How to Style a Utility Jacket
THE LOOK
Style Notes
KEY PIECE
Originally a utility jacket is a staple that works well in a casual wardrobe. It has a military vibe to it and is a variation of a parka.
If you search for utility jacket looks on Pinterest, you’ll see that most of them are styled with jeans and tshirts.
But here is a little tip: choose a jacket that has a belt instead of a drawstring + structured fabric and voila! You have a piece that will work well in a smart casual wardrobe as an alternative to blazers.
Drawstring is what gives the utility jackets a casual feel. A belt introduces structure and makes the piece a lot of more polished.
Now you can style it with pretty much everything and anything!
If you are considering introducing a spring jacket into your wardrobe, this is a really versatile option!
STYLING IDEAS
A casual utility jacket offers very limited options outside of casual ensembles, but a structured jacket will go with numerous options.
Leather, tailored pieces, skirts, cashmere, silky tops – all become a possibility. You can even add heels and dressy accessories for a stylish ensemble with a streetstyle vibe.
If you have semi-casual skirts and dresses in the wardrobe, a structured utility jacket will pair easily with them too.
I’ve put together a little capsule below to showcase how easily a utility jacket can finish off a variety of pieces and be dressed up or down depending on what pieces you team it with.
DECIDING IF THIS IS RIGHT FOR YOU
If you are a busy mom or love your comfort with a stylish edge for your off-duty looks, a utility jacket will fit really well into your wardrobe.
It will pair with leggins and trainers just as easily as it will co-ordinate with dressier pieces.
It can also serve as an alternative to a trench if you find trenches a bit too structured for your liking.
more styling ideas
Additional Options
Dress Up
A utility jacket will give you smart polished options when you pair it with tailored trousers. Tapered leg will work best here. Add trainers or loafers, a nice blouse or jumper and it’s a look that can be worn for both work and weekend.
If you pair a utility jacket with a boho dress and an ankle boots, it will create an effortless weekend look that is stylish but still practical.
Dress Down
To dress a structured utility jacket down, wear it the same way you’d wear a casual parka – with joggers, jeans or leggins. The structure does not create any challenges. In fact, it will add more polish to otherwise very casual looks.
Colours
Opt for neutral colours to have as much flexibility as possible.
Olive is a standard colour used in utility jackets, but there are other options in the shops in a variety of shades of beige.
I wouldn’t recommend going for a coloured utility jacket as it will significantly limit your mixing & matching options.
Shopping
Product Links
LOOK 1
UTILITY JACKET
https://eu.topshop.com/en/tseu/product/khaki-utility-shacket-9706551
YELLOW JUMPERS
https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0848420003.html
JEANS
https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0714927002.html
SUEDE ANKLE BOOTS
https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/productpage.0786667004.html
PINK & YELLOW BAG
LOOK 2
BLUE JUMPER
https://www.jigsaw-online.com/product/wool-cashmere-turtle-jumper/J40110_BL027
LEATHER CULOTTES
https://shop.mango.com/ie/women/trousers-palazzo/belt-culottes-trousers_67044405.html?c=09
TAN & BLACK BAG
BURGUNDY COURTS
LOOK 3
PINK JUMPER
GREEN SKIRT
https://shop.mango.com/ie/women/skirts-midi/pleated-knit-skirt_67097879.html
BEIGE BOOTS
OLIVE BAG
LOOK 4
GREY ZIP JACKET
GREY JOGGERS
STRIPED T-SHIRT
TAN & BLACK BAG
WHITE SNEAKERS
https://www.zara.com/ie/en/soft-leather-sneakers-p11400510.html?v1=34129694&v2=1445740
LOOK 5
PRINTED DRESS
BEIGE BOOTS
OLIVE BAG
LOOK 6
POLKA DOT BLOUSE
https://www.mintvelvet.co.uk/product/Spot-Print-Oversized-Shirt/27205
CHECK TROUSERS
BLACK LOAFERS
https://www.flattered.com/eu/all-shoes/flats/alexandra-croco-black
TAN & BLACK BAG
