We can’t all be stylists. When we rouse bleary-eyed, the idea of sauntering over to our closets and making outfit magic happen can seem a bit daunting. With the fall (and thus, fall semester) inching ever closer, we’re ready to update our wardrobe with pieces that, while fashion-forward, require minimal styling effort. This way, even on the days when we get overenthusiastic with the snooze button, neither our ensemble nor our arrival time betrays our sloth.
Isabel Marant’s updated boilersuit for Resort 2017; Image: Isabel Marant
Enter the Resort 2017 utilitarian trend. Designers from Isabel Marant to A.L.C. made it a point to give everyday pieces a military- and workwear-inspired vibe. We know what you’re thinking — resort equals vacation wear — but hear us out. The workwear trend has been around for ages and, given the nature of the pieces (simple, not too revealing, meant for everyday wear), now’s the perfect time to incorporate boilersuits and zipper- and patch pocket-accented skirts, pants and dresses into your wardrobe. Even Beyoncé’s stylist is buying into the trend:
Chances are, you already own a bomber jacket, the OG military-inspired piece, but what about a “siren suit,” which earned its nickname circa World War II due to its use as a quickie cover-up for nightclothes during unexpected air raids? (They’re not as drab and depressing as their erstwhile use would imply, we promise.)
Remember: The key to utilitarian chic dressing is balancing oversized proportions with tailored pieces and complementing sporty looks with decidedly feminine silhouettes (and materials!) that you can tuck in or layer smoothly. Embrace girlish accents like delicate jewelry and French-knotted scarves.
Click through the slideshow below to shop our favorite fashionable yet functional pieces.
Utilitarian Dressing
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Utilitarian Dressing #1
Esprit All In One Denim Boiler Suit, $96 at ASOS
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Utilitarian Dressing #2
Black Crane Carpenter Pant, $159 at Need Supply Co.
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Utilitarian Dressing #3
Timberland Classic Wheat Boot, $190 at Urban Outfitters
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Utilitarian Dressing #4
Alpha Industries MA-1 Flight Jacket, $140 at Alpha Industries
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Utilitarian Dressing #5
Carhartt Unlined Bib Overalls, $79.99 at Carhartt
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Utilitarian Dressing #6
A.P.C. Truck Jumpsuit, $425 at A.P.C.
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Utilitarian Dressing #7
ASOS Trench With Split Back, $105 at ASOS
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Utilitarian Dressing #8
Coach Moto Hiking Boot, $450 at Nordstrom
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Utilitarian Dressing #9
Helmut Lang Patch Pocket Pant, $425 at Helmut Lang
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Utilitarian Dressing #10
A.L.C. Ethan Trench Coat, $695 at Nordstrom
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Utilitarian Dressing #11
American Apparel Unisex Baby Thermal Henley Long Sleeve T-Shirt, $30 at American Apparel
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Utilitarian Dressing #12
Dickies Basic Coveralls, $29.99 at WorkBoots.com
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Utilitarian Dressing #13
Zara Zipped Denim Dress, $49.90 at Zara
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Utilitarian Dressing #14
3.1 Phillip Lim Cotton-Blend Twill Skirt, $395 at Net-a-Porter
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Utilitarian Dressing #15
Zara Technical Fabric Jacket, $69.90 at Zara
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Utilitarian Dressing #16
Opening Ceremony Juniper Twill Cargo Pants, $128 at Opening Ceremony
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Utilitarian Dressing #17
Topshop MOTO Vintage Wash Button Front Skirt, $55 at Topshop
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Utilitarian Dressing #18
J.Crew The Downtown Field Jacket, $148 at J.Crew
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Utilitarian Dressing #19
Farrow Amelia Jumper, $68 at Need Supply Co.
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Utilitarian Dressing #20
Tibi Anson Stretch Cargo Pants, $365 at Tibi
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Utilitarian Dressing #21
H&M Long Pilot Jacket, $39.99 at H&M
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Utilitarian Dressing #22
Herschel Supply Co. Surplus Dawson Backpack, $100 at Need Supply Co.
