SS15 Trend: Utility Dressing

The new year is well and truely in full swing and it's hard to believe that in just a few weeks we will be entering into spring. We have long days, warmer weather (hopefully) and new trends to look forward to. I was appalled the other day when the new season stock began to arrive into work when Christmas was hardly behind us! However, I am now excited for the months ahead and to share with you all some of the big trends for SS15 which you should invest in as soon as they hit the shops. 

One theme which you can nearly guarantee to feature in spring fashion is the safari theme. Khaki palettes, city shorts and shirt dresses are nothing new. This emerging trend is sort of a nod to previous seasons but with a much cooler edge. The idea of utility clothing is nothing new, it has actually been around since world war 2 when a clothing rationing scheme was introduced by the British government. What we have is basic garments that are very functional (what with all their pockets!) and not in generally the most attractive colour palette. These clothes were designed as a response to shortages in material and were made according to very strict specifications regarding material usage and labour. What I find interesting is the way in which designers have taken these very basic, functional items and given them a luxe twist through the use of colour, luxury fabrics and embellishment. A stark contrast to their intended use and austere origination in the early 20th century.

When some of the biggest names in fashion showcased this trend in their collections I could tell how big this style would be. Marc Jacobs, Derek Lam, Rodarte and Ralph Lauren were just some of the designers who experimented  with the utility style. 

I love this trend because it is so wearable and many of us probably already posess the key piece required to achieve this look, the humble parka! Rodarte gave this festival staple a glitzy makeover and I'm sure this will inspire many glam festival goers in the months ahead. If you don't fancy forking out for a new parka consider customising an inexpensive one with brooches or chains, it's all about how you accessorise. If you are any way creative you could add a little mesh to the sleevs or a little tulle to the hem (also a huge trend for spring). This season it's about contrast. You have the practical, hard wearing parka and then you add your contrast with embellishment or softer fabrics to add femininity and ensure the look is softer.

Ralph Lauren incorporated khaki into 32 of the 50 looks at his show. There were khaki trousers styled under super bright yellow and orange trench coats and beautifully full satin skirts in the shade of the season. Again, it was all about contrast. This colour worked so well against the bright hues and actually makes them more wearable for the average person! I also loved the use of khaki in jewelled ball gowns and satin skirts, an unusual combination but it works so well.

I absolutely adore this trend and I'm sure once you see how easily you can achieve  it, you will too. Luckily, khaki clothing is readily available at the minute. Asos, missguided and prettylittlething all have plenty of options and that was just at first glance. I've selected a few of my favourite bits from asos here just to give you an idea of the different pieces you could choose to add to your wardrobe.  

As I invest in new pieces this season I will also show you how I styled them myself. My boyfriend kindly bought me a new camera for Christmas so there will be no stopping me!