Photo courtesy of Szymon Brzóska
4 Ways to Try On the Utility Trend
Created with Frederique Constant
At its best, utility-minded clothing marries form and function—which is to say it’s not only legitimately useful (you won’t find any faux pockets here) but also beautifully and impeccably designed. These are the hard-working heroes we’re leaning on, plus four ways to wear them.
Go All Out
A fresh take on the traditional shirtdress. A travel jacket that adapts to any environment. Melanin-infused, blue light–filtering shades for sensitive eyes (or stepping out incognito). These are the practical pieces every utility
starter pack deserves.
-
Furtuna Skin Eye cream goop, $285SHOP NOW -
Laura Lombardi earrings goop, $75SHOP NOW -
Electric Sunglasses goop, $250SHOP NOW -
G. Label Bradlee Utility Jacket goop, $695SHOP NOW -
Victoria Beckham shirtdress goop, $750SHOP NOW -
Bottega Veneta crossbody MatchesFashion, $1,000SHOP NOW -
Gabriela Hearst sandals MatchesFashion, $1,164SHOP NOW
Zero In on Accessories
Spinelli Kilcollin’s galaxy rings can be worn in a stack or spread across your fingers. A blue-dial watch isn’t just pretty—it frees you from checking your phone for the time. And then there’s the Birkin, equipped with compartments for every card and cord, plus a removable cup holder on the side.
-
Spinelli Kilcollin ring goop, $6,800SHOP NOW -
Frederique Constant watch Frederique Constant, $1,595SHOP NOW -
Toteme Tee goop, $170SHOP NOW -
Ciao Lucia sweater goop, $325SHOP NOW -
Nili Lotan pants goop, $495SHOP NOW -
Isabel Marant belt MyTheresa, $170SHOP NOW -
Hermès 2021 Birkin bag 1stDibs, $79,647SHOP NOW -
Veja sneakers goop, $140SHOP NOW
double down
A matching set is always a smart choice: It mixes, it matches, and the styling opportunities? Endless. This olive-hued combo scratches the classic utility itch, while the sweetheart neckline and paper-bag waist give it a welcome feminine bent. Lean in with a little lip color, swingy earrings, and a pretty printed bag.
Stick with the Classics
We can’t talk about utility without mentioning the cargo jacket. This one is soft around the edges—with a sharp collar, rollable cuffs, and a waist-defining self-tie belt. Pair it with comfortable, stretch-infused trousers and step-cushioning platform sandals.
-
Vintner’s Daughter serum goop, $325SHOP NOW -
Lizzie Mandler necklace goop, $8,845SHOP NOW -
Bondeye Jewelry signet ring goop, $850SHOP NOW -
Frederique Constant watch Frederique Constant, $2,595SHOP NOW -
Matin jacket goop, $467SHOP NOW -
Toteme trousers goop, $360SHOP NOW -
Mansur Gavriel tote goop, $795SHOP NOW -
Moncler Sandals Nordstrom, $595SHOP NOW
More for Cultivating Your Utility Capsule Wardrobe:
The Art of Dressing Efficiently
We hope you enjoy the products recommended here. Our goal is to suggest only things we love and think you might, as well. We also like transparency, so, full disclosure: We may collect a share of sales or other compensation if you purchase through the external links on this page.
