Utility-inspired workwear jackets are colliding with high fashion. Here’s how to get the look …
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At a recent new season trend briefing, Net-a-Porter revealed that workwear jackets have been huge on the luxury e-commerce site for spring. You’ll know this emerging (or, entirely classic, depending on how much you watch Gardener’s World) item from a few key signifiers: it’s a utilitarian style shirt jacket that’s fuss-free, without any decoration or pattern (other than the occasional splash of corduroy on the collar) and, above all, it favours pockets. Usually called ‘chore coats’, they’re a look that’s more au fait with outdoor pursuits than the faddish highs of luxury fashion. For decades, it’s a jacket that’s been favoured by workwear brands such as Dickies, Patagonia or Carhartt WIP (shop the men’s section for the best fit), and usually falls into the unisex or menswear category. The antithesis of ‘a look’, if such a piece could talk, it would balk at the idea of being on trend. However, it has become one. See brands such as The Row: the Frank jacket, with its corduroy collar, eyelet detailing and flap pockets, will set you back a cool €3,130. In case you missed it: workwear has had a luxury makeover.
It neatly ties in with spring’s utility trend that favours cargo trousers, heroes boiler suits and elevates ‘normcore’ footwear from brands like Camper and Crocs (see Simone Rocha’s embellished twist on the ubiquitous clog which launched last month), as well as the resurgence of heritage brands like Barbour, famous for its wax jackets. But, how are the style set wearing it for SS24? Go simple and pared-back, but with luxurious touches to keep things contemporary. Pair yours with a thong-style sandal and a great pair of straight or slouchy jeans (avoid skinny styles). If you’re going to wear it with a T-shirt, add a statement necklace or an elegant gold chain to ground the look in the now. However, the jacket itself should be classic. Look to fail-safe colours such as navy, beige, rust and racing green. Shop an edit of the best utility jackets below.
Ecru Will organic cotton jacket, €110; www.sezane.com.
Green corduroy trim cotton coat, Barbour, €300; www.net-a-porter.com.
Dark blue loose fit shacket, €29.99, at H&M.
Ivory wax jacket with cord collar, €274.16; www.freepeople.com.
Blue Jadeba loose fit jacket, Masai, €159, at Arnotts.
Vintage denim wash Pablo jacket, £100; www.seventymochi.co.uk.
Navy Donegal wool knitted jacket, €350; eu.toa.st.com.
