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
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.
AGOLDEPascale stretch-Lyocell turtleneck top
MAISON MARGIELATabi leather ankle boots£654.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size35 - out of stock36 - out of stock37 - out of stock38394041 - out of stock
GUEST IN RESIDENCEEverywear cashmere jumpsuit£299.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklarge - low stockx large - out of stock
CELINE EYEWEARAviator-style acetate sunglasses
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.
LOEWEShearling-trimmed cotton-drill jacket£960.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size32 - out of stock34 - out of stock36 - out of stock38 - out of stock40 - out of stock42 - out of stock44 - out of stock
NEOUSDorado glossed-leather shoulder bag
PROENZA SCHOULERSavannah pleated wool-gabardine wide-leg pants£270.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size02 - out of stock46 - low stock8 - out of stock10 - out of stock12 - out of stock
STELLA MCCARTNEYCorduroy-trimmed washed organic cotton-canvas jacket£620.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size34 - out of stock36 - out of stock38 - out of stock40 - out of stock42 - low stock444648 - out of stock50 - out of stock
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.
LAURA LOMBARDISilver-plated hoop earrings
BETTTERWool-twill straight-leg pants£196.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklarge - out of stock
GUCCIHorsebit 1953 leather loafers£810.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3434.53535.53636.537 - low stock37.5 - low stock38 - low stock38.539 - low stock39.5 - out of stock40 - low stock40.5 - out of stock41 - low stock41.542 - low stock
ALTUZARRABillie double-breasted belted wool trench coat£791.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size34 - out of stock36 - out of stock38 - out of stock40 - out of stock42 - out of stock44 - out of stock
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.
VERONICA BEARDSid ribbed-knit tank£104.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklarge - out of stockx large - low stock
GUCCI EYEWEARAviator-style gold-tone sunglasses
RELATED READING
The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown.