The Ten: Utilitarian Chic

For the people, whatever the weather

A brief flash of sunshine earlier this week had us all excited, didn’t it? I could practically hear the screech of marketing brakes being slammed, knitted brows unfurrowing and quick pivots to sunshine-related content that swiftly dropped into my inbox on Wednesday morning. We were no longer dreaming of sunshine, instead the 1^st of May was heralding HELLO SUN, MISSED YOU… except it was grey and oddly misty morning as I trundled on the nursery run. Hmpf. Back to the weird weather, albeit admittedly slightly warmer and after Wednesday’s storms, wetter once more. Oh British weather, you cruel mistress.

Despite what the Met office may have us believe with their claims that April was warmer than average (than what? The average polar ice cap?), it was a strange sartorial month for me. Usually, I’d slowly find myself shedding jeans and heavy coats in favour of my wardrobe of dresses and jackets but instead I found myself turning to another old favourite, my collection of jumpsuits.

Now, jumpsuits are divisive. They are the Marmite of the clothing world and everyone has an opinion. I’ve been on the receiving end of many of a come-to-fix-the-boiler quips over the years but this year, fashion is on my side with Utilitarian style returning to the catwalks at Saint Laurent, Hermes and Max Mara to name a few. Of course, Utilitarian style does not begin and end with a jumpsuit/boiler suit/flight suit – whatever you choose to call it, so I’ve expanded my remit for this week’s edit. Think French chore jackets (beloved of the late Bill Cunningham, who would cycle around NYC shooting the city’s chicest outfits), khaki essentials and a dash of denim, but as a dress rather than jeans.

Author’s note: I aim to always keep this Substack free. However, some links I share may be affiliates, which earn me a small commission on the product I’ve shared if you should choose to buy it. These in turn help keep the wolf from the door, so please do help a girl out.

1 Suede bag, £179; 2 Denim chore jacket, £110; 3 Jeans, £40; 4 Linen shirt, £49; 5 Sunglasses, £155; 6 Playsuit, £45; 7 Jumpsuit, was £100, now £50; 8 Sandals, £80; 9 Shirt dress, £110; 10 Skirt, £34.90

1 Curved suede bag, £179, ARKET

Let’s start with dipping a toe in the Utilitarian trend with accessories, shall we? When it comes to utilitarian bags, it’s time to look past the backpack and opt for a chic crossbody instead. I have long toyed with the idea of the viral Uniqlo crossbody bag that everyone says you can fit absolutely everything into – I even tried it on in town the other day, but somehow I just couldn’t commit. I think I’ll leave the nylon to Gen Z but this grown-up suede version from Arket is calling my name – larger in size (could definitely fit the kitchen sink) and achingly cool, it’s already sold out in two colourways so snap it up while you can.

2 Denim Chore Jacket, £110, Hush

I really wanted to find a genuine indigo chore jacket that didn’t break the bank and was available in more than multiples of one and without the headache of import taxes, but I didn’t succeed so I hope you’ll forgive this denim take on the French classic. This version from Hush ticks all of the boxes – lots of pockets and a boxy cut perfect for that laidback look. However, it also has a drawstring waist for those days where you want a more fitted look. If you’re still after a traditional chore jacket, Le Mont St Michel have an array of classic colours.

3 Wide leg khaki trousers, £40, Gap

As someone who was not in the right queue when they were giving out extra inches in the height department, I’ve long been a fan of a slightly cropped jean and I’ve found myself eyeing this pair of khaki wide-leg jeans for several weeks now. Finishing above the ankle and with a flattering  wide-leg cut, these will be a great addition to every denim wardrobe this summer.

4 Linen pocket shirt, £49, John Lewis

I love a linen shirt in summer, always slightly oversized so I can chuck it over a swimsuit on holiday or wear it on scorching days as a cooling sun-safe option. This patch pocket style lends itself to being worn both buttoned up or open over a camisole – I love this cork colour, which works well with blue denim, khaki and cream. I’ll be wearing it with the sleeves rolled up and half tucked.

5 Aviators, £155, Ray-Ban

Pretty much every model in Saint Laurent’s SS24 show strutted down the catwalk wearing three things – an air of insouciant cool, vertiginous stilettos that made me wince for them and a pair of aviator sunglasses. This slightly oversized frame really does suit every face and it’s like the final piece of jewellery your outfit needs when you add them. £155 may seem like a fair whack to spend on something so small but your eyes are one area that you really don’t want to scrimp, plus the cost-per-wear will quickly add up.

6 Black denim playsuit, £45, River Island

Some people will no doubt sniff that I look like an overgrown toddler in a playsuit but frankly, they can swivel because I love nothing more than the no-pants-flashing ease of a romper once the weather heats up. I’ll be replacing my winter black jumpsuits with this summer black denim version from River Island.

7 Khaki jumpsuit, was £100, now £50, Levi’s

This jumpsuit definitely has an air of Top Gun about it and I. Am. Here. For. It. Whether you’re wearing it loose with Converse and a Breton tee underneath during the day or rolling up the limbs and adding a pair of heels and BIG hoops for the evening, I love the louche versatility of a cotton jumpsuit like this khaki number. With the added bonus of an adjustable waist, you really can dress it up or down as much as you like. Just don’t forget your aviators!

8 Arizona sandals, £80, Birkenstock

When I say I spend six months of the year in Birkenstock Arizonas, I’m not kidding. Given that I live in London, rather than the sunny climes of LA, it’s doubly impressive. Actually, it’s probably more than six months as I have a pair for every year-round situation - snuggly shearling lined ones are my winter go-to for travel days, pottering and pedicures; a rubber version for the garden and by the pool and finally, classic black and white leather pairs for every day. This year I’ve got my eye on the metallic gold to add to my collection.

9  Denim dress, £110, Aligne

I’ve been eyeing this denim dress from Aligne since January. With a loose cut, zip front and patch pockets, it has that throw-on-and-go vibe that embodies Utilitarian dressing – I could wear it to a fancy lunch or for pottering around the garden equally. The deal was sealed when I saw an industry colleague wearing it the other day, this time in the cream corduroy, styled with just Sambas and ankle socks. The only tricky decision is what colour wash to go for…!

10 Cargo skirt, £34.90, Uniqlo

If you’re not one for trousers, a Cargo skirt is an easy summer style win and this cotton-nylon mix midi from Uniqlo is the perfect casual piece. Team it with a boxy cropped tee or camisole and Birkenstocks for a quick and easy outfit. I’m leaning towards the khaki for my own summer wardrobe.

On a side note, I need to share because I am not a gatekeeper when it comes to the good stuff: I was sent some of the brand’s AIRism sleeveless bra tops (£19.90) when they first launched several years ago and they live on as some of my favourite basics for summer – with a brilliant built-in moulded cup bra, they’re worth the investment and now come in so many different styles and even a dress (£34.90) too.

What was your favourite item from this week’s edit? What would you like to see next? Leave me a comment below and let me know!