Art of Style

These Are The Utility Staples To Invest In Now

Utility dressing is a perennial favorite: easy to wear, universally flattering and effortlessly cool. Read on to discover the workwear-inspired styles to wear now

Words Colleen RossFashion editor Connie Daw
Fashion
Yoyo Cao

The practical nature of utility dressing means it could easily be mistaken for boring, but as tastemakers continually prove, it’s anything but. Loose-fitting jumpsuits, tailored cargo pants and oversized field jackets in versatile earth tones have become staples of a stylish wardrobe and were all celebrated on the SS25 runways.

Arguably the easiest way to embrace the trend is with a jumpsuit. Functional, fuss-free and undeniably cool, few styles are more liberating, hence why designers like Stella McCartney often incorporate them in their collections. This one from the London-based label’s Resort ’25 lineup is cut from washed organic cotton-canvas in a relaxed shape complete with an elasticated waist and riveted pockets inspired by traditional workwear. Layer yours with a turtleneck top, such as Agolde’s ‘Pascale’ style, during the winter months. Both pieces are part of our NET SUSTAIN edit and crafted using lower-impact materials.

Sometimes a jacket is all you need to make an outfit sing, and the coolest tend to be utility-inspired. Made from garment-dyed cotton-drill, Loewe’s cropped version borrows design elements from flight and chore styles for a modern take on the classics. Both the shearling collar and lining are detachable for maximum wearability, too. Balance the casual feel with Proenza Schouler’s wide-leg ‘Savannah’ pants and polished accessories, like Neous’s ‘Dorado’ shoulder bag in glossed burgundy leather, and sleek cat-eye sunglasses.

Of course, no utility dress code would be complete without a trench coat. Originally designed for outdoor pursuits and military service, it has become one of the most iconic and enduring trans-seasonal staples to have in your closet. First seen in the Resort ’25 presentation, Saint Laurent’s long-length version has an oversized shape for an air of Parisian insouciance and looks impossibly chic belted over tailoring. Complete a timeless ensemble with Gucci’s ‘Horsebit 1953’ loafers and sleek silver hoops, such as Laura Lombardi’s pair from our NET SUSTAIN edit.

For a look that feels a touch more feminine, Saint Laurent’s A-line skirt is an elegant choice. Nodding to the label’s iconic safari look that originally debuted in 1968, it comes in olive-green cotton-canvas with utilitarian pockets and has a flattering nipped-in waist. Echo one of SS25’s key styling tricks by wearing it with a simple white tank and shrug a leather jacket over the top. Part of our NET SUSTAIN edit and crafted from lower-impact materials, Nour Hammour’s biker-inspired ‘Clint’ style is a tried-and-true classic.

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