Go Utilitarian for SS ’12

Posted by Styloko

Utilitarian pieces are embracing an urban vibe for S/S ’12.  Pieces seen on the catwalks of Celine, Junya Watanabe and Paul & Joe amongst others, kept in tune with the traditional natural colour palette of khakis, beige, browns and hints of blue whilst being reinvented with luxurious embellishments and innovative, structured shapes.

The Africana look is obviously the key inspiration for this trend, with designers teaming the looks with African inspired jewellery and accessories.

Thick jackets, off-duty shirts and tailored trousers keep the look in line with its original inspiration, whilst chiffon skirts, shirt dresses, capes and subtle embellishments allow you to go from jeep jumping adventurer to party animal seamlessly.  Effortlessly chic, the utilitarian trend looks great with subtle accents of golds and bold or neutral coloured accessories.

Get the look

1. 50 Denier Khaki Tights, £4, Topshop 2. Dolce & Gabbana Gold Buckle Vintage Leather Belt, £260, Harvey Nichols 3. Mulberry Harriet Patent Satchel, £850, Selfridges 4. Haute Hippie Sequined Silk Playsuit, £530, Net-a-Porter 5. Isabel Marant Etoile Isley Linen Shorts, £170, Matches 6. Belstaff Polar Brown Coat, Was £650 Now £488, Coggles 7. Carven Pleated Cotton Skirt, £180, Browns