This piece is a little bit of a hybrid. Its not really a Boilersuit, though it has the cut of one.
UTILITY
What is it about Utility Clothing that it stays with us for decades? Introduced in the UK in 1941 to give the war-bothered citizens some decent clothes, Utility Clothing was born. The base of the Utility-Style is – utility! Who would have thought? The 1940 brits were limited in material, workers, money and definitely had their concerns somewhere else than in what might look the best once some air raid is going to start.
That must’ve been hard times, for various reasons. One concern strucking the designers minds anyway was – how can we dress our people? They definitely didn’t want their citizens to run around naked or worse - BORING. A challenge some London Fashion Designers were willing to take. The solution? We are using utility fabrics (must be robust and inexpensive but still have quality), some pockets (not more than two*), only five buttons (I dare you to use more), really limited seams and pleats, not a lot of stitching (but make sure it stays together), and most important - No. Decoration. Whatsoever (Ain’t nobody got time for that, Sarah!!!)
In the end we have a decent quality and practical look. Though our peeps back then were a bit afraid, that the government is now telling you how to do fashion and what you’re allowed to wear and what not, they really got to use and love it in the end.
This finally brings us back to 2020. Here we are, still using and loving the utility, developed almost a hundred years ago. But would it be fashion, if we didn’t change some details here and there?
Luckily, by now we are less limited in restrictions while designing the utility clothing.
You’re going to see that it is still pretty practical. Or at least looks like it is. We still have the pockets, zippers, buttons and belts. Basically everything that could make your fashion adjustable and useful. But in 2020s women’s utility wear you see a tendency to make it a bit more feminine, with for example high waisted cargo trousers, or a good old belt to emphasize hips and waist.
This piece is a little bit of a hybrid. Its not really a Boilersuit, though it has the cut of one, but not really a jumpsuit either, as it is made of this nice and thick cotton. Perfect to wear it classy but cool!
How I like to combine my utility-wear.
I bought this lovely jumpsuit on a Monki-Sale. Saw it, tried it, loved it. With its Breast-Pockets and straight cut you see the typical utility-features. I paired it with a big buckle belt, to highlight the waist. You could definitely just go without, if you want to keep it as straight as possible – in 2020 we love ourselves a strong, simple line. I just prefer not to drown in my clothes, sometimes.
ALSO! Take a little bit care with the colours. Darker tones go better for keeping something straight and easy, without emphasizing your bodily features. If you go for neutral colours, like I did with the Jumpsuit/Boilersuit**, go and give your look some sizzle and drizzle with a few accessories, or you’ll end up looking like a janitor. (I don’t need to mention that a janitor is a respectable job, you just don’t really want to look like you’re actually working with clothes that were originally made for working but now are rather meant as a fashion statement)
I paired it with my Docs (As I love to do every Outfit that I want to look a bit cooler), a straight black coat, golden accessories that fit the belt, and as it starts to get a bit sunny outside – round sunglasses.
The second look is much more of a not so practical but practical looking utility dress. Not that it isn’t comfy AF, but if you don’t want to show too much of your booty while working, this girl might not be the best choice for the office-life. But for going out on a party a front- zip is going to be your best companion. Well, I’m not speaking about going all clear on the top of the bar (Though that’d be pretty easy, too), rather because if you need to see the restrooms, she’s much more practical than the Jumpsuit/Boilersuit I showed you before.
You see, we do have the zipper, the belt, an accentuating lapel. Oh, and did I mention? POCKETS. What could be better on a dress than a pocket? Oh, how I love the 21st century and all the styles that woman fought their way to wear!
Combined with …
*This changed in 2020. We can have more pockets! AND MORE! (Who doesn’t love a good pocket to throw your phone in?)
This piece is a little bit of a hybrid. Its not really a Boilersuit, though it has the cut of one, but not really a jumpsuit either, as it is made of this nice and thick cotton. Perfect to wear it classy but cool!
