Anime/StarDriver'' really knows how to dress in combat, as demonstrated [[http://images.wikia.com/stardriver/images/archive/9/91/20101025014849!STAR_DRIVER_Kagayaki_no_Takuto_-_01_-_Large_24.jpg here]]. Please note, that's not an exaggeration, that's ''really'' what he wears during combat.
75* In ''Anime/GhostInTheShellArise'' Batou's [[ForcedIntoTheirSundayBest JMSDF dress uniform]] [[http://mangapark.com/manga/ghost-in-the-shell-arise/s2/c6/22 looks significantly more blingy]] than the Major's JGSDF one, though the latter probably just didn't go all the way (like [[TheStarscream Kurtz]] with her NavelDeepNeckline).
76* In ''Literature/FateZero'', Archer makes sure that you know he is the King of Heroes and that all the world's treasures belong to him. He does this by wearing a fancy suit of golden armor that lets him NoSell almost everything, and the weapons he fires from his [[HyperspaceArsenal Gate of Babylon]] are frequently gilded.
77* The new members of Oarai's Sensha-do team in ''Anime/GirlsUndPanzer'' paint their tanks in a variety of garish colors (save Miho's Panzer IV, which keeps the dark grey paint it was found in). Notable examples include Rabbit Team's [[PinkIsFeminine pink]] M3 Lee, Hippo Team's [=StuG=] III painted with a mix of red and yellow, mountains against a blue sky, historical quotes and side-mounted ''sashimonos'', and Turtle Team's [[GoldMakesEverythingShiny gold]] Pz 38(T). This especially hurts Hippo Team, as a rival Matilda II spots the [=StuG's=] ''sahsimonos'' when they try to sneak through an alleyway behind a fence and knocks them out. All the teams ditch the louder paint for more traditional greens, browns, and greys when the National Tournament begins.
78[[/folder]]
79
80[[folder:Arts]]
81* ''Art/TheNightWatch'': The higher-ranking militiamen wear helmets (or hats) ornated with engravings and feathers, sashes, and puffy-sleeved upper garments. The captain and his lieutenant have golden embroideries on their clothes and sashes, as well as decorated weapons.
82* ''Art/SevenVirtues'': "Fortitude's" armor is very elaborate, especially its shoulder (with a dragon wing-like golden decoration) and breastplate (with what appears to be diamonds as "nipples") sections.
83[[/folder]]
84
85[[folder:Comic Books]]
86* In the ''ComicBook/WhatIf'' story "What If Doctor Doom Had Become A Hero" Doom still wears a version of his traditional armor, but instead it's a [[http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_6xoH967aC00/S4l-pMyhCwI/AAAAAAAAW2U/nq4RzI949gg/s400/wif22-2.jpg shining golden number]] that makes him look like a KnightInShiningArmor -- even as a good guy, Victor will ''always'' have his AwesomeEgo.
87* in ''ComicBook/WonderWomanHistoriaTheAmazons'' the armor of the 30 original Amazons are very ornate and intricately designed. Each one being individually distinct from one another.
88* ''ComicStrip/ThePhantom'': The oneshot villain Goldhand wore a hand prosthetic made of solid gold - as an intimidation method, way to show off his wealth, and as a very deadly bludgeon. Getting karate chopped by sixteen pounds of lucre packs a very deadly panache.
89[[/folder]]
90
91[[folder:Fan Works]]
92* ''Fanfic/AgesOfShadow'': Just before her FinalBattle with Trace, [[FallenHero Jade]]/[[PhysicalGod Yade Khan]] completely coats herself in molten gold.
93* ''Fanfic/CyclesUponCycles'': Legion, after [[spoiler:the Geth becomes a protectorate of the Protoss,]] gains itself a shiny gold platform.
94* In ''Fanfic/ImaginarySeas'', Percy finds himself outfitted in his father's golden armor upon being summoned in the Lostbelt. He's embarrassed by how gaudy it looks and the gratuitous CleavageWindow, so he tries to find a shirt to cover himself up with.
95* ''Fanfic/TheNakedJedi'': Sarza’s only clothing, if it can be called that, is a silver band on her right thigh that secures her lightsaber. When she builds her own lightsaber, she uses a Hazian smelt conduit and adds corundum highlights, making her lightsaber hilt gold and purple.
96* ''Fanfic/NoStarsInSight'':
97** Formora describes the outfit that Ikharos wears as "armoured finery" with gold and colorful jewels adorning his armor and robes.
98** Vindica'aur is a Val (Cabal military rank equivalent to captain) who has her tusks capped in gold and wears ornaments on them while on active duty aboard her warship.
99* ''Fanfic/{{Ripples}}'': During Allora's time as Queen of Meridian, the Royal Guards all wear ceremonial ([[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome but otherwise useless]]) gold armor. Weira is disgusted by the waste of money that could otherwise be used to better tend to the kingdom's needs.
100[[/folder]]
101
102[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]
103* ''Squaring the Circle'', the [[BasedOnATrueStory true]] story of the Polish uprising of the 1980s, had a Polish general trying on an ornate dress uniform and asking his secretary, "Do you think it looks too... South American?"
104* Most of the ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'' movies featured a ''relatively'' restrained form of this, a tailored and padded maroon-and-black uniform with gold and silver insignia, adding up to a vaguely nineteenth-century look. Again, this wasn't handled too crazily -- enlisted personnel wear an eminently functional jumpsuit, Starfleet is overwhelmingly a "[[SpaceIsAnOcean naval]]" force, and the few times we see ''authorized'' ground combat, officers exchange the heavy, stiff jackets for a black sweater similar to some RealLife military cold-weather gear (specifically, the [[TheyChangedItNowItSucks much-missed]] "woolly pully" of the British Army). In an amusing postscript, ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'' reveals that the "monster maroons" lasted for over seventy years, while most Starfleet uniform designs are only in service for ten to twenty. Perhaps they were good for pulling {{Green Skinned Space Babe}}s?
105** TOS' dress uniforms are in the three primary colors but lavishly trimmed with gold braid and cute little triangular decoration ribbons for extra bling.
106** The Ferengi accuse the Federation of this in their first appearance because their communicators consist of it; the Federation only uses it because it's an excellent conductor.
107** Averted in ''Film/StarTrekIntoDarkness''. Starfleet's dress uniforms are simple and utilitarian; even their rank insignia has a matte finish. The closest they get to bling are the black uniforms and sky blue sashes of the honor guard.
108* Parodied in the Three Stooges short "You Nazty Spy!" where Curly, playing Field Marshal Gallstone, is covered in medals, including one on the back of his pants.
109* Just before the Battle of Cowpens in ''Film/ThePatriot2000'', the French Major Villeneuve puts on his elaborate white, sky blue and gold uniform (which we had never seen before). Benjamin Martin gives him a look, and Major Villeneuve says, "If I die, I will die well-dressed."
110* In Sergey Bondarchuk's ''Film/{{Waterloo}}'' (1970), we see only the flashiest-dressed troops, including Polish Lancers of the Guard, carabiners and Prussian cavalrymen, even though their historical presence in the campaign was smaller or non-existent at the actual battle.
111* In ''Film/TheDarkKnightRises'', Deputy Commissioner Foley wears his full dress uniform while leading the police charge against Bane's forces. [[JustifiedTrope Justified]] in this case, as he was doing it to make a statement and was being intentionally conspicuous. Also doubles as a BrickJoke from an earlier scene in the movie.
112* ''Film/XMenFilmSeries''
113** ''Film/XMenDaysOfFuturePast'': Blink has the most beautiful combat uniform in the film, according to producer Lauren Schuler Donner in the "Two Worlds, Two Battles" documentary on ''The Rogue Cut''.
114--->"The costume that stood out to me the most is the one that Fan Bingbing wears. That costume weighs minimum 25 pounds. [..] What Louise [Mingenbach] did was she went off to vintage stores, found beaded collars and put them all together in this amazing design, which she puts on the back of the jacket and on the epaulettes."
115** ''Film/XMenApocalypse'':
116*** Magneto's [[https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CKTrSw5UMAEcPem.jpg Horseman armour]] is glorious, and it's certainly more awe-inspiring than his previous costumes.
117*** Archangel's silver-and-dark-grey armor is also marvelous to behold.
118* In ''Film/{{The Alamo|2004}}'' Davy Crockett lampshades this aspect of Santa Anna at one point, calling him a peacock.
119* Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse:
120** ''Film/{{Thor}}'': Loki's green-and-gold armour is magnificent to behold. It's more stylish than Thor's or Odin's, which is not surprising considering that Loki is a master of deception, so appearances are important to him.
121** ''Film/{{Black Panther|2018}}'': One of GadgeteerGenius Shuri's proposed new uniforms comes with a gold trim that isn't as out-there as some of these examples, but is still enough that her brother turns it down because the idea is to stay out of sight. [[spoiler:When the "Killmonger" Erik takes the throne, and carries a distinctly "gangsta" theme with him, the ''last'' thing he wants to do is stay out of sight, and he apparently thought that one was worth wearing into battle.]]
122* ''Franchise/StarWars'':
123** Captain Phasma's shiny silver armour, made from chromium salvaged from a Naboo starship once owned by Emperor Palpatine and worn with a red-fringed black cape, as seen in ''Film/TheForceAwakens'' and ''Film/TheLastJedi''. Even her blaster is gold-plated.
124** Director Krennic from ''Film/RogueOne'' dresses like quite the diva for an imperial officer with his fancy white uniform and flowing cape. At least Tarkin, a Grand Moff who outranks him, is more modest.
125** Otherwise averted for the Empire as a whole, as they wear eminently practical uniforms. The novel ''Literature/{{Tarkin}}'' reveals that [[DefiedTrope Tarkin designed the uniform specifically to avoid it]], purposefully going for the plain and leaving space only for the rank badge -- the only decoration he believes appropriate for a military officer.
126* In ''Film/WonderWoman1984'', Diana/Wonder Woman dons a golden armor with wings and an eagle-shaped helmet adapted from the one she first wore in ''ComicBook/KingdomCome''.
127[[/folder]]
128
129[[folder:Literature]]
130* ''Literature/TheSongOfRoland'' features golden armor, a trope as old as ''Literature/TheIliad''. Where the Roland poet goes above and beyond, though, is when Moorish lords charge into battle ''in golden helmets encrusted in gems and decorated in flowers'', both of which go rolling to the ground with each sword blow to the head. Roland also carries a gilded and bejeweled horn, Oliphant.
131* ''Literature/TheIliad'', come to mention it, has heaps of this.
132** Agamemnon's breastplate, for instance:
133--->''Now there were ten circles of deep cobalt upon it,\
134and twelve of gold and twenty of tin. And toward the opening\
135at the throat there were rearing up three serpents of cobalt\
136on either side, like rainbows, which the son of Kronos\
137has marked upon the clouds, to be a portent to mortals.''
138** Another is the interminable description of Achilles' new shield forged by Hephaestus in Book XVIII, with its silver strap and gold facing covered in embossed scenery.
139* While more subdued and practical that most, ''Literature/HonorHarrington'''s Manticoran naval uniforms (especially officers' ones) still have more than enough gold braid, buttons and other bling for others [[LampshadeHanging to comment on]] in the books themselves. Havenites' uniforms were (in contrast to Manticoran black and gold), rather nondescript grey, and those of Grayson were copies of modern US Air Force blues. None of these, however, are worn in an actual combat situation outside of unforeseen events, with the standard uniform being [[LatexSpacesuit skinsuits]].
140* In ''Going Under'', the third book of Justina Robson's ''Literature/QuantumGravity'' series, the protagonist Lila Black is given a set of tailored combat armor from a famous demonic fashion designer. The description in the book must be read to be believed, but it features every color in the rainbow, lots of intricate decorations, magical amulets covering every surface, and a stylishly form-fitting bodice.
141* While the majority of [[TheEmpire Imperial]] [[PuttingOnTheReich officer uniforms]] look like [[https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/ImpVeers.jpg this guy,]] with a few more colors and some different rank cylinders, ''Franchise/StarWarsLegends'' introduced the Grand Admirals, whose gear is... [[http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Image:Vadergrandadmirals.jpg a bit fancier.]] The most infamous of them, [[Literature/TheThrawnTrilogy Thrawn]], apparently preferred this uniform without the epaulettes and fancy trim, at least when he wasn't in the Emperor's presence.
142** As of the Literature/XWingSeries, pilots endlessly complain about their [[http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/starwars/images/4/46/Fel-Wedge.jpg dress uniform]], which was designed without actually consulting the pilots. It's actually agreeable enough as an outfit, but the lack of decent pockets and the fact that it shows off any excess body weight -- pilots being image-conscious -- are detriments to its wearers.
143** ''Darksaber'' featured one Imperial warlord who had so many medals (some likely concocted for prestige) that he cobbled them together into a makeshift dagger. He still died.
144* ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'': Before the final battle at Chichen Itza, Lea fulfills the tradition of Faerie Godmothers creating magnificent CostumePorn clothes. As she says, she "never got the chance to indulge". She and Susan dress Harry up in all sorts of things, but settle on a gold-embossed magically enhanced suit of conquistador armour. He complains that he looks like the Games Workshop version of a Jedi Knight. It's still awesome.
145%%** Susan has a magical costume which seems to be a wry nod to the habit of female heroes armour being more for FanService than practicality. Sure it's sexy -- as Sanya remarks on seeing her, "sometimes I love this job" -- but Lea shows its effectiveness by having her servant shoot Susan. The bullet is flattened and Susan doesn't even feel it. It also lets her turn invisible at will.%%Poor focus; doesn't describe how or why this is an example of this trope.
146* ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000'':
147** ''Literature/BloodAngels'': In ''Red Fury'', when the Blood Angels and Flesh Tearers meet, one of the Blood Angels suspects that -- with the Flesh Tearers' unadorned power armor and the gold filigree, rubies, votive chains and other adornment on the Blood Angels' -- the Flesh Tearers take them for peacocks.
148** ''Literature/SmallCog'': Played with. The forces are on a ceremonial duty when the attack comes. On one hand, this lets them get to their current position in time to defend. On the other hand, they're in ceremonial uniforms. The colonel is ''not'' pleased with the latter fact.
149** ''Literature/GauntsGhosts'':
150*** Contrasting the Ghosts' uniforms to those of [[BlueBlood aristocratic]] units always shows the Ghosts' as more subdued. (Better for subterfuge at any rate.) Conversely, one mark that they can integrate with the Belladon soldiers is that the Belladons take their advice about darkening their insignia so it doesn't show up on the battlefield.
151*** ''First and Only'':
152*** The Vitrian Dragoons regiment all wear very shiny armor, but this is subverted in that the armor is actually adaptive camouflage.
153*** General Dravere, a textbook [[ArmchairMilitary Armchair General]], insists on wearing all of his medals on his uniform, at all times (his former superior, Warmaster Slaydo, who despised him, derisively nicknamed him "the Old Gong").
154*** ''His Last Command'': the Dev Hetra, being NewMeat and {{Blue Blood}}s, are very fancifully dressed. They in fact scorn Ludd because his clothing is rumpled after running over a battlefield to reach them.
155* ''Literature/InheritanceCycle'': Fadawar wears golden armour, although this may simply be a ceremonial dress uniform (although, it says a lot for his strength that he can walk about in it).
156* ''Literature/InvisibleMan'': Ras the Exhorter applies this trope heavily after becoming [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast Ras the Destroyer]], though rather than using gold and such, he wears "the costume of an Abyssinian chieftain." The narrator mocks him for it, but at least the spear comes in handy.
157* ''Literature/VorkosiganSaga'': Combat takes place in the normal spacesuit/armored suit, but the noncombat uniforms are impressive. Barrayar has "undress greens" (typical daily wear), "dress greens" (fancier, for formal occasions such as parties or weddings), and most formal of all, "parade red-and-blues" (for major governmental functions such as the Emperor's Birthday; high collar, tall boots, and ''two'' ceremonial swords). Plus, Vor are allowed to wear their medals with their House colors. In ''Literature/{{Memory}}'', Miles Vorkosigan, off to talk to the Emperor, pulls out all of his medals and puts them on with his House colors, for effectively the first time. Even he hadn't realized what a collection he had. (The Emperor's reaction upon seeing him: "Good God".) The "House colors" are a riot. Sixty districts, each with a different pair of heraldic colors, and wearing them at major occasions. Vorkosigans are lucky, with a restrained brown and silver, and some (such as the Vorpatril blue and gold) are bona-fide impressive, but some... note that ceremonial reds-and-blues are just the House Colors of the ruling Vorbarra clan, all Barrayaran military legally just being their official retainers. They also use the cut inherited from the Times of Isolation, which looks vaguely Napoleonic.
158--->'''Kareen''': How do you think you'd look in a House cadet's uniform of chartreuse and scarlet, like poor Vorharopulos, Mark?\
159'''Mark''': Like a traffic signal in boots.
160* In Creator/EdgarRiceBurroughs's ''[[Literature/JohnCarterOfMars The Chessmen of Mars]]'', Tara says of the warriors of Gathol, "You fight in platinum and diamonds?" and while Gahan of Gathol does his best, she is left less than impressed; he must [[KingIncognito disguise himself]] as a mercenary in plain clothing to win her favor.
161** Actually, he doesn't disguise himself, as he goes out to rescue Tara, he simply wears Gathol's *field* harness, which is as plain as their ceremonial harness is gaudy.
162* ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'':
163** Commander Vimes hates this trope; he refers to it as "Gilt by association." The "traditional" uniforms for the Commander of the Watch and the Duke of Ankh-Morpork, His Grace Sir Samuel Vimes [[OverlyLongGag (Blackboard Monitor)]] are shiny and feathered and have tights; there is basically nothing in that description that he does not object to. He put his foot down about the tights and the feathers in the end, thankfully, but still has to put up with shiny armour with knobbly bits that would probably be worth Sweet Fanny Adams in actual combat.
164** ''Literature/{{Jingo}}'' has him saying to his butler "And into this land of sand-colored dust and sand-colored rocks and [[ShapedLikeItself sand-colored sand]] you, Willikins, will march with your red and white uniform? And you don't see anything wrong with this?"
165** ''Literature/MonstrousRegiment'': The Borogravians sport the redcoat look, of which Polly notes the exact same objection to wearing in a grey forest.
166--->"Ashamed of your lovely, lovely uniform, Perks?"\
167"Don’t want to be seen dead in it, sarge."
168* As a subversion, in David Gunn's ''Literature/DeathsHead'' series, uniforms in Sven's regiment get ''less'' bling as rank increases.
169* Subverted in the second book of ''Literature/TheBartimaeusTrilogy'', where Bartimaeus points out that "as a rough rule of thumb, the jazzier the uniform, the less powerful the army."
170* Subverted in ''Literature/SpaceCadetHeinlein''. Both cadets and officers in the Patrol wear extremely plain uniforms. Heinlein briefly discusses the psychology behind plain and jazzy uniforms.
171* Belamy in ''Literature/SkateTheThief'' received a set of fantastically designed "war robes" as a reward for his military service; he usually keeps the pricey gift locked up with assorted junk in his basement. [[spoiler:It serves as a ChekhovsGun, providing him the rubies needed to fire off a [[TimeBomb bunch of fireballs]] all at once near the end of the book.]]
172* Wealthy knights in ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'' love to wear extremely ornate armor, especially during jousts, but often into actual battle as well. Various knights wear gem-encrusted breastplates, lacquered armor, fancy capes and so forth. Even knights without money to burn will get themselves sculpted helmets. Particular examples include:
173** King Maekar Targaryen wore black armor with curved dragon teeth running across his shoulders, along the crest of his helm and down his back, giving him a very fearsome appearance. During battles, he even wore a crowned helm with black iron points around it.
174** When Jaime Lannister competes in tourneys, his armor is covered in gold from head to toe, and he carries a gilded sword. He also occasionally wears a golden helm shaped like a lion's head.
175** When riding into battle, Tywin wears a greatcloak made of several layers of cloth-of-gold, large enough to entirely cover his horse's hindquarters and so heavy the breeze doesn't even stir it when galloping. It's held by a pair of solid gold lionesses with rubies for eyes. His helmet is also gold, shaped like an entire lion with ruby eyes. His armour is enamelled in red with elaborate gold inlay, gold rondels in the shape of sunbursts, and golden buckles. All of his weapons have solid gold lions on the hilt. Not surprisingly, he doesn't expect to do any fighting,[[note]]If only for the simple reason that all this gold should weigh no less than 50 pounds ''in addition'' to the weight of the armor itself.[[/note]] though he does lead his reserve guard into battle personally against Roose Bolton's host.
176** Loras Tyrell wears armour covered in silver, filigreed with black vines and blue forget-me-nots made out of sapphires. He once wears a cape woven with forget-me-nots. His horse also gets a woven flower cape -- red and white roses, which he hands out to pretty girls between jousts.
177** Renly Baratheon wears armour enamelled in forest green, and a green helm with two feet of solid gold antlers attached to it.
178** Rhaeger Targaryen went to war in black plate armour with a three-headed dragon made of rubies on his chest. When he died, a large number of the rubies fell into the river, which is later named Ruby ford, and people have been scavenging for them ever since.
179** Several mercenary companies that join in the siege on Meereen feature this. One company is made up of mercenaries who wear all their worldly wealth in clothing and armor, and as such are usually too overburdened to fight properly.
180** The officers of the Golden Company are odd ducks. Yes, they are very blingy: for each year they have held a position of command, they wear gold armbands, wrist bands, neck torcs... whatever combo adds up right. This is on top of the standard sculpted sets with their heraldic colours of clashing, the filigree-and-gems and expensive inlays often seen in well-made, well-to-do Westerosi arms and armour. But, as far as, Essosi norms go: this is just boringly ''plain'' and practical (wearing your ransom and/or "don't bother selling me as slave to make a profit" bribe speeds the process should you be captured). Seriously, these guys don't even wear impossibly impractical helms, expensively endangered furs (that protect nothing), golden ''hobbles'' or stilts! How can they terrify anybody in boring, cowardly armour like that? (By being, you know, scarily effective on the actual field.)
181** Then we have "Bronze" Yohn Royce, noted for wearing an ancient suit of bronze armor. This normally wouldn't stand up to the steel armor and weapons used by those he face in battle, except it's apparently inscribed with magical runes that wards the wearer from harm, making it not only more fancy but also practical. His sons Andar and Robar in contrast wear silver-colored armor with bronze runes.
182** The one thing you'll find [[CainAndAbel Gregor and Sandor Clegane]] actually agreeing on is that bling for bling's sake is beyond stupid. The only things close to it either of them own is Sandor's snarling dog helm (and even ''that'' puts the "protect my nose and skull without giving me a headache" practicality before the very likely carefully crafted insult directed at his brother) and Gregor's identify-me-by-this-crest, slightly sculpted helmet, which he often [[PaperThinDisguise doesn't even wear]] outside tourneys, since he goes plain. The rest of their gear? Dark, plain, practical and well-made. Both are [[ProfessionalKiller killers]] rather than standard knights, though.
183** Lord Tytos Blackwood owns not just one, but two sets of ornate armor. His first set of armor is covered in gold leaf and inlaid with jet with elaborate vine and leaf patterns. His second set is burnished scarlet suit inlaid with a silver dead weirwood and surrounded by flying ravens cut from onyx (House Blackwood's sigil). For both suits he wears a cloak made of raven feathers, the only other characters in the series who wear feather cloaks are the notoriously flashy Summer Islanders.
184** Ramsay Snow wears a horrific example of this: he wears dark pink plate armor designed to look like muscles with a helmet showing a face screaming in agony. It's meant to look like a victim of flaying, which is the sigil of his father's house.
185** Vargo Hoat wears a horned helmet shaped like a black goat. He's from Qohor, their main god is the Black Goat and their armor is the finest in the Known World. He also wears a chain of linked coins taken from all the places he has fought, they come in all shapes and sizes and desgins include kings, wizards, gods, demons, and all manner of fanciful beasts.
186** The Tattered Prince gets his name from the elaborate cloak he wears. Its pieced together from scraps of the banners of armies he's defeated and surcoats of men he's killed, all of the colors clash and it resemebles a patchwork quilt. He wears it over plain, but elegant armor and he says his appearance is so plain and forgetable he's totally anonymous when he's not wearing it.
187* In the ''Literature/{{RCN}}'' series, when Daniel Leary wears his Dress Whites with ''all'' decorations, including the gaudy ones from friendly foreign worlds, he comments that he feels like a clown. But it impresses pretty girls and civilians in general -- as well as anyone who knows what he did to earn those awards.
188* ''Literature/TheBelgariad''.
189** Deconstructed -- Ce'Nedra leads an army into battle wearing a suit of armor made entirely of pure gold but knows exactly how impractical it is in an actual fight. She uses it entirely to serve as an inspirational figure to bolster the troops' morale.
190*** Lampshaded when she's having it made. The smith making it is utterly dismissive of Ce'Nedra's request for fancy armor (and particularly of her desire to have the bust "augmented" a bit), until she tells him to look at her, and asks if he thinks that she, in the best, most practical armor he could make, would last even seconds in a fight with an enemy warrior. Effectiveness in combat is ''not'' what she's concerned with.
191** [[AxeCrazy Taur]] [[TheBrute Urgas]], [[TheCaligula King of Cthol Murgos]], dips his (steel) mail in molten gold. Since Angarak gold is blood red in colour, this actually serves to make him look [[TheBerserker even more frightening]] rather than pretty.
192* Also deconstructed in ''Literature/TheElenium'' by the same author. Martel, who has been TheDragon for the entire trilogy, gets a fancy suit of gold-embossed armor in the third book. In the penultimate battle, the weight of the armor slows him down, which gets him killed. (Although it isn't the gold particularly; that particular style of armor was established as ''always'' being much heavier than most countries' plate armor, and among the best protection in the world. You still need to spend years building muscle to move in it properly.)
193* The ''Literature/{{SPQR}}'' novel ''Nobody Loves a Centurion'' gives an avid CostumePorn description of the protagonist Decius putting on his Roman officer's uniform, complete with an anatomically correct breastplate and a push-broom helmet. After he finishes, another officer arrives with the message that their commanding officer wants everyone to wear their combat uniforms to the meeting instead. There's no time to change, and everyone has a good laugh at Decius's expense.
194* Alanna the Lioness of the ''Literature/TortallUniverse'' has a set of gold plate armor studded with amethysts. It's still practical because it's gold wash over steel and she can fight in it just fine, but she does save it for special occasions.
195* Lampshaded in the third book of Literature/TheSwordOfTruth series, where a commander of an army with red capes and shining weapons catches derogatory stares from another force, and notes that usually, such things ''are'' nothing more that a Bling of War, but in his case, it is a sign of discipline. His army does lose to the other in the end, but they fight well enough for the surrendering soldiers to be accepted into the enemy forces.
196* ''Literature/TheReynardCycle'':The great lords of Arcasia are depicted as riding into battle wearing ornate armor that relies heavily on AnimalMotifs. The Calvarians, being more practical, eschew this, though their uniforms are still described as being rather sharp.
197* The Twelfth Legion of ''Literature/TheHeroesOfOlympus'' wear solid gold armor. However, it is Imperial gold, which is lighter and harder than steel and powerfully magical.
198* Somewhat more understated in Literature/TolkiensLegendarium, but still present. The armor worn by the Dwarves and Bilbo in ''Literature/TheHobbit'' is made in part or entirely of ''mithril'', with gold and gems (and in fact, ''mithril'' is widely used in ''any'' war-gear of Dwarven and even Elven make), and even the helms of the Tower Guard in ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'' are made using ''mithril''. [[JustifiedTrope Justified]] here since while mithril is the rarest and most precious of metals, it's also the STRONGEST (as evidenced in in ''Literature/TheFellowshipOfTheRing'' when Frodo survives a blow from a cave troll with nothing more than bruises thanks to a mithril mailshirt). The armies of the Noldor in particular are noted for this (it helps that the High King at the beginnings of their trouble with Morgoth in Valinor may have been the greatest smith the world had ever known). The Rohirrim, having been inspired by the UsefulNotes/AngloSaxons, often use gold on their armor, helms, shields and sword-hilts. Gold is also used by the Southrons and Easterlings in Sauron's armies. Scabbards (such as Andúril's) and other fittings are also often fit with precious metals and gems. Additionally, in the Second Age, the Numenorean army defeated Sauron's simply by being so impressive none dared to stand against them.
199* From ''The Ballad of Boh Da Thone'' by Creator/RudyardKipling.
200-->Boh Da Thone was a warrior bold\
201His sword and his rifle were bossed with gold,\
202And the Peacock Banner his henchmen bore\
203Was stiff with bullion, but stiffer with gore.
204* Played straight by the New Confederacy in military science fiction ''Literature/{{Victoria}}'', with gorgeous dress uniforms, sashes, orders and medals and general military pageantry appropriate to the Victorian period. Averted in the [[TheRepublic Northern Confederation]], where uniforms are much less elaborate.
205* In ''Literature/IsItWrongToTryToPickUpGirlsInADungeon,'' Argonaut goes out of his way to pilfer a particularly valuable and impressive-looking set of armor from the royal armory before making his debut as a hero. This is because he knows that people will judge books by their covers and he'll be more convincing to the public if he's dressed to look the part. [[spoiler:This proves essential in convincing others that he's the successor of "General Minos", as his armor, the lightning powers granted by Jupiter, and the "general's" bloody helmet sell his story to the citizens.]]
206* In ''Holidays in Hell'', P. J. O'Rourke finds a RealLife example of this trope in [[UsefulNotes/{{Lebanon}} 1980s war-torn Lebanon]]:
207-->[Syrian army] crack commando units have skin-tight fatigues in a camouflage pattern of violet, peach, flesh tone and vermilion on a background of vivid purple. This must give excellent protective coloration in, say, a room full of Palm Beach divorcees in Lily Pulitzer dresses.
208* ''Literature/BazilBroketail'': Not on a daily basis, but when Heruta suits up for battle in the climax of the fourth novel, he wears ornate armor with golden highlights.
209* Averted -- barely -- in ''Literature/TrinityBlood'', by virtue of the fact that the members of the AX are not ''technically'' soldiers (although they ''are'' a ''para''military organization. Some of the female members of the team might better qualify as wearing [[ImpracticallyFancyOutfit Impractically Fancy Habits]] (see also NunsAreMikos and GirlsWithGuns).
210[[/folder]]
211
212[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
213* ''Series/TenMilesOfPeachBlossoms'': In the war between the Celestial Tribe and Ghost Tribe both armies wear much nicer-looking clothing than is practical on a battlefield.
214* ''Series/TheKingsWoman'': The armour Ying Zheng and Gongsun Li wear is much more elaborate than practical. Ying Zheng's includes fur trim, while Gongsun Li's is little more than a chest plate over her long, flowing clothes.
215* The Jaffa on ''Series/StargateSG1''.
216** [[LampshadeHanging Lampshaded]] when an actor on ShowWithinAShow ''Wormhole X-Treme!'' asks why the good guys wear camouflage but the bad guys don't. O'Neill's response: "Maybe that's why they're dead."
217** A few episodes later in the series, it is specifically noted that Jaffa weapons and armor are designed more for psychological intimidation than actual effectiveness, the better to cow primitive populations into accepting their new "gods". If you're trying to impress people, you don't ''want'' to hide your troops with camo...
218** Also worth noting is that their uniforms are armor effective against just about anything they'd face short of their own weapons (steel plates and mail will stop most bladed weapons that resisting peasants will have). When they first came to Earth in the pilot, small arms fire just bounced off -- one Jaffa ''was'' killed, but that was after a considerable amount of gunfire. (Though those were Serpent Guards; those guys are elite troops and thus get the best armor.) It isn't until the SGC became a recognized defensive asset that needed better weapons and got them that the armor becomes obsolete.
219* The Centauri in ''Series/BabylonFive'': sort of Roman meets Napoleonic. Initially you think that those are just the palace guards, but then some guy on a ''covert mission'' to grab G'Kar shows up dressed like that...
220** In a later mission they wore obscuring robes to hide their identity. They were found out because they had the full uniform, including unit insignia, underneath.
221** The human officers on B5 have fancy grey dress uniforms with braid on the shoulders for ceremonial occasions, and boring blue-and-brown uniforms for everyday use. However, when B5 [[spoiler:breaks away from Earth Alliance]] and Delenn produces spiffy new black uniforms for everybody, those uniforms appear to be used for both dress and combat... though, to be fair, it would be asking a lot of poor Delenn to supply two separate uniform designs on such short notice.
222*** The separatist uniforms are an aversion, as they aren't inherently impractical for what the characters are doing.
223*** Though we do find out in a later episode that each of these uniforms is meticulously constructed from special materials that, according to Lennier, are a great honor to wear. So it seems that from the Minbari perspective the separatist uniforms are still very much Bling of War. It's just that the Minbari idea of Bling of War is very subdued.
224*** We also see in "Gropos" that Earth Force has a dedicated [[SpaceMarine marine corps]] used for ground-based combat. Their uniforms are a functional olive-green. And even their commander, Gen. Franklin, exchanges his dressier uniform for a more cover-friendly green outfit while his forces are engaged in combat. In other episodes we also see that B5 security has an all-black SWAT-style uniform they use for more dangerous situations.
225** Minbari have robes and carve their headbones according to a system of heraldry associated with their culture(which justifies Delenn's headbone looking like a circlet). Delenn has really fancy robes and being the [[ProperLady proper]] LadyOfWar that she is, goes through Website/SpaceBattlesDotCom [[SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome without causing a wrinkle]].
226* Goldar and Scorpina of ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers'' wear gold-coloured plate armor.
227* ''Series/GameOfThrones'':
228** This is an adaptation of the aforementioned ''Literature/ASongOfIceAndFire'', but it tones down a lot of the book's war-bling. Compare the descriptions of Tywin Lannister's armour in the novels to [[http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/gameofthrones/images/b/b0/Tywin_S2.png/revision/latest?cb=20120315203024 what he wears in the show]] -- still elaborate, but not nearly so gaudy. The show even discusses the trope with regard to the Kingsguard uniform: it's very fancy, in contrast to the armour worn by the Stark household guard. Ned Stark notes dryly to a member of the King's Guard: "Very handsome armor. Not a scratch on it." The member, Jaime, replies equally dryly, "I know. People have been swinging at me for years and [[BadassBoast they always seem to miss]]."
229** It's revealed in [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Tp1hbf_y2E this featurette]] that King Renly Baratheon's armour (which included velvet fabric) was the most complicated costume created for the first two seasons of the show.
230** Ser Loras Tyrell has even more glorious armor, with small flowery patterns covering every inch of it. Makes sense, given that he's as [[CampGay camp]] as you can be while still being a badass knight.
231** Defied by the mercenary Bronn, who is expected to wear the fancier uniform of the Gold Cloaks. He refuses by noting how impractical it is: the cloak gets in the way of a fight and the uniform and how it stands out either making one a target or impossible for stealth. He sticks with his lighter, everyday armor as his uniform.
232** Joffrey's armor and gilded sword. His crossbow is adorned with gems as well.
233** While acting as Hand of the King, Tyrion gets a lavish suit of armor cleverly adorned with golden hands.
234** Prince Doran Martell's personal bodyguard Aero Hotah wields an large, bejeweled glaive.
235** Sandor notices Oathkeeper's garish hilt and pommel and is quickly able to figure out who made it and gave it to its wielder.
236** The regular Lannister soldiers' armor is flaunting the Lannisters' wealth, with red enamelled plates and richly decorated helms.
237** Under King Tommen, unlike the other Kingsguard, Gregor's armour is completely gilded. In Seasons 7 and 8 under Queen Cersei, he dons a fancy black and silvery armor that oddly makes him look thinner than he is.
238** Rhaegar Targaryen wore armor that was adorned with rubies, many of which wound up in the ford of the Trident when Robert killed him.
239* ''Series/TheLordOfTheRingsTheRingsOfPower'': Queen Miriel owns an elaborate golden armour and a helmet with rich details in the shape of the sun.
240* ''Series/StarTrekEnterprise''. In the MirrorUniverse episode, the standard blue jumpsuits of the Enterprise officers are adorned with medals, epaulettes and Sam Browne belts, as Starfleet is [[TheWarOfEarthlyAggression the militant arm of an empire bent on conquest]].
241* In ''Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries'' the male MirrorUniverse uniforms aren't that different (except maybe for Kirk's) but the women's uniforms include a bare midriff -- and a ceremonial but very effective dagger for any male crewman who crosses the line.
242* In the ''Series/StarTrekDiscovery'' version of the MirrorUniverse, starship captains wear golden breastplates in addition to the above-mentioned Sam Browne belts. Some captains even customize theirs. For example, Mirror!Tilly's breastplate puts the emphasis on the "breast" part by having a cleavage. Burnham's is more conservative, although it's still gleaming. And, of course, nothing compares to what TheEmperor is wearing, plus a ceremonial sword.
243* ''Series/KamenRiderWizard'': while there is a bit of bling in magic rings the Wizards use to cast spells, and the suits helmets have gem-themed faceplates, BlingOfwar really comes to a head with Haruto's final form, Infinity. An entire suit made out of shiny, glittery ''diamond''. The transformation sequence encrusts him in a pillar of rough gem and a magic circle carves him out.
244[[/folder]]
245
246[[folder:Roleplay]]
247* In ''Roleplay/IliadQuest'', Palamedes demonstrates a quite literal example in the form of defensive serpents made from his material wealth.
248[[/folder]]
249
250[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
251* ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000''.
252** The Imperium of Man makes common use of this trope.
253*** [[http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/3/3f/Emperor_VS_Horus.jpg The God-Emperor of Mankind]] wears ornately decorated golden plate covered in images of eagles, as do his own [[http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/8/82/Custodes_terminators.jpg Adeptus Custodes Terminators]].
254*** The {{Space Marine}}s and Grey Knights have all kind of skulls, eagles and junk on their PoweredArmor; their [[http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/a/af/Venerable_Dreadnought.jpg dreadnoughts]] are often enshrinement taken literally. Some of them are given blessings to aid their wearer, although in general the increased visibility is intended as an intimidation tactic -- the Marines generally eschew camouflage and want their enemy to know they're coming for them. The [[EvilCounterpart Chaos Space Marines]] [[SpikesOfVillainy seem to have a spike fetish]], but they kinda use them, at least. Sanguinius excels all others in this respect as he is described in the ''Horus Heresy'' series, wearing his fancy armour with a web of jewelled chains on his head and [[WingedHumanoid wings]].
255*** The Ultramarines Second Company Captain Cato Sicarius wears a large amount of tassels, icons, and assorted decorations on his armor, each earned as a battlefield honor.
256** Averted by the Dark Angels, who wear plain robes over their armor to denote rank. Higher-ranking members will still get some flashy gear, it just won't be as flashy as other chapters'.
257*** The Imperial Guard generally wears subdued camouflage and military gear, but there are some exceptions. Lord Commander Solar Macharius word ornate golden armor with a helmet shaped like birds' wings. The uniforms of Tallarn Desert Raiders are also very decorative and ceremonial; colored sashes are used to denote rank, while the weapons of officers are inset with gems and precious metals. The Mordian Iron Guard wear fantastically gaudy dress uniforms into war. Many enemies have been fatally surprised to discover that the flashy uniforms are being worn by fiercely disciplined and competent soldiers. Their colorful uniforms are intended to aid visibility on their dark homeworld, amplified by them frequently fighting [[BrownNote the bowel-voidingly disturbing forces of Chaos]].
258*** It's not limited to armor either: Commissar Yarrick owns an extremely decorated [[TankGoodness Baneblade]] called the [[AceCustom Fortress of Arrogance]].
259*** The Imperium as a whole has a tendency to try and make anything bigger than a jetbike resemble a cathedral, meaning here [[http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Emperor_Titan the full Notre Dame effect]].
260*** However, the gear and weaponry of most factions, such as the Rhino transports and weapons in general, tend to be boring and [[OurWeaponsWillBeBoxyInTheFuture boxy]] because their design belongs to the time when humanity was not so fond of bling.
261** Orks greatly enjoy decorating their armor, vehicles and gear. It's just that instead of skull moldings and gold, they go for... skulls. And helmets. On sticks. As a way of honoring a worthy opponent.
262*** The Bad Moons clan, and the Flash Gitz in particular, believe that, the richer and flashier they are, the more powerful they are. They even have their gretchin talk big about them just to make other, less fortunate orks jealous. Of course, instead of rising to any kind of position of power in their clans, they instead get booted out for being too self-absorbed in their wealth. They usually end up as mercenaries for various xenos species in the galaxy... or as [[SpacePirates Korsairs]]. The orks are never ''too'' insulted by this though, because any ork that is hard enough can just mug them if he wants their wealth.
263*** Imperial Bling of War works against humans when fighting orks: since to the LargeAndInCharge-following orks all humans are the same size, they figure the 'umiez solve the "who's in charge" problem by giving their leaders bigger and awesomer hats (which is true to an extent). This is why many a CommissarCap has been removed from its owner's head (and the head from the body as well) to be put on an ork warboss as a symbol of authority.
264** Eldar are mostly relatively restrained, just going for functional bling like magic gems that increase their magic power. When they ''do'' go over the top, they tend to focus on bright colors and decorative patterns over jewelry and precious metals.
265*** Eldar can go either way largely because each of their Aspect Warrior castes have specific uniforms. This ranges from the dark and intimidating [[http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Dark_Reaper Dark Reapers]] who seem to be aiming for a "Death in armour with a missile launcher" look, right up to the [[http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Fire_Dragon Fire Dragons]] who, true to their name, wear bright orange armour with yellow helmets. Special characters, as so often happens, turn this way up; [[http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Asurmen Asurmen]] goes into battle with blue and gold armour, an enormous red helmet with a crest and a huge flag on his back.
266*** Eldar always go into battle with spirit stones, which are small gems that are made to capture the souls of the Eldar when they are killed so they can be retrieved later. Otherwise their souls will end up in the warp where it will be devoured by daemons, especially Slaanesh.
267*** Ynnari characters, such as [[https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/3/3e/Yvraine.jpg Yvraine]] and [[https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/images/f/f1/The_Visarch.jpg the Visarch]], tend to be much flashier than other Eldar, and favor armor decorated with complex patterns, vivid colors, flowing capes and assorted shiny gewgaws hanging from their belts. In the Visarch's case, this is a deliberate in-universe choice: the style of his armor is from GoldenAge of eldar which the Ynnari wish to return to.
268** Necrons of Nephrekh Dynasty: their every single warrior is made from [[Main/SufficientlyAdvancedAlien sufficiently advanced]] "metagold" alloy or, in other words, ''pure blingness''.
269** Only two factions consistently avoid this trope: the Tau, who are more pragmatic and whose commanders look little different from their other [[InstantAwesomeJustAddMecha mecha]], and the [[SwarmOfAlienLocusts Tyranids]], which are each and all mass-produced, mindless drones of the HiveMind
270* The Sun Armor artifact from ''TabletopGame/{{GURPS}}: Dungeon Fantasy'' glows brightly, is made of {{Orichalcum}} and decorated to look like a sunrise. But it's as functional as it is gaudy, the cosmic armor cannot be bypassed by anything short of a God.
271* ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer}}'' has a lot of this too, but not so much as its SpaceOpera brother above.
272** Imperal mercenaries and knights both in Empire and Bretonnia bling up according to FantasyCounterpartCulture -- Holy Roman Empire and medieval France.
273** Tomb Kings like Bling as much as monuments, pyramids and everyhting that can show their majesty. Actually, [[LivingStatue monuments are their blingiest units]].
274** [[OurDwarvesAreAllTheSame Dwarfs]] has some in ornaments of their armor and gears like artillery installations.
275** Wizards and priests all over the world. Imperial mages, high elves, skinks...
276* In ''TabletopGame/{{Exalted}}'', If it is an Solar artifact, It will by blingy, From Power Armor and Weapons to Warstiders and the Solars themself.
277** Hell, most armor for the Exalted is pimp as all hell. Solars get the best use out of oricalchum (magical gold), Lunars work best with magically-infused moonsilver, and the Dragon-Blooded get lots of mileage out of jade (which comes in six different colors, no less). The only magical material that isn't automatically suited for bling is starmetal, and that's because it's so hard to obtain that it's used in the most utilitarian of fashions.
278* ''TabletopGame/MagicTheGathering'' has the plane of Bant, where this is standard dress for soldiers. It's justified in that war in Bant is so heavily tied to a code of honour that no one uses ambushes or sneak attacks -- Bant soldiers don't even wear armour on the back of their bodies because no one ever dares to sneak up on them from behind.
279** [[https://img.scryfall.com/cards/large/en/dom/24.jpg?1524790220 Knights of New Benalia]] incorporate colorful stained glass into their gear.
280* The Glitter Boys from ''TabletopGame/{{Rifts}}'' have this for a practical reason: The ultra-bright mirror finish of their chrome-plated armour is an unmatched defence against laser weaponry.
281** Techno Wizards have armor and weapons that sparkle with various gems, which serve to magically empower them.
282* Largely averted in {{TabletopGame/Iron Kingdoms}}. Very few people go into battle wearing the typical examples. Supreme Kommandant Gurvaldt Irusk is one of the few cases in the game, sporting a few medals, a sash, tassels, and gold studs and trim on his armor. Somewhat justified in that he one of the highest ranking officer in his faction.
283* The Bounty Hunter in ''Tabletopgame/BattleTech'' is known for painting every mech he pilots bright green and covering it with symbols for different forms of currency (dollars, pounds, yen, C-Bills, etc.).
284* Also from ''Tabletopgame/BattleTech'': The Successor states are not known to use the ChestOfMedals trope, but what they lack in quantity, at least the Federated Suns, Lyran Commonwealth and Free Worlds League make up for in ''quality'':
285** The Silver, Golden and Diamond Starburst medals from the Federated Suns are literally made of the substances, making for the Diamond a staggeringly expensive award. Fittingly, it is one of the four highest awards for valor that can be awarded by the Suns. The other highest awards are the Medal Excalibur, which is a large solid-gold medal, and the Federated Suns Medal of Honor and the Federated Suns Star, which are both solid platinum;
286** The Free Worlds League has the Distinguished Service Awards, which are actual ''jewelry'' -- a bronze leaf-shaped pin that incorporates either a ruby, emerald, sapphire or diamond depending on the grade of the award. The awards are so valuable that they are passed down in families like heirloom jewelry, and it is a sign of absolute desolation or destitution if one ends up being sold or pawned. They also have Allison's Chain, another high award composed of a chain made of gold, silver and platinum links, finally they have the Silver Cross, which is ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin -- a pure silver cross with a diamond set in the center;
287** The Lyran Commonwealth, given their "bigger is better" mindset, has the most AwesomeButImpractical award of the lot -- McKensey's Hammer, which is a 9kg[[note]]19.8lbs[[/note]] heavy hammer made of pure silver.
288* In ''TabletopGame/RocketAge'' Martian arms and armour is almost always highly decorated according to rank and caste, as traditional Martian warfare is very ritualised. This has come back to bite them however, as invading Earthlings know to shoot the alien in the fancy armour.
289*
290In ''creator/AndreNorton'' Star wars humans are so nasty that the Galactic Council restricts them going to the stars except as mercenaries. The Archs (Archaics; restricted to older weapons like swords) wear a lot of bling; the Mechs (mechanized divisions)are plainer.
291[[/folder]]
292
293[[folder:Theatre]]
294* The better to go with all the GorgeousPeriodDress, some productions of ''Theatre/{{Elisabeth}}'' have this for the male royalty. (Especially Takarazuka productions -- Rudolf looks alarmingly like a Disney Prince. In a good way.)
295* In a similar gag to the Three Stooges one above, a production of ''Theatre/ThePiratesOfPenzance'' had the ModernMajorGeneral bragging about the medals on his chest: "Yes, I got these on the frontier. I had a couple on the back 'ere ''*indicates coattails*'' but they fell off."
296* ''Theatre/WesterosAnAmericanMusical'': Renly's armor-like costume includes a large golden neckpiece that covers his upper chest and shoulder decorated with antlers.
297[[/folder]]
298
299[[folder:Video Games]]
300* Many of the hero armor cosmetics in ''VideoGame/ConquerorsBlade'' are highly showy and decorative, even to the point of being completely impractical in combat.
301* The Marauder Tribe of Uruks and Ologs in ''VideoGame/MiddleEarthShadowOfWar'' deck themselves out in armor made from the melted down gold from their raids. They decorate their fortresses in gold and other precious metals and stones as well.
302* The formal [=SeeD=] uniforms in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIII'' were decorated with brocade, the female version involves a rather impractical-looking skirt, and generally look like what would happen if a member of [[Anime/DragonBallZ The Ginyu Force]] traded fashion tips with [[PuttingOnTheReich Hugo Boss]]. The student uniforms, on the other hand, are a practical-looking ensemble that can be best described as combat fatigues crossed with a Japanese school uniform. Of course, it's also worth noting that the uniforms are apparently only worn either on-campus or when necessary to "show the flag," and indeed the protagonists never wear the uniforms at all after two sequences in the beginning.
303* The enemy generals in the Archanea and Jugdral series of ''VideoGame/FireEmblem'' games often wear a long, extravagant, black BadAssLongCoat complete with a HighCollarOfDoom.
304* ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyTacticsAdvance'' and [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyTacticsA2 its sequel]] features exotic equipment made from gold, diamond and opal armor, while not being any less effective. The gold armor even has a description that tells the tale of a thief scraping enough of the gold off the armor to go into early retirement.
305* From the ''VideoGame/CustomRobo'' series, the [[FunWithAcronyms A.I.R.S.]] [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin robo]]. It's an '''A'''rmy-'''I'''ssue '''R'''ay '''S'''ky model, whose specs and equipment have been drastically increased for military use. It is also ''gold-plated from head to toe''.
306** Also, the aptly named Carat robo from ''Custom Robo Arena''. It's an enhanced Little Sprinter model with military-grade specs and parts, but extremely gaudy and ''diamond-encrusted''. Something of a subversion though, as it is a RichBitch's custom design for her personal use (see ScrewTheRulesIHaveMoney).
307* The Nemesis Army in ''VideoGame/CityOfHeroes'' work for a 200-year-old MadScientist, and dress like they're about to fight [[UsefulNotes/NapoleonBonaparte Napoleon]]. With their blunderbuss-like (but ''very'' effective) rifles and bright-colored uniforms, the fans have nicknamed them "The Marching Band from Hell".
308* ''VideoGame/EldenRing'' has a great proliferation of extremely fancy armor sets, which are given the FanNickname of 'Elden Bling' (which also applies to ''using'' these armor sets for player fashion).
309** Sir Gideon Ofnir wears a decorative armor set covered in sculpted eyes and ears.
310** Alberichs's set is mage robes covered with bright red glintstones.
311** Azur and Lusat's sets have the heads and shoulders covered with glintstones, which [[BodyHorror grew from the sorcerers in question]]. Stay away from the Primeval Current, kids.
312** The Beast Champion set Bernahl wears is silvery and covered in engravings of beasts. The unaltered version also adds a gorgeous blue cape, but Bernahl doesn't wear it.
313** D, Hunter of the Dead (and potentially his twin, D, Beholder of Death) wears the Twinned Set, which is made to look like two people, one silver and one gold, embracing each other.
314** General Radahn wears a golden armor with a lion motif inspired by his idol Godfrey, the First Elden Lord.
315** All of the Knight sets count. Lordsworn Knights wear bright colors and sculpted helmets (with special mention going to the Leyendell troops who have gold-colored armor, and the Haligtree troops who all wear unalloyed gold crowns on their helms), while Cleanrot Knights have engraved golden armor, Crucible Knights have engraved bronze-colored armor with green waistcloths and decorated helmets, and Mausoleum Knights have wing-like additions on their backs (and no heads), and Drake Knights wear the results of their dragon hunts.
316* ''Franchise/TheElderScrolls''
317** Each [[OurElvesAreDifferent race of Mer (Elves)]] has a recurring iconic armor that fits throughout the series. The Altmer (High Elves) are associated with the golden "Elven Armor." The Dunmer (Dark Elves) have two: dark purple/gray ebony armor (primarily mined around Red Mountain in their homeland) and the fluorescent green [[NonIndicativeName glass armor]]. "Dwarven" armor (originally worn by the [[OurDwarvesAreDifferent Dwemer or "Deep Elves"]]) is bronze/gold in color. The ancient Falmer (Snow Elves) wore platinum colored armor. The Orsimer ([[OurOrcsAreDifferent Orcs]]) are masters at crafting with Orichalcum, which, while a dull gray in color, they craft into intimidating looking heavy armor. The Bosmer avert it by specializing in light armor (leathers, furs, etc.) or no armor at all.
318** Throughout the series, this is the case for the Aureals (aka Golden Saints), a form of [[OurDemonsAreDifferent lesser Daedra]] in service to [[MadGod Sheogorath]]. They are constantly outfitted in golden armor, often with golden weapons and shields as well.
319** Similarly, this is the case for the Aurorans, another form of lesser Daedra who serve [[FallenAngel Meridia]]. They are fully encased in golden armor.
320** ''[[VideoGame/TheElderScrollsIIIMorrowind Morrowind]]'' has [[http://en.uesp.net/wiki/Morrowind:Imperial_(style) very blingy armor]] for the [[BadassArmy Imperial Legion]]. And that is just the basic grunt's uniform. As you advance in rank, the armors become increasingly blingy as you go, from the gold-looking "Imperial Templar" armor to the "Imperial Silver Armor." As you complete the Imperial Legion questline, you'll recover and present the Lord's Mail to the legion commander in Vvardenfell, a legendary enchanted cuirass originally worn by the founder of the empire. (If you want it back, you'll have to beat him in a DuelToTheDeath to receive a KlingonPromotion).
321** ''[[VideoGame/TheElderScrollsIVOblivion Oblivion]]''
322*** ''Oblivion'' greatly tones down the Imperial Legion uniforms, but many others get a serious bling upgrade. Some of the city guard outfits in particular are quite eye catching, such as Bruma's bright yellow. The leader of the Watch Captains in the Imperial City, [[http://uesp.net/wiki/File:OB-npc-Hieronymus_Lex.jpg Hieronymus Lex]], takes this trope to an extreme. [[spoiler:Martin wears it during the siege of Bruma]].
323*** The Armor of [[GodEmperor Tiber Septim]], acquired during the main quest, is an [[http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/Armor_of_Tiber_Septim extremely blingy]] gold and silver armor set loosely resembling Roman armor.
324*** Umaril the Unfeathered, the BigBad of the ''Knights of the Nine'' expansion, is outfitted entirely in golden armor.
325** In ''[[VideoGame/TheElderScrollsVSkyrim Skyrim]]'', this is present to a degree with the two sides of the Civil War. The standard Imperial Legion armor is back to its Roman roots, while the Stormcloak basic armor has a ragged leather/cloth/chain appearance. However, the leadership is outfitted in armor with plenty of bling. [[http://en.uesp.net/wiki/File:SR-npc-General_Tullius.jpg Generall Tullius]] of the Legion goes the full "bling" route while [[http://en.uesp.net/wiki/File:SR-npc-Ulfric_Stormcloak.jpg Ulfric Stormcloak]] wears a slick BadassLongcoat[=/=]PeltsOfTheBarbarian combo.
326* Lyude from ''VideoGame/BatenKaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean'' is an ambassador connected to the Imperial Army, so he can be somewhat forgiven for his extravagant military-esque outfit and apparently brass-plated gun-horn -- although his brother and sister, actual soldiers, have no such excuse.
327* Players of ''VideoGame/BattlefieldPlay4Free'' who pre-ordered ''VideoGame/{{Battlefield 3}}'' were rewarded with a fancy beret for one of their player-characters which was unavailable any other way.
328* ''VideoGame/BionicCommando: Rearmed'' features the 1st and 2nd division, led by an officer in fancy dress -- complete with so many medals that he's bulletproof [[spoiler:from frontal attacks.]]
329* The Terran representative from ''Space Empires V''.
330* The Imperial Generals of ''VideoGame/ValkyriaChronicles'' wear them in combat; gold trim, cords, epaulettes and an ocean of gold buttons abound. Gallia's military officers wear a much more modest (if not less elaborate) uniform. Imperial Prince Maximilian, while not wearing a uniform, wears an entire suit of elaborately decorative silver plate armor with gold accents, including a golden laurel crown, as part of his garb of station, even when just sitting around.
331* King Cailan Theirin from ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins'' is decked out in massive ''gold'' armor. Sophia Dryden's armor might count as well, considering how fancy and decorative it looks.
332* Sebastian Vael, from ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'''s "''[[ExactlyWhatitSaysontheTin The Exiled Prince]]''" DownloadableContent, is [[PrinceCharming a Pri]][[WarriorPrince nce]] who wears bright white mail with lots of gold. It was custom made for him when [[TheResenter he was shipped off]] to join [[BadassPreacher the clergy]], both [[FormerTeenRebel for being a troublemaker]], and being SpareToTheThrone. His codpiece is a golden emblem of Andraste's face (think Jesus [[JeannedArchetype crossed with Joan of Arc]]).
333* In the Trespasser DLC of ''Videogame/DragonAgeInquisition'', if either [[spoiler:Cassandra or Vivienne are made Divine in the main game]], they start off in a special golden suit of armor.
334* The first generation of playable characters in ''VideoGame/FireEmblemGenealogyOfTheHolyWar'' are mostly high-ranked nobles from ducal or royal houses and they dress the part. Sigurd and Quan are decked out in brocaded tunics and cravats, Lachesis' outfit also comes with gold trim and ruffles, and Eldigan (who is an NPC, but still a main character) wears golden epaulettes into battle.
335* Link's Magic Armour in ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess Twilight Princess]]'' features golden armour that requires a constant supply of rupees or it will change to iron and become too heavy to move around in.
336* The ''Franchise/MassEffect'' universe is generally pretty restrained (or at least low on the sparkle), but some of the Krogan armour certainly qualifies, especially the [[http://images.wikia.com/masseffect/images/f/fd/Heavy-krogan-Warlord.png Warlord-class]] and [[http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/File:Heavy-krogan-Battlemaster.png Battlemaster-class]] lines. A JustifiedTrope in this case -- the krogan don't really care about cover, they're naturally incredibly tough, and they certainly want their enemies to [[BloodKnight see them before they die]].
337** The [[VideoGame/MassEffect2 sequel]] lets the player wear shiny golden armour, and those lucky folk who pre-ordered got the [[http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100707061323/masseffect/images/2/22/Terminus_Assault_Armor.jpg Terminus Assault Armour]], whilst those who got ''Franchise/DragonAge'' get the [[http://images.wikia.com/masseffect/images/9/90/Blood_Dragon_Armor.jpg Blood Dragon Armor]].
338** The [[LargeAndInCharge Shadow]] [[TheChessmaster Broker]] wears [[spoiler:[[http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Shadow_Broker#Mass_Effect_2 a rather nice suit]]]].
339** In the Citadel DLC in ''VideoGame/MassEffect3]]'', Shepard can end up doing this by accident if they wear their dress uniform [[spoiler:when they go to meet Joker]].
340* In ''Spore: Galactic Adventures'' you can design your own captain to play in adventures. The most expensive and powerful armour you can attach to your captain are covered in gold and sparkly gems.
341* In ''VideoGame/{{Minecraft}}'', you can forge gold armor and weapons, [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome but in a subversion]], they're nearly useless as anything other than a display of wealth, since iron is much easier to find and the resulting equipment is twice as strong.
342** Diamonds can also be used to make armor and swords, but unlike gold, anything crafted with diamonds not only looks pretty, but they are also extremely durable, requiring at least over 1000 uses before the tools break.
343* ''VideoGame/MonsterHunter'':
344** Ahtal-Ka, the G-rank FinalBoss of ''VideoGame/MonsterHunterGenerations Ultimate'', is a female of the species. They're normally brown, but by [[MonstrousCannibalism eating]] the golden males of the species, she becomes more golden-colored and more attractive to ''other'' males. As a result, the armor made from her carapace is golden as well.
345** Kulve Taroth of ''VideoGame/MonsterHunterWorld'' is an Elder Dragon who lives in the Caverns of El Dorado, [[DragonHoard a cave chock-full of gold and precious ore]], which she melts down into a giant mantle with which to cover her body; good thing for her, too, as the mantle protects her from her crippling weakness to Ice attacks. Despite being fused to her body, the mantle has a ''lot'' of assorted junk contained within; special golden weapons that boast much higher stats than the regular versions, and in the case of the Kjarr versions, the rare Critical Element skill inbuilt.
346* Protoss in ''VideoGame/StarCraftII'' suddenly developed a taste for flashy decorations, and that is after they were shown walking around almost naked in ''[[VideoGame/StarCraftI Brood War]]''. This is actually due to improvements in technology allowing the Zealots' and High Templars' golden body armor to show on their in-game models. The big yellow segments were always present in the original's and BW's concept art.
347* While ''VideoGame/GearsOfWar'' is a little too GrimDark to get into this full-tilt, elements appear, especially in the third game. All the Gears have uniforms adorned in strangely useless blue LED lights that serve little point other than to make it impossible to hide in dark corners (particularly odd, since most of the fighting in ''Gears 2'' takes place either underground or in decaying buildings). ''Gears 3'' ups the ante by adding in a whole host of cosmetic weapon skins for multiplayer, including bright pink, [[ColorCodedForYourConvenience a glowing aura in appropriate colors]] (blue for COG, red for Locust) that ''changes appropriately if an enemy picks the weapon up'', and even a liquid metal skin. A few are unlocked by in-game achievements, but most are bought a la carte -- getting all of them costs about $40, 2/3 the price of the ''entire game''.
348** The Palace Guards of ''VideoGame/GearsOfWar3'' play this trope completely straight, having counterintuitively ornate (and heavy) helmets and coats. They're not quite on the level of bling found in most of these examples, but Locust designs tend toward brown, being an underground species.
349* While there's a bit of this all over the ''Franchise/AssassinsCreed'' series, Cesare Borgia of the Papal Army is pretty notable. His silver breast-plate has ''cherubs'' embossed all over it.
350** The [[EliteMooks Papal Guards]] have some really fancy armor, but not even Cesare's armor can top Ezio's Armor of Brutus.
351*** ''VideoGame/AssassinsCreedRevelations''. Behold: [[http://images.wikia.com/assassinscreed/images/c/cf/Ottoman_Janissary.png Janissaries]], [[http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-19/art/acr-tarik-barleti.jpg their commander]], [[http://images.wikia.com/assassinscreed/images/3/36/Manuel_Palaiologos.png Manuel Palaiologos]], [[http://www.creativeuncut.com/gallery-19/art/acr-shahkulu-renegade.jpg his dragon, Shakulu]], [[http://feedyourconsole.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/ACR_SP_EzioTurkishArmor.jpg Ezio's ultimate armour]], and [[http://media1.gameinformer.com/imagefeed/screenshots/AssassinsCreedRevelations/acr_sp_render_02_ahmet.jpg Prince Ahmet]].
352* ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaAriaOfSorrow'' has Joyeuse, a sword made of pure gold. When SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome happens the player will notice that being made of gold it's very weak and best for either showing off or being sold.
353* ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'' justifies this, to an extent, with the [[PowerCrystal gems]] and [[PowerGlows glowy enchantments]] that both add bling and magically increase an item's power.
354** "Assault on the Broken Shore," the first quest that involves joint Alliance-Horde operations lampshades it: "You think a few mortals with gaudy weapons can stop us?"
355* Unique armors in ''VideoGame/NeverwinterNights2'' fall into this quite a bit.
356* Prince Tolten from ''VideoGame/LostOdyssey'' is completely kitted out in gold armour (with gold sword). Not only that, the armour is encrusted with ''diamonds''.
357* The Sheredyn of ''Videogame/EndlessSpace'' have gold-plated PoweredArmor and gold-plated prows on their starships; even the decadent United Empire can't match the bling of of the Sheredyn.
358** The Broken Lords of ''Videogame/EndlessLegend'' have [[AnimatedArmor bodies made of golden metal]], with faction-colored capes and kilts. Their heroes have extravagant ShouldersOfDoom, and fanciful "wings" on their backs.
359* Prince Gilgamesh in ''VideoGame/TheTowerOfDruaga'' wears golden armor.
360* Dawn of the Dragons: One idiot spent all of his revolution's money on an army and set of armor based on this. Rumor has it that they stole his pants and he got eaten by a tiger, but the protagonist, being a KleptomaniacHero, can find this armor and other armor sets that look cool and do enchanted damage.
361* In ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight'', there is Gilgamesh's NoSell-Everything golden armor. Most of his weapons are also gilded, and Rin even refers to him as "goldie" because of it. Amusingly, in ''VideoGame/FateExtellaLink'', he admits it's more form than function and is difficult to move around in, and that's why he's classed as an Archer.
362* ''VideoGame/{{Fallout4}}'' allows you to apply custom paint jobs to your PowerArmor. If you don't like the rusty, unpainted look or the drab Brotherhood of Steel paintjob, you can use a Hot Rodder magazine to give it a hot pink paint job or get flames decals from the Atomic Cats.
363* ''VideoGame/TeamFortress2'' has very detailed customization options, not only allowing you to dress your mercenaries in fancy clothing but paint them very conspicuous colors or even equip ones with extremely visible particle effects (like a flaming hat). It's a much observed phenomenon that players with better cosmetics are perceived as being of higher skill, which functionally means they're more likely to be pocketed by Medics but are also likely to be prioritized by the enemy.
364* Gerudo in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild'' love decorating their armor and weapons with lavish amounts of gold and jewelry. The Zoras weaponry are also plated with silver, which actually prevents corrosion with water.
365* The strongest (and most expensive) purchasable armor in ''VideoGame/PhantasyStarI'' is diamond armor.
366* ''VideoGame/{{Warframe}}'':
367** The Orokin. Everything they made was covered in lots of silver and gold, and their weapons were no exception. The Prime Warframes are the most obvious, as they look like ostentatious display pieces but are actually [[SuperPrototype more powerful than the standard variants]].
368** The players who show great love for Bling as true Orokin descendants, buying a lot of [[Main/BadassCape badass capes]] and various decorative armor elements for donate currency. Developers at one point made a special tool that allows to safely create fancy screenshots.
369** Everything above is about [[CyberNinja ninjas]], so no enemy could ever guess that Tenno is one of them.
370* ''VideoGame/{{Destiny}}'': Like many [=RPGs=], you can engage in this, with plenty of fancy armor sets and color shaders to make you look fabulous while you fight the forces of evil. It even gets [[LampshadeHanging lampshaded]] in the lore a few times. [[PosthumousCharacter Rezyl Azzir]] was infamous for wearing armor and weaponry that was ornate and tacky even by Guardian standards, decorating his gear with battle trophies. [[spoiler:[[DeconstructedTrope His vanity proved to be his downfall]]; after a particularly brutal fight, he stuck the bones of a Hive Knight he killed onto his beloved pistol, not realizing that the Knight's remains had been cursed to [[TheCorruption gradually corrupt him through Darkness-exposure]]. The bones drove him mad and led to him [[TwoAliasesOneCharacter becoming the infamous Dredgen Yor]], a psychopathic SerialKiller who fed on the Light of others.]]
371* ''VideoGame/SaltAndSanctuary'' has the Resplendent armor set: gold-trimmed steel armor sold by the [[GoldFever House of Splendor]]. Its description states that despite the gold it's surprisingly practical due to its expert craftsmanship, and is actually one of the best armor sets in the game. Wearing the set also increases the amount of gold dropped by enemies.
372* ''VideoGame/IronHarvest'' features infantry in elaborate uniforms sporting greatcoats and impeccable facial hair (one faction depicts ''every'' infantryman with a full beard). Furthermore, the game's mechs feature unlockable skins, some of which make the mech appeared to be made or at least coated with precious metals like bronze or gold.
373* ''VideoGame/DarkSoulsI'' features a character named Domhnall of Zena, a charming trader [[IntrepidMerchant first encountered in the Depths]]. He deals mostly in armors, initially selling a copy of his own formidable set which sports a massive collection of [[ChestOfMedals glittering medals]] which are said to symbolize glory, and a helm with a similarly bright ochre gleam. The game also features silver knights wearing characteristically reflective plate and winged helms, and a character called Lautrec the Embraced, whose bright, golden-hued armor features notable decorative molding on the chest related to his title. The Giant Guards of Anor Londo also wear impossibly heavy golden armor with high defense and [[ImmuneToFlinching poise,]] which the player can also obtain from them. Which led fans to create the MemeticBadass "Giantdad" build using the Giant's Set and the also-golden [[MaskOfPower Mask of the Father]] obtained from Pinwheel, along with enough Endurance, weight-lifting and stamina boosting equipment to be able to [[LightningBruiser fast roll or even ninja flip while wearing it.]]
374
375[[/folder]]
376
377[[folder:Web Comics]]
378* The [[https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/UsefulNotes/TheNapoleonicWars Napoleonic]]-inspired service uniforms of the Demonian characters in ''Webcomic/{{Avania}}'' are typically quite blingy, featuring bold colors, ample gold braid, embroidery, and fancy epaulettes. Of the Avian uniforms, only the Avanian Royal Navy's comes close, in particular Admiral Von Strackte's uniform.
379* Nyarai from ''Webcomic/FurryFightChronicles'' has a fondness for gold, silver, and gems. They make part of her outfit when she's onscreen. She even wears them when fighting.
380* The various military forces in ''Webcomic/GirlGenius'' are generally practical -- by the standards of the mid-19th century. And they usually include a nice hat. In fact, the Jägermonsters ARE this trope in spades. Originally, in their "generic monster" days, they wore uniforms that actually were uniforms, but it's pretty much unknown these days to see two wearing the same outfit.
381* The uniforms worn in ''Webcomic/SchlockMercenary'' are quite modest compared to a lot of these other examples, though they're definitely not camouflaged and the floating epaulets (shaped like stars, lightning bolts, planets, or simple metal plates depending on rank) are kind of conspicuous. Even if the epaulets are concealed grenades (or antimatter bombs in Commander Kevyn Andreyason's case).
382-->'''Narrator:''' Kevyn's right epaulet is also a miracle of nano-engineering.\
383It uses the same antimatter matrix technology found in his tank-killer epaulet, but it does not waste any space on gravitic pulse generation.\
384There are 320 milligrams of ionized anti-helium embedded in the matrix of charged Fullerene nanobottles.\
385That's 13.75 kilotons of "BOOM."\
386\
387Stand back.
388* [[http://harkavagrant.com/index.php?id=166 This]] ''Webcomic/HarkAVagrant'' illustrates the lack of practicality in this form of battle dress.
389* Pturrd's casing in ''Webcomic/SecondEmpire'' is clearly meant to evoke this, as well as his overt GeneralFailure ArmchairMilitary characteristics.
390* Kinnabre's uniform in ''Webcomic/AliceAndTheNightmare'' has it all: HighCollarOfDoom, BadassCape large enough to serve as a blanket, armpads that would make [[WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender Fire Nation officers]] jealous and even puffy sleeves. It's also [[HighlyConspicuousUniform very red]].
391[[/folder]]
392
393[[folder:Web Original]]
394* In ''Script/C0DA'', the Dunmer noble Hlaalu Hir is wealthier than the protagonist, Jubal-lun-Sul. As such, his armor shows all the signs of money: amber lacquered edges, badges of station, and a small front cape with the crest of his House.
395[[/folder]]
396
397[[folder:Web Videos]]
398* ''LetsPlay/{{Mahu}}'': In "Crownless Eagle", many elite regiments wear richly-decorated uniforms to battle. Since the series is set during the early 18th century, this is not surprising.
399[[/folder]]
400
401[[folder:Western Animation]]
402* ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'':
403** The standard armour of the Equestrian Royal Guard is a gold suit of plate with a blue-crested helmet, which is more than enough to meet the required levels of fabulousness.
404** In "[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS4E24EquestriaGames Equestria Games]]".
405*** The Crystal Empires' guardsponies can be seen wearing crystalline armour that's even shinier than that of the normal royal guards.
406*** Shining Armor is wearing his ornate captain's armour for the occasion as well.
407** At one point in "[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS4E25TwilightsKingdomPart1 Twilight's Kingdom, Part 1]]", Discord [[{{Film/Patton}} dons a military uniform decked out with numerous gaudy medals and ribbons and a M1 helmet with four stars on it]], which is made funnier in the next shot when Discord is wearing [=MacArthur's=] iconic sunglasses and corncob pipe.
408* According to Groundskeeper Willie in ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'', the Scottish highlanders donned full-length sequined evening gowns in battle, in order to "blind your opponent with luxury".
409* In the first episode of ''WesternAnimation/TheDragonPrince'', Prince Callum tries to take off with the castle guards with minimal training and dragging himself with through a suit of golden armor. One mildly informs him:
410-->'''Soren:''' You look -- ''terriffic.'' But, uh, just so you know? That's ''ceremonial'' armor; it's three times as heavy and half as strong. [flashes thumbs-up] Oh, but so shiny!
411* In ''WesternAnimation/LegendOfKorra'' the mecha-tanks built by Sato-Corp for the Equalists are not particularly shiny, but they're made of ''platinum'', one of the most precious metals in the world.
412** In season 4, Kuvira's armor seems to afford very little actual protection. Justified, in that ElementalBaggage is a thing in this universe and Kuvira is a metalbender. In addition, Earth Empire soldiers wear actual armor, while generals (including Kuvira) wear uniforms.
413[[/folder]]
414
415[[folder:Real Life]]
416* In the age of "gentlemanly" warfare, bright uniforms were used to actually help soldiers stand out amid all the smoke (it wasn't until just over a century ago that smokeless gunpowder was invented). This was actually a morale booster, as soldiers were assured that their fellows were still around amid the chaos. Blingy uniforms could also help to show troops, subordinate officers, and couriers where the commanders were to aid in battlefield communication.
417* Though far tamer than most examples from other periods, Medieval surcoats and emblazoned shields provided their wearer with a unique design. The purpose of this was so they would be visible on the battlefield (much like the earlier example), because helmets hid everyone's face so heraldry provided a way for fighters to be recognized.
418* The logical extreme would likely be the uniforms worn by Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, which he had to be ''sewn into'' in order to get the right fit. This fact is often credited as being one of the reasons doctors were unable to save his life after he was shot in 1914.
419* Some old-school French units would take their full-dress uniforms into the field in order to put them on (white gloves and all) on the day of a battle. This was most notably the case with Napoleon's Old Guard. Also, some commanders would put on extremely fancy uniforms and often dress their aides-de-camp in specially designed ones. Joachim Murat, one of Napoleon's marshals and king of Naples, was famous for gaudy, brightly coloured get-ups which to some seemed more appropriate for an opera production than the battlefield. With all that bling among his marshals and generals, the best way for Napoleon to stand out was to dress very plainly, usually in an undecorated bicorne hat, an undress uniform, and over that a simple grey greatcoat.
420** Ironically, UsefulNotes/TheNapoleonicWars was actually the time when the general cut of military uniforms was much simplified (a trend that was led by Russia and Prussia, of all places) and when the difference between parade dress and a plainer and simpler campaign wear became enshrined in regulations.
421* British liaison officers working with the Spanish irregulars would ride around through the war-torn Spanish countryside in full dress uniform so they couldn't be hanged as spies ("liaison officer" being the polite term for "[[TheSpymaster spymaster]]"; they were mostly there to gauge French defenses and make maps). They didn't worry about being seen because they had really good (and hideously expensive) horses.
422* The most extreme example would be Hussar uniforms (the cavalry uniform with the cross-bands on the chest, short fur hat, and jacket on one shoulder). Originally worn by Hungarian units. Everyone copied the look (especially officers) for most of the 19th century, despite being an absolute pain to wear. The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth's winged hussars added wings and leopard skins.
423* Apart from their winged hussars, Polish-Lithuanian nobility, who claimed a descent from the ancient Sarmatians, also liked a good scale armour. It was more expensive, heavier, and offered worse protection than regular armour, so it was good only for parades -- but it just looked ''so Sarmatian''.
424* [[CadreOfForeignBodyguards Swiss mercenaries]] had a reputation so badass that they wore outrageously multicolored outfits to make sure everyone on the battlefield knew who they were dealing with. To this day, the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Swiss_Guard-_LobozPics.jpg Swiss Guard]] wear brightly colored uniforms when performing ceremonial duties as the Papal bodyguard. Guardsmen wear more practical uniforms when they are actually working, however.
425* German Landsknechte copied both the fighting tactics of Swiss mercenaries as well as their fashion sense, but took it even further. Massive puffed and slashed sleeves and huge feathered hats becoming common. Landsknechte were generally mercenaries of very low social standing, and their costume was at once an advertisement of how wealthy and successful they had become to prospective employers and two fingers up to the more restrained sartorial tastes of most Europeans of the day. It was deliberately intended to be shocking, garish, and outrageous to show how little the Landsknecht cared about social conventions -- often to the point of oversized phallic codpieces. Given that they were generally wandering soldiers of fortune, rarely had dependents to support, and might die at any time, elaborate clothing was one of the few status symbols they could reliably spend any money they had left over from drinking and whoring on.
426** These outfits may have had a practical application as well; in a similar way to a BadassLongcoat, the sheer size of the sleeves and trousers could potentially serve to distort the wearer's frame, making them look larger and more difficult to land a hit on with a pike.
427* [[PuttingOnTheReich Nazis]] made heavy use of fashion in building up the mythos of the Aryan supermen.
428** Dress uniforms, especially the famous black SS uniforms with lots of leather and silver braid.
429** Out of all the service branches, the most impressive dress uniforms in terms of bling were those of the ''Kriegsmarine'', due to them sticking to the tradition of the Imperial German Navy. A naval officer had at least two service dresses (blues/whites), a [[http://uboat.net/media/men/uniforms/daoff.jpg full dress]], a [[http://uboat.net/media/men/uniforms/kzsgrda.jpg parade dress]] (frilliest of them all), a walking-out dress for city wear and an [[https://web.archive.org/web/20161204023014/http://www.hermann-historica.de/auktion/hhm64.pl?f=NR_LOT&c=7178&t=temartic_R_D&db=kat64_3R.txt evening dress uniform]] (which could also have a lot of decorations and a ceremonial dagger for even more formal events). They subverted the trope by wearing mostly the service dress or civilian jumpers and leather coats aboard ship.
430** Oh, the uniforms of Reichsmarschall Göring. They couldn't even be called "uniforms" because they, well, [[CustomUniform weren't uniform]]. Perfectly tailored and designed by him, to reflect his unique position, self-aggrandizing titles, and the amount of loot he stole along the way. He also loved medals. There was a joke in Nazi Germany: "What is one gör? It's the maximum amount of metal a man can wear on his chest without tipping over."
431** In Germany at this time, only Field Marshals carried [[StaffOfAuthority batons]]. Hitler, at Göring's own urging, made Göring Reichsmarshall, the only one ever, and thus his baton was gaudier than that of a mere Field Marshal. "Der Dicke" (the Fat One) did love his rank, power, and bling.
432** For the record, Göring was a UsefulNotes/WorldWarI fighter pilot and a legitimately successful one (he was the Red Baron's squadron XO). The Luftwaffe under his command achieved several great successes. So, with the caveat, his bling would have been impressive enough had he just kept the medals he had legitimately earned, but for some reason, he went excessive.
433* Pirates in the Golden Age of Piracy liked to wear their treasure, making it harder to steal. Bartholomew Roberts wandered around with a giant, diamond-studded cross on a chain around his neck.
434* Mamluk horsemen wore their treasure. This bit them back in the ass at the Battle of the Pyramids: Napoleon's army was tired and demoralized by the long march and being outnumbered, and the only thing Napoleon needed to do to inspire them was to give them permission to plunder (something he usually denied) and point out what they were doing. [[CurbStompBattle The French annihilated the Mamluk army and terrified away their incoming reinforcements]].
435* Here is the Imperial Japanese [[http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/fleet-admiral-in-the-imperial-japanese-navy-from-the-story-news-photo/188001928#fleet-admiral-in-the-imperial-japanese-navy-from-the-story-of-seventy-picture-id188001928 Fleet Admiral Togo Heihachiro.]] Other Imperial Japanese [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiVI17bJpbk Admirals]] and Generals (such as [[https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/29/Yamagata_Aritomo.jpg Yamagata Aritomo]] and [[https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/84/Iwao_Oyama_2_%28cropped%29.jpg Oyama Iwao]]) were equally impressive.
436* [[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tsar_Nicholas_II_%26_King_George_V.JPG Imperial Russia and Britain.]]
437* In William Manchester's famous biography of UsefulNotes/{{Douglas MacArthur}}, ''American Caesar'', he details how [=MacArthur=] regularly wore ''all'' of his medals on his uniform, even in combat. Given that this was [=MacArthur=], it was a lot. He only stopped the practice when he learned that General Joseph Stilwell didn't wear ''any'' medals or decorations at all, except for the tiniest rank insignia. Annoyed that Stilwell was showing him up in the "Less is More" department (as well as the Glamour 12-Point Accessory Guide) [=MacArthur=] soon switched to the minimalist look that he had for the landings at Leyte. Except for his hat, which sported, according to [[FatherNeptune Fleet Admiral Bill Halsey]] (another unpretentious practitioner of the "less is more" school of military dress), "more gold braid than I thought it was possible to put on a hat".
438* [[FourStarBadass General George Patton]] started the blingy trend during peacetime training, with his ivory-handled handgun, tailored uniform and his tank in the colors of the American flag, and he proposed for his tank troops a deep green uniform with gilded helmet and buttons (which got rebuked by the press).
439* General Winfield Scott ("Old Fuss And Feathers") lost the Whig nomination for President to UsefulNotes/ZacharyTaylor ("Old Rough And Ready") due to an image problem related (in part) to the care taken with his uniform. In fact, his clothing alone took up six horse-drawn carriages. General UsefulNotes/UlyssesSGrant, on the other hand, took to the field with the clothes on his back, a hairbrush, and a toothbrush.
440* Leonid Brezhnev was so fond of the Bling of War that he awarded himself loads of improbable awards, including UsefulNotes/WorldWarII awards as late as the 1970s -- including the Order of Victory, a diamond-and-ruby affair[[note]]The rubies were, incidentally, artificial--not because the Soviets were cheaping out, mind you, but because there were ''five gigantic ones'' on each medal and they all needed to be exactly the same color. Not possible with natural rubies.[[/note]] awarded to a few (as in less than 20) top commanders, which Brezhnev could hardly count himself among (the other members included the likes of Stalin, Marshal Zhukov, and Marshal Rokossovsky among the Soviets, and Bernard Montgomery and frickin' UsefulNotes/DwightDEisenhower among the Western Allies). He also awarded himself the coveted Hero of the Soviet Union and Hero of Socialist Labour awards for such [[SarcasmMode momentous achievements]] as his birthday (Brezhnev was one of only two individuals -- the other being Marshal Zhukov, the conqueror of Berlin -- to receive ''four'' Hero of the Soviet Union medals). This eventually got to the point where a [[RussianHumor a common Soviet joke of the era]] was about Brezhnev needing chest expansion surgery to accommodate an ever-increasing number of medals. After his death, a number of award regulations were [[ObviousRulePatch changed to specifically exclude the awards being granted for things such as birthdays]], and his Order of Victory was outright revoked.
441* UsefulNotes/IdiAmin, who, like Brezhnev, had to have the length of his tunics extended to accommodate his absurdly large collection of awards. Sometimes he would re-enforce the inside of his jacket with a piece of wood to prevent the fabric from sagging or tearing under the weight.
442* ZigZagged by UsefulNotes/JosefStalin. He had several self-awarded decorations, but for public appearances usually only wore one of them on an otherwise unadorned uniform. That medal wasn't even his Hero of the Soviet Union medal, the highest award granted to Soviet citizens, but instead a medal of the Hero of Socialist Labour, of which he was the first recipient. Makes sense; cruel and cold dictator he might be, but Stalin genuinely was a very hard worker.
443* UsefulNotes/NapoleonBonaparte: [[http://www.military-quotes.com/Napoleon.htm "A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon."]].
444* {{Samurai}} armor and helmets. Some examples can be seen [[http://maps.metmuseum.org/galleries/fifth-ave/1/377 here]]. The extravagant ones all come from the Edo period -- with its absence of wars -- and are the equivalent of European Parade Armour, such as this example from the [[http://www.flickr.com/photos/mharrsch/809566094/ Metropolitan Museum of Art.]]
445* Moammar Qaddafi, the real Liberace among Northern-African dictators.
446* During UsefulNotes/WorldWarI, the German army was distinctive in that its combat uniforms were (at least at the start of the war) just camouflaged versions of dress uniforms. Hence all the spiked helmets: those were part of the dress uniform of all German armies, and so they kept those in the combat version; same for double-breasted cavalry outfits and so forth.
447** Technically they were field-grey versions of the coloured (mainly blue) uniforms that were worn for peacetime service, which however had come in different grades of "bling" depending on whether it was worn e. g. for garrison drill or parades. And the spiked leather helmets at least could be said to have provided a little more protection than the cloth caps and hats worn by the other armies before the introduction of steel helmets.
448** Most armies started UsefulNotes/WorldWarI with uniforms in colours that were meant to help the wearers to blend in with the landscape. The one notably exception was the French army, which sent it soldiers into the field in blue coats and red trousers. The armies from the British Empire wore khaki (continuous wars had made them realize that wearing bright red was a bad idea when facing accurate weapons), the Austro-Hungarian army pike grey, the US Army khaki (it had fought the Spanish-American War in tropical climates wearing blue ''wool'' uniforms, and started introducing alternate materials with khaki colour immediately after), as did Japan (it had started switching from blue to khaki before the UsefulNotes/RussoJapaneseWar and switched faster after they saw how accurate the Russian riflemen were) and Russia. The Royal Italian Army was usually plagued by incompetence among officers and {{Obstructive Bureaucrat}}s, but praised for their elegant dark blue uniforms. They quickly switched to their trademark grey-green after a civilian, who had read about the battles of the Russo-Japanese War, pointed out the blue uniforms made them easy targets. Experiments performed by the army itself confirmed it. (They had previously adopted khaki for colonial service in Africa.)
449* The Australians in WWII, unable to afford more than one type, also used a single uniform for all occasions -- combat, sleeping, formal wear, everything. This led to annoyance when Americans in prettier leave-uniforms got all the girls.
450* While the Aztec jaguar warriors actually had quite useful armor for their climate and time period, they probably didn't need it to be covered in feathers, gems, and war paint as well.
451* From the 2010 Moscow Victory Day Parade, compare the uniforms of the soldiers from [[http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fc/2010_Moscow_Victory_Day_Parade-11.jpeg Turkmenistan]] and [[http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/25/2010_Moscow_Victory_Day_Parade-8.jpeg Armenia]]. The Turkmen general even wore a CustomUniform and rode on a white horse, while all the Armenians, even the leaders of the column, wore regular uniforms and simply put their medals on. (Turkmenistan, of course, is the country that was ruled by [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saparmurat_Niyazov Saparmurat Niyazov]], a [[TheCaligula crazy dictator]] if there ever was one.) And Armenia is one of few CIS nations with [[UsefulNotes/ArmosWithArmor real military experience]].
452* The Mess Dress uniform (the one worn for dinners, parties and balls) for the Honourable Artillery Company (UK), to the point where privates from those unit get more bling than a lot of commissioned officers from other units.
453* The BritishRoyalGuards are a relatively subdued example, but there's a ''reason'' they stopped making their squaddies wear bright red jackets for anything but peacetime ceremonial duties.
454** The British military only gives out medals for campaigns and exceptional acts during battle, so most British servicemembers only wear one or two campaign medals/ribbons on their uniforms and even those with several years of service will only have one row compared to the chestful of medals their American counterparts can accrue even in a short career.
455*** The exception that proves the rule is Lord Louis Mountbatten (later [[UsefulNotes/KnightFever Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma]]), British naval veteran and uncle to Prince Phillip, the Queen's late husband. A professional naval officer, Mountbatten served in both world wars, the second as an admiral in high strategic commands in India and Southeast Asia. The sheer scope and variety of his assignments and campaigns alone would make him one of the highest decorated members of the British military, and between that and being the second son of a marquess he was a shoo-in to become viceroy of India (the very last one, as it turns out, but viceroy nonetheless). But on top of all that, he was a member of the extended British royal family (besides his relation to Prince Phillip, he was a great-grandson of Queen Victoria),[[note]]And had relations among European royalty; he was particularly closely related to the [[UsefulNotes/TsaristRussia Russian royals]], as his great-aunt Marie and his second cousin Alix married Alexander II and Nicholas II, respectively.[[/note]] and that put him front and center of the glittery metal explosion factory that is the British honours system. On top of the aforementioned earldom[[note]]Which was given special dispensation to be inherited through his daughters because by the time he got it (1) he had no sons and (2) his wife had stopped sleeping with him in favour of pretty much anyone else she fancied and everyone in high society--including both her husband and his cousin the King--knew it.[[/note]] and receiving appointments to four separate orders of chivalry, he was also entitled to various royals- or dignitaries-only awards and a smattering of other European chivalry inductions, enough so that by the end, the size, weight, and girth of his medals melted together could form a reasonably effective breastplate. And he ''gloried'' in his achievements, wearing all his awards to any occasion that called for it, even when the size of his medal bar blocked him from moving his left arm or when his ribbon rack rode up so high it extended above his shoulder like an extremely flamboyant hunchback.
456* A rather ironic subversion is the evolution of the "casual" subculture amongst football hooligans in the UK during the TheSeventies and TheEighties. Because [[FootballHooligans football firms]] had very distinctive styles of dress (stereotypically skinheads and Doc Martens), the police could easily identify hooligans and contain them. Liverpool and Everton fans brought back European fashions and designer labels from their away games (as these teams were fairly consistently making the European championship games at that time), and their firms began wearing them to their games. Other fans initially laughed at this "poncey" new trend, until they realized that the Liverpudlian firms were never getting arrested because the police didn't immediately identify them. Soon, everyone was doing it, but for a time, the football fans' Bling of War actually served to camouflage them rather than make them stand out.
457* Since the late 18th century the number of orders and decorations increased dramatically as many countries instituted new ones; the 1780s and 1790s also saw the introduction of decorations for combatants below officer rank and the end of UsefulNotes/TheNapoleonicWars that of campaign medals, i.e. decorations not just for those who performed deeds of valour or that were exceptional in other ways, but to everybody who had been part of the forces in the field. Thus the chests of military men became decorated with a lot more ribbons and pieces of enameled metal than before. This was also reflected in painted portraits, where an officer usually would be shown wearing all his decorations to the point that it was quite common that orders or medals awarded after an officer had sat for his portrait would be painted in additionally later. How many of his decorations an officer would actually wear every day was an entirely different matter, but of course these portraits often were used as reference by the makers of historical movies and television series, leading to slip-ups where people are shown wearing decorations that they only were awarded long after the year a film is set in.
458* There is an old anecdote that right before a battle with Rome, Antiochus III asked Hannibal Barca, who was a guest of his at the time, whether his army will be enough for the Romans. Hannibal took a look and said "[[DeadpanSnarker Yes. They are very greedy, but it'll be enough]]."
459* Germanic warriors loved this. They would frequently have inlaid and GemEncrusted weapons (usually on sheaths and hilts for obvious reasons), and some swords had holes drilled into the hilt or guard to hang rings which had a mystic significance because their circularity represented eternity and were often used as military decorations.
460** The Anglo-Saxons are particularly clear examples, with the two greatest hoards ever found (Staffordshire and Sutton Hoo) consisting of functional golden and bejewelled battle-wear. Complete with dents and other battle scars.
461* One interesting example would be the way the US Army Air Forces painted their aircraft during UsefulNotes/WorldWarII. For the first part of the war, USAAF planes were typicaly painted in Olive Drab or Desert Pink to make them harder to spot when parked on the ground. Naturally, this served no particular benefit for them in the air, especially for the famed [[WeHaveReserves massive bomber formations]] with their massive collection of contrails being impossible to miss on a clear day, and the Germans had radar anyways. By the end of the war, the USAAF had given up on this entirely and instead elected to send the planes into combat using only necessary identification markings (plus a strip of paint in front of the canopy to avoid sun glare), leaving them with a shiny metallic finish. This also saved a few hours per plane on the production lines(and a bit of weight), allowing the American industrial machine to crank out even more aircraft.
462* Once dedicated cannon-armed warships appeared during the [[WoodenShipsAndIronMen Age of Sail]] the concept of a budget went completely out the window. Governments went overboard by covering them with loud paint jobs and elaborate gilded sculptures. The paint jobs would be usefull for identifying individual ships. All the artwork and gold foil, however, was completely unnecessary.
463* A good number of medieval armors worn by knights were fancy enough that they could be considered roughly the same as walking around in a full-body Rolex or Mercedes, basically turning a fully-armored knight into a BadassInANiceSuit. It was a trend started when Henry VIII (yes, ''[[{{UsefulNotes/HenryVIII}} that]]'' Henry VIII) was wowed by the look of [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximilian_armour Maximilian Armor]] from Germany, prompting the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenwich_armour Greenwich Armors]] to appear shortly after in the king's attempt to one-up the Holy Roman Emperor.
464** As a matter of fact, a few of Henry's later armors were very bling-tastic, even the last one he wore when he got fat was no slouch in that regard.
465** This would continue on into Elizabeth I's reign, when every knight in the court ''really'' wanted to please the queen.
466* A British monk writing about the invading Norse, said that they not only washed themselves and combed their hair once a week, they wore their finest clothes and battle spoils, to arouse lust in the heart of local maidens (according to the complaining monk, it worked).
467[[/folder]]

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