Board Thread:Speculation House/@comment-10380701-20150808021719/@comment-25555436-20150809160828

Shadow at Morning wrote: The odd thing there is that her upper arms seem to be exposed. Not really a thing to be found in a uniform.

Maybe Atlas finally invented shielding technology? As in, Sci-Fy shields, that block bullets and recharge and appear only when hit. Halo, and Mass Effect, for examples.

Or maybe she's of the rank that just gives orders but doesn't actually fight? Those exist, and since they rarely, if ever, will be in combat, there's not as much need for practical clothing.

Now, I know what you will say "If she's in the military, she must wear the uniform", blah blah, but remember, this is RWBY, ruled by the Rule of Cool. And in many other works that follow said rule, important characters that are part of the military do not always use the uniform, or at least not correctly/completely (and don't get any complains because, again, Rule of Cool).

Of course, all that assuming she is part of the military, and not simply working with it. Which would be different, as Commander Shepard would like to remind you but never explain to you.

Her clothing evokes the idea of Royal Knight, in the literal sense: A member of the Royalty, and also a Knight. "Knights were royalty", yeah yeah, no one gives a shit about it, I'm talking of clothing style and the evoked idea, not how obvious it sounds.

The upper part of the clothing, with the exposed shoulders, evokes Royalty, kind of like a princess of some sort. The lower part, especially the greaves, are what evoke Knight. A contrast in between, that gives it an unique touch and makes it stand out.