Non-combatant to decorate ordinary clothing, as distinct from military garb, say? (8,5)

I believe the answer is:

civilian dress

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'ordinary clothing as distinct from military garb say?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'non-combatant to decorate' is the wordplay.
'non-combatant' becomes 'civilian' (I've seen this before).
'to decorate' becomes 'dress' (dressing is a kind of decorating).
'civilian'+'dress'='CIVILIAN DRESS'

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app