foundations: the olive utility jacket

via Garance Dore
recently, a reader emailed me to ask for recommendations for a good olive utility jacket.

there's just something irresistibly chic about this piece. (i've had mine for 5 years, and it remains one of my all-time favorites.)

• a great one will take you through spring, fall, and even early winter with some layers underneath.
• the slouchy fit is as easy to wear as it is to style with jeans or dresses.
• the olive color is the perfect neutral – universally flattering, and goes with pretty much everything.
• its utilitarian roots (and pockets! hooray for pockets.) make it super practical and stylish as a travel jacket.

every September, i start counting down the days until it's cool enough to wear my utility jacket. fall is my favorite time of the year, and there's something incredibly comforting about returning to an old wardrobe favorite to usher in the season.

elements of style: tort sunglasses, olive utility jacket, black skinny jeans and scalloped ballet flats (photo credit: Carolines Mode)
this season, there are a number of great options:

1. the army-surplus jacket (currently on sale!) // basically the version that i have (mine is past season Rag & Bone) – very tomboy. slightly oversized, hits at mid-hip. i wear mine in fall and spring, and always pack it for travel.
2. the longer faux-fur trimmed parka // i'm considering adding this one to my wardrobe this season. love the extra lining, and the longer knee-length.
3. the cropped utility trench (styled here) // a chic, tailored adaptation. bonus: the coated cotton means that it's rainproof too!

i hope this is helpful. do you have a utility jacket/parka? how do you like to wear it?