Modern Armour: 18 Utility Pieces To Make Your Own

Comfort pieces like puffers and combat boots are tempered with a feminine new mood.

When the mercury drops, turn to utility dressing. It’s easy to crave comfort pieces like puffers and combat boots as winter brings a fresh cool energy but this season our favourite workwear inspired wardrobe gets a sharp transformation. A far cry from the 90s street utility that girl bands like All Saints and Destiny’s Child adapted, the difference in tone here is a grown-up polished flavour. Less mountain, more Matrix. Cuts are precise and bold; if it’s baggy it’s on purpose. There’s a lustrous feminine aspect that feels innovative — essential shirting features armour cut-outs and cargo-influenced bottoms (be it a mini skirt or pants) are distilled to a few conscious features like tactile fabric, rich contrast stitching and pockets galore. For better insights refer to the Arnsdorf effect. An aesthetic underpinned by clean lines and a refined sentiment melded with these cult essentials that were originally designed to be hardworking, not so much luxe.

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There’s something sumptuous about these timeless utility looks softened and nourished with a new sense of sophistication. Trenches worn with glamorous black dresses. Tough leather is morphed into delicate shapes. Stomping boots and knee-high Chelseas are slick in patent shiny formats. Protective quilting, chunky chains and voluminous details are muted in a neutral palette of taupe, cream, sage and tan. From trenches to shirt dresses and aviator jackets — adding the soft touch of satin or an ornately tailored separate tempers the masculine mood that this uniformed trend has forever been ruled by.

*AERE looks coming soon

There’s no kind of mood a bit of tulle and rhinestones can’t jazz up. With a pinch of imagination even a rainy day indoors can feel (and look) spectacular. Set the scene and let the wardrobe doors fly open. Have a blast with these glitzy occasions to spark the little ones interest and have them dressing up in a world of their own.