9.18.2014

foundations: the olive utility jacket


recently, a reader emailed me to ask for recommendations for a good olive utility jacket.

there's just something irresistibly chic about this piece. (i've had mine for 5+ years, and it remains one of my all-time favorites.)
  • a great one will take you through spring, fall, and even early winter with some layers underneath. 
  • the slouchy fit is as easy to wear as it is to style with jeans or dresses.
  • the olive color is the perfect neutral – universally flattering, and goes with pretty much everything.
  • its utilitarian roots (and pockets! hooray for pockets.) make it super practical and stylish as a travel jacket.

every September, i start counting down the days until it's cool enough to wear my utility jacket. fall is my favorite time of the year, and there's something incredibly comforting about returning to an old wardrobe favorite to usher in the season.

elements of style: tort sunglasses, olive utility jacket
[photo credit: Carolines Mode]

this season, there are a number of great options:

1. the army-surplus jacket (currently on sale!) // basically the version that i have (mine is past season Rag & Bone) – very tomboy. slightly oversized, hits at mid-hip. i wear mine in fall and spring, and always pack it for travel.
2. the longer faux-fur trimmed parka // i'm considering adding this one to my wardrobe this season. love the extra lining, and the longer knee-length.
3. the cropped utility trench (styled here) // a chic, tailored adaptation. bonus: the coated cotton means that it's rainproof too!

i hope this is helpful. do you have a utility jacket/parka? how do you like to wear it?

9 comments:

  1. I have a light cotton one for spring/summer/early fall (oh, Nordic temperatures) and I bought a brand new FWSS winter parka for when the snow and frost sets in. It has long shaggy shearling trim on the hood and I can't wait to start wearing it :)

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    1. that sounds perfect! a longer version is definitely on my wishlist. so cozy/chic.

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  2. I purchased one a couple of years back and wore it endlessly, with just about anything. I lent it to my sister one day and never saw it again... But I think it's time for an updated version, anyway. Lovely choices here.

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    1. thanks Christine! such a magically versatile jacket, no? :)

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  3. Random question Miss Sophie - how do you care for your leather jacket? I remember seeing a post on maintaining your IM Dickers...

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    1. that's a great question Jocy - i'll try to do a post on that soon :)

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  4. I have an old cotton one from Diesel (I worked there as a student so staff discount!) that I am pretty sure won't stand up to any real field work but it works perfectly for travels in mildly cool weather. You've basically captured all that is awesome about it - I especially love the pockets (I can go bag-free) and I like mine with a hood - handy when it drizzles! Too bad I never get a chance to wear it at home - never gets cold enough.

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  5. I adore mine, and it was one of those kismet finds a few years ago at the GAP. It was a one of a kind return, and I don't recall even seeing them online before then. I wear it all the time.

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  6. I wore mine yesterday for the first time in almost a year (it's been super hot around here- so cal) and I was so excited! Wore it with a black and white striped tank, dark blue jeans cuffed and some leopard print vans 😍

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