The trend for practicality: why clothes originally designed for work have become fashionable

The era of “suffering for the sake of beauty” has finally sunk into oblivion. We are simply globally tired of things in which it is scary to move, breathe, and live, informs Ukr.Media.

Today, utilitarianism rules the streets — a style that designers shamelessly stole from the wardrobes of builders, military personnel, and lumberjacks. And I think this is the best thing that has happened to urban fashion in recent years. Because the modern woman wants pockets that can actually fit a phone, not just half a lipstick.

But there's a fine line here. It's easy to overdo the “working class” trend and instead of urban chic, you end up looking like someone who just finished a shift at a factory. So how do you adapt this austere style to normal life?

Cargo: How to Not Look Like a Teenage Skater

I look at my 15-year-old niece, who practically lives in these oversized parachute pants with patch pockets, and I catch a sharp sense of deja vu. Cargo pants are back, and they're even baggier.

But if teenagers can be forgiven for wearing them with hoodies and sneakers, then on an adult woman it often looks as if she has gone mushroom hunting. The secret of chic here is exclusively in contrast. Take these rough, voluminous pants and mix them with something as unexpected as possible: elegant ankle boots, a silk blouse or a discreet office jacket. Gold jewelry against a background of coarse cotton works simply fantastically – this is what turns a thing from “combat” to designer.

Mechanic's overalls

You've definitely seen these girls on Instagram: she's standing in a rough khaki jumpsuit, with a coffee in her hand, looking incredibly cool. You buy one, put it on… and you look like plumber Petrovich.

The main danger of overalls is that they kill the figure. Therefore, rule number one: the waist must be saved. A stiff leather belt or a tight drawstring is a must. And never fasten it under the throat. Unbutton a few buttons, show a white T-shirt or collarbones, roll up the sleeves. A little negligence is needed, otherwise people will start asking you to fix their faucet.

Shirt jacket and corduroy collars

This is a brilliant invention. Unlike soft cardigans, which treacherously emphasize every fold, a jacket made of thick cotton (often with a contrasting corduroy collar, like American farmers) holds a rigid frame. It literally pulls the silhouette together. To avoid associations with summer work, such a jacket is ideal to throw over something feminine – for example, a silk midi skirt. This contrast of textures – rough and delicate – always looks expensive.

High fashion and kitchen aprons

Well, the level is for the most daring. Such images often flash on the catwalks.

Please don't take this literally. If you go out on the streets of Kyiv wearing a kitchen apron over a down jacket, you will simply not be understood. A catwalk is always hyperbole. But the idea can be adapted in a cool way: instead of an apron, buy a thick straight-cut sundress with deep cutouts on the sides (similar to an elongated apron) and wear it over turtlenecks or shirts. This is the same complex layering that covers everything unnecessary and looks sharp and fashionable.

Is this “work” style finally a comfortable fashion or is it still a bad taste that has no place in your wardrobe?

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