Price Upon Request: Utility Fashion Gets Real—Functional, Fun, and Shockingly Easy to Style
This trend has gotten literal—practical, wearable, and street-ready.
Warning: No ugly sweaters ahead.
At Price Upon Request, I focus on what’s intriguing over what’s trendy—digging through the noise to uncover the gems for you.
If you’ve been wondering why cargo pants are back in heavy rotation or why Prada decided to add pouches to boots, here’s the answer: utility fashion has gone mainstream—again. But this time, it’s more literal than ever, and honestly, it’s a blast to play with.
When I say literal, I’m talking actual gear: fishing vests, overalls meant for painting, and tactical pieces designed for real-life activities — or pieces designed to look just like it.
This isn’t just “utility-inspired” fashion à la YSL in the ’90s or your trusty Patagonia puffer—it’s real-deal functionality styled as high fashion. No fake pockets allowed!
Case in point: Prada and Max Mara. They’ve always flirted with function-meets-style, but over the past several seasons they’ve fully leaned into the utility vibe.
On the more accessible side, brands like Under Armour and Cynthia Rowley have made rash guards not just beachwear but everyday staples—think bodysuits with a sporty edge, and that Sacai x Carhartt collab? Rugged and polished.
Pros of Utility Fashion:
Affordable Finds: Dick’s Sporting Goods, army surplus and vintage stores, and outdoor retailers are goldmines.
Styling Potential: Layering a camping vest or cargo pants can spark all kinds of creative outfit ideas.
Spruce Up Old Favorites: A utility piece can breathe new life into your wardrobe, transforming your go-to fits into fresh, standout looks.
Cons:
Tricky Styling: Lean too literal, and you risk looking like you’re auditioning for a survival show.
On the Road Inspiration
During my summer RV road trip across the U.S., I noticed local boutiques were stocking functional pieces with a stylish twist—shoutout to Portland, which absolutely nailed the assignment.
Don’t sleep on the classics: Dockers, Polo, L.L.Bean, and Dickies. My Dickies coveralls—black (long-sleeve) and white (short-sleeve) are a no-fuss blend of handsome and comfortable. I’m plotting to collect more colors, even though I have zero plans to join a pit crew.
A Forever Find: My husband snagged a limited-edition Nike scuba vest that gives major 50 Cent MTV Movie Award vibes from way back—20+ years ago! It’s from their ACG (All Conditions Gear) line, built with GORE-TEX and designed for sport and activity. Sturdy, stylish, and ridiculously versatile, it’s become a summer staple for BBQs, festivals, and wherever life takes us.
The bonus? I "borrow" often. How I rock it:
All-black with biking shorts and hiking boots
Sheer tank top, wide-leg pants, and sky-high pumps
Boxy shorts, a white crop top, and industrial-looking knee boots
So, why does utility fashion persist?
Is it just about functional fashion, or does it say something deeper—maybe dystopian? I often think of Denzel Washington in The Book of Eli, but maybe that’s a stretch. Could just be a sign that we’re craving both practicality and a look, and the endless possibilities of layering and interchangeability with our existing wardrobe.
Or perhaps, it’s because these clothes are often designed with no particular sex in mind, they’re universally appealing. Either way, I encourage you to embrace unapologetically purposeful pieces. Enjoy the pockets. Style accordingly.
Shopping Inspo: Go beyond the basic cargo pant
I think these pieces elevate the game with unique details or unexpected twists that make them stand out—ranging from functional workwear and outdoor staples to surprising finds.
Dreamy:
Loewe Balloon Cargo Trousers: The color alone is enough for me, but these are fitting for any climate, any shoes work, although I recommend a sleek heel.
Prada Panama Cotton Mini-Dress: Cinched waist, drawstring hem, and pockets make this a true investment that hits different. Pair with knee or ankle boots, sneakers, or platforms for any mood.
Lemaire Men's Denim Utility Vest: Layer it your way—bare-chested, with a bandeau, a net shirt, or over a cashmere turtleneck. Men’s label? Who cares. It’s for everyone.
Jonny Cota Sleeveless Mesh Jumpsuit: Net shirts are everywhere, but a cargo net jumpsuit? That’s next level.
ACT Nº1 Sheer Shirt: You don’t usually think of tulle and cargo co-existing and that’s the point.
Treat yo self:
Carhartt WIP x INVINCIBLE Denim Chore Coat Max: The details on the back are most exciting to me, plus the hidden orange hood can be zipped up. It’s collab perfection.
Jonny Cota Cargo Overalls: Timeless with zero f*cks to give.
A.P.C. Alban Vest: Recycled, water-repellent and pocket details full of surprises.
Polo Ralph Lauren Utility Vest: Yes, another vest that’s a functional flex with even more front and back fresh design details. The boxier cut leans more sporty but arrange how you like.
Christopher John Rogers X J.Crew Barn Jacket™: The best barn jacket of 2024: J.Crew x CFDA winner's gold lamé twist on a classic.
High style without the high price:
Free People Happy Camper Pullover: Pockets continue to be a main character with this glamping-friendly energy and the 360 degree pockets take the functionality up a beat.
TotenCarry Tactical Leather Vest: With texture for days—perfect for work, errands, or travel. It comes in other vibrant colors.
L.L. Bean Emerger Fisher Vest: A pop of color with a racerback vent for aesthetics and ventilation—perfect over a cotton button-down or knit.
Dick’s Kavu Women’s San Juan Overall: A fit for the adventurous spirit, with effortless wearability. If you’re a Brooklyn or Portland mom, wear it with clogs. Comes in solid colors as well.
Jungmaven Falcon Vest: The name is cool, the color’s cooler, and it’s made from durable hemp. (Men may want to size up.)
L.L. Bean: A surprisingly perfect mix of waistcoat and fishing vest, blending steampunk vibes with a preppy aesthetic. Finish off with rugged boots.
Uline Cold Storage Jacket: Trucker-approved, cold-proof, and fly enough to make you look like you’re hauling style, not just freight.
Kavu All Nighter Vest: Super light, versatile, and the perfect throw-in-your-suitcase piece when you can't decide what to wear.
What I’m loving:
No shame in regifting: I come from a long line of thoughtful, creative regifters. Gifting is about keeping the circle of life going—sometimes that means passing along something better suited for someone else. Plus, it's a win for the planet.
A dress with a beautiful backstory: Miss Universe Thailand wore this dress back in 2022 and it was designed using soda can tabs to honor her parents. The dress is as stunning as the story behind it.
These older Japanese women are making some of the most coveted hand-stitched sneakers, but they’re also restoring their community.
Speaking of Jack: Tiffany & Co. just bought a Titanic piece of history! For $1.97 million, they’ve secured a pocket watch once gifted to the captain who saved nearly 700 lives from the Titanic disaster.
Collab I’m feeling:
A nod to the utility look with cultural depth: This shoe honors Domond’s Haitian roots and her journey from Miami to NYC. The release, tied to a heartfelt documentary with her grandmother, is a tribute to family and heritage. This isn't just a shoe—it’s a powerful story.
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