We’ve hit that phase of the year when our winter wardrobe feels irrelevant, but it’s too early to bare any sun-starved skin. Bleak mornings have us reaching for coats and knitwear, only to peel them off in a red-faced frenzy when we board public transport.
Time to get pragmatic.
On the SS26 runway, Isabel Marant provided a perfect lesson in light layering, rooted in chic utilitarianism: pocket-laden overshirts, cargo trousers and suede lace-up boots in neutral hues. At Prada, jackets with large snap pockets were softened when layered over taffeta skirts and satin dresses. Burberry, ever British, took the Kate Moss approach by slinging a vintage-looking cargo jacket over a metallic party dress – a choice that makes us wish Glastonbury wasn’t on a fallow year.
The strength of utility wear is versatility; its functional form seamlessly complements a variety of different outfits and styles. In our ever-changing, unpredictable climate, this is a style that’s quite literally got you covered.
Layer up: drawstring jacket, £139, & Other Stories; silk scarf, £245, Liberty; poplin skirt, £185, Toast; croissant bag, £1,265, Lemaire (Dover Street Market); and suede combat boots, £765, Malone Souliers
Ready for combat: barrel trousers £60, Gap; sunglasses, £350, Cubitts; tank top, £125, Emello; camo jacket, £425, Wiggy Kit; and sand suede trainers, £360, Dear Frances
Top gear: midi dress, £129, Barbour; ID bracelet, £420, Tom Wood; barrel trousers, £99, Whistles; bomber jacket, £145, Damson Madder; sneakers, £800, Miu Miu
Better in beige: utility dress, £89, John Lewis; cotton top, £240, Soeur; suede cross body bag, £375, Kaai; sunglasses, £137, Oakley; and cargo jumpsuit, £300, ba&sh
Main image: model wears Essentiel Antwerp
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