Back in 2019, when that damn virus wasn’t even a blip on our radar, Who What Wear reported that we were embracing an altogether more utilitarian mood as “designers have taken cargo trousers, combat boots and utility jackets and combined them with luxe fabrics to create a distinctively grown-up twist on a previously grungy trend.”
And now, after a year spent in our sweats, we finally have a chance to embrace that utilitarian trend outside and in full view of the public!
Utilitarian style is all about functionality and influenced by the military and working menswear. Yep, whatever your views on the military (or gendered clothing, for that matter) there’s no denying the influence that it has had on the fashion industry.
Indeed, combat trousers, khakis and army boots have worked their way into the lexicon of the fashion world and many of us don’t even think twice about it.
Interestingly, the Guardian reports that “The US army appears to be aware of the sticking power of this trend; it has licensed the Authentic Apparel Group to produce a range of civilian clothes inspired by army uniforms, with sales benefiting the families of the military.’’
Here in the UK, if you’re looking for army apparel, you don’t have to look further than the high street. For a fashion forward but no nonsense look, here are 5 utilitarian fashion pieces for your wardrobe.
THE STYLISH SHACKET
Is it a shirt? Is it a jacket? No, it’s the ever so trendy sartorial hybrid – the shacket. Combining the smart look of a shirt with the cosy feel of a jacket, the shacket is ideal for your transeasonal wardrobe.
The perfect transitional piece for that move from spring to summer and then summer to autumn, shackets are effortlessly cool, with an oversized silhouette which can be worn casually when undone and hanging off your shoulders, or more formal when fastened. Get yours in a lumberjack print to really amp up the utilitarian vibe.
THE ALWAYS TRENDY TRENCH COAT
Another transeasonal piece is the utilitarian trench coat, which was originally, as Vogue writes, “intended as outerwear for the well-dressed man whose days involved riding, shooting, fishing, outdoor activities and military service”.
Since then, trench coats have withstood the test of time and have been featured on catwalks year after year, proving that you really can’t go wrong with a timeless cut in unpredictable times.
Such reliable mainstays currently feel more important than ever, as we transition from outdoor dining and drinking to indoors, and then back out again to savour the sun. We think that neutral, unassuming colours like beiges and greys generally remain the safest bet for trenches, but statement pieces certainly shouldn’t be dismissed, either.
THE BRILLIANT BOILERSUIT
Here at IDEAL, boilersuits are a mainstay in our wardrobes. Originally a workwear staple during the industrial revolution in hues of blue, khaki and neutral, today, fashion-forward boiler suits can be found in all colours of the rainbow.
Our favourite thing is just how easy they are to wear, requiring minimal effort while exuding maximum style. Indeed, zero hard labour is needed to wear this one piece. Simply style with some trainers for a laid back look or some strappy ankle sandals to take it into the evening with you.
THE CASUAL CARGO PANTS
We’ll tell you what you need, what you really need – some combat trousers. As net-a-porter writes, “In the ’90s they were girl-band standard issue, with everyone from TLC to the Spice Girls showing their love for the practical cargo pant”.
Love them or hate them, cargo pants are making a comeback, emerging from our Y2K wardrobes and striding into 2021. Now, all you need to do is figure out what to put in all those extra, handy pockets – ideal for all those extras like hand sanitisers, facemasks, disinfectant wipes, don’t you think? How very utilitarian.
THE MODERN MILITARY COAT
Sometimes the act of keeping warm but with style and swagger requires a military-like precision in the preparation stage. A military coat, with its funnel neck collar offering the ultimate protection from the cold and windy weather, is a good way to go.
In a season lacking much colour and verve, the traditional green hues can bring a subtle brightening of darker days. Bring it on!
