I feature a lot of trendy pieces on this little bloglet, and have recently been inspired to think about the tried-and-true closet basics that I return to time and time again, as a few of you mentioned that you really like to know what I actually own and wear on the reg. Perhaps unexpectedly (?), at the very top of this “Magpie Must” list is The Utility Jacket. I own two that I have worn for the past decade or so, season after season. One is a lighter-weight anorak style I scored from J. Crew (looks similar to this style, on sale!) and the other is a classic Barbour field jacket ($275, but get the look for less with this, and I also like the ivory colored quilted Barbour here, on sale!), and both are army green. They are endlessly versatile in the way a trench coat is: I can wear them just as easily with my Alo yoga pants as I can with a sundress (currently wearing this A LOT). Cases in point:
Not that I *need* a third utility jacket, but I am loving both the camo utility jacket idea in the first picture above, and the more military-style version in the third picture above.
The Camo Utility Jacket
On the camo front, I am absolutely IN LOVE with this blouson-sleeved style from Banana ($128)! The drama of the sleeves makes the jacket feel so much higher-end and sort of counterbalances the ruggedness of the camo print. But if you’re looking for something a bit more straight-forward, this J. Crew variation ($98) has your name all over it. Winner in the budget buy category? This Calvin Klein jacket (on sale for $49).
The Military-Style Utility Jacket
On the military-style front, Theory’s Thornwood style is uber-chic (more sizes here), and I’m absolutely head over heels for Veronica Beard’s statement-making, lace-trimmed variation (on sale for $209!). BTW, speaking of jackets, Veronica Beard is pretty much known the world over for her beautifully-cut blazers. Everyone swears by them. And the sale she has going right now is EPIC — you can get one of her classic blazers on sale for $179! — but I think I have to have this Chanel-esque tweedy looking one, on sale for $209 down from nearly $700!!!)
The Classic Utility Jacket
If you’re in the market for a straight-forward utility style as shown in the second picture above, though, consider these options:
BALLER: Veronica Beard’s Camp Ponte Utility Jacket ($595)
MIDDLE-OF-THE-ROAD: Free People’s Surplus Jacket ($148)
NOW WE’RE TALKING: Madewell’s Fleet Jacket ($118)
BUDGET BUY: Maison Jules’ Cotton Utility Jacket (on sale for $35)
you are totally in my head walking around. i have been pondering this option for pre-fall. gap has two good ones – a chic little trench and a hooded bell-sleeve. i’m torn on which way to go…but now that i’m walking from train to office, the hood is kind of calling me!
Had not seen those two from Gap! Adorable!!
Yesss. This is the one wardrobe staple that’s been missing from my closet. I LOVE the Veronica Beard version with lace … though I wish it came in a plain version as well! I had an army jacket from the Gap that I completely wore until it was threadbare, and I haven’t replaced it yet. My brother gave me a short-sleeved version a few years back & I still wear it, but I need a long-sleeved, traditional version. This post is so helpful in that regard — thanks!
YAY! LMK what you end up going with, if you decide to take the plunge!