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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
