The perennial favourite, utility has returned to the runways in the chicest of ways. A multitasking hero, it’s masculine meets feminine in renditions of boilersuits, strong collars and pocket detailing from the likes of Isabel Marant and Sacai this season.
Often a minimalist’s go-to, it’s the kind of investment dressing that doesn’t require too much thought. The result is a casual complexity that creates a sense of effortless appeal.
But what exactly is utility dressing? Introduced by British government in 1941, Utility clothing was labelled civilian clothing 1941 (CC41) with the intention of garments being simple, practical and agreeable-looking. Not to mention made of good material; think quality cottons and wools. No superfluous decoration was allowed.
Key features of the trend? It’s all in the details – pockets, pleats, buttons and stitching all work together to elevate a colour palette of sandy neutrals and army tones.
For style inspiration; think Meryl Streep in Out of Africa or Lauren Dern in Jurassic Park. For real life looks, turn to street style stars Pernille Teisbaek or Vanessa Hong who champion the utilitarian aesthetic.
For your own dose of safari sophistication, shop our picks of the utility-inspired pieces that will keep up-to-date on the fashion frontline.
Elsa wears (left): ASOS shirt, $120, asos.com/au; Bassike Pants, $420, bassike.com; Senso heels, $229, senso.com.au; Brie Leon earrings, $159, brieleon.com. London wears: Frankie Shop jumpsuit, $323, at net-a-porter.com; Alias Mae heels, $219.95, at theiconic.com.au. Photography by Michael Brunt. Styled by Monica Russell.
JW Anderson, $2060.48, available at net-a-porter.com
Tibi, $759.42, available at net-a-porter.com
Chloe, $1462.75, available at net-a-porter.com
Proenza Schouler, $1661.81, available at net-a-porter.com
Prada, $2400, available at net-a-porter.com
Style Tip: Tactile fabrics in neutral tones help to elevate a look with very little effort.
Matin, $695, available at theundone.com
Camilla and Marc, $799, camillaandmarc.com
Fendi, $1290, available at net-a-porter.com
Shona Joy, $320, shonajoy.com.au
Topshop, approx. $87.32, topshop.com
A.P.C., $410, available at farfetch.com
Kassl Editions, $1557.95, available at net-a-porter.com
Nanushka, $405.22, available at net-a-porter.com
Michael Kors Collection, $1095.81, available at net-a-porter.com
Rains, $253.33, available at net-a-porter.com
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