Utilitarian style has become the key language of the season. This is confirmed not only on the catwalks, but also on the streets: structured jackets, high boots and functional silhouettes form a new aesthetic of the urban wardrobe, where practicality is combined with a clear fashion position.
Prada
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This trend was particularly evident on the spring-summer 2026 runways, particularly at Prada, where they focused on jumpsuits. But it was most clearly embodied in outerwear: structured jackets, massive buttons and fasteners resembling mechanical gears. A direct comeback of the iconic jackets from the 2003 Irere McQueen collection.
McQueen, spring-summer 2026
Giorgio Armani offered perhaps the most literal and elegant interpretation of the trend: a high-collared jacket with a cross-front closure, trousers tucked into high boots, and a silk scarf. Altuzarra paired a suede jacket with a pillbox hat, an accessory that is deservedly becoming one of the key ones in 2026.
Giorgio Armani
Altuzarra
All the clues were there a few months ago: the boom in high boots, the popularity of Queen Elizabeth II's royal off-duty style of collared outerwear and scarves, the return of stripes, and of course Pinterest's forecast for an adventure-ready aesthetic. And when you add in this season's near-must-have trench coat—a piece that is by definition utilitarian and easily works as a stand-alone total look—the message becomes clear.
We have collected 4 simple stylistic formulas in the utilitarian style that always work.
Total look in one color scheme
Miniskirt + oversized jacket
Midi skirt + structured jacket
Coat as a dress
Based on materials from Vogue.es.