Pockets. Purpose. Presence. Three things the humble utility jacket has in abundance. Once the preserve of workmen and field hands, it is now the preferred jacket for editors, stylists and actors between takes. The utility jacket is no longer a niche choice, it is now a wardrobe staple. Practicality is not its only calling card, it is stylish, versatile and on the right side of rugged. Scroll a runway recap or the feed of a well-dressed friend and the message is consistent: utility silhouettes in hardwearing fabrics, cut with intent and worn with ease are in.

Whether you choose a jacket with the workwear grit of Carhartt WIP or the engineered polish of Valstar, find the silhouette that fits your lifestyle. Wear it often and let it mould to you because the more you live in it, the better it becomes.

Take Drake’s chore jacket, for instance, which renders the style in deep navy cotton-twill, sharp enough to replace a blazer over an Oxford shirt. Carhartt WIP’s is an obvious go-to here and its classic brown Michigan jacket keeps its blue-collar backbone, but softens it with a textured corduroy collar, equally at home with raw denim or tailored wool trousers.

Then there’s A.PRESSE’s vintage-inspired offering in a distressed cotton-blend canvas that leans into wear and tear, embracing patina in a way that recalls Japanese appreciation for imperfection while staying undeniably functional.

Silhouette and detail are what separate a good jacket from a great one. Boxy, straight cuts with generous patch pockets honour the heritage. Cropped overshirts like Dries Van Noten’s relaxed grey style add modern versatility, layering easily over knitwear or under a mac. And for a luxurious touch, details such as corduroy trims, storm flaps, cinch cords and hidden snaps help push these pieces into investment territory.

Colour is just as important, of course. Naturally, olive and sandstone are timeless. Black, charcoal and navy bring a sharper city feel, while cream and pale khaki lighten darker palettes without jarring. For a technical edge, Purdey’s Roxburgh jacket blends country heritage with city practicality, walking the line between field coat and commuter staple, which makes it a solid choice for the office in autumn and something you’ll slip on at the weekend.

Valstar’s standing-collar style takes a more performance-led approach, offering water resistance and featherlight wear with a tailored profile – this is the kind of elevated Gorpcore you’ll turn to for a stroll around the park with a mate or to grab a flat white at the weekend. Both are ready for the shifting weather we’re about to experience, layering just as well over cashmere in winter as linen in spring.

When it comes to styling, the options are broad. For a minimalist look, wear a short, boxy overshirt over a fine rollneck and under a long overcoat, letting the layers do the talking. For something smart-casual, KAPITAL’s inky-black chore jacket makes an excellent replacement for a blazer, just add charcoal tailored trousers and loafers, keeping accessories discreet to let the structure of the outfit be the focal point.

Contrast dressing works, too. Pair Carhartt WIP’s canvas chore with pale tailored trousers for a high-low mix that feels modern. And if a chill sets in, add a classic mac on top, allowing the corduroy-trimmed collar to peek out. Use the pockets with intent – for holding a slim cardholder or notebook, perhaps – to add a sense of life to the look. For evening, Purdey’s Roxburgh will layer effortlessly over a cotton shirt or shrug the Valstar over a softly tailored suit for a balance of utility and elegance.