The Affordable Trend That's Basically Become a Wardrobe Staple

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER)

When you work in fashion, you tend to get trend exhaustion from watching so many new styles emerge for one season only to burn out quickly and all but disappear, which is why it's always a much-welcomed reprieve to see a trend emerge and then continue to be relevant season after season until it eventually just becomes a wardrobe staple—well, an updated staple at that. The utility trend is one of these modern wardrobe staples that have basically become trend-proof because of how pervasive they are and, not to mention, elevated and easy to wear. So as we do with many of the most wearable trends of the moment, we took it upon ourselves to make our own versions for our Who What Wear line.

As I said, I've seen utility-style pieces continue to bubble over several years, which tells me this trend is here to stay. Informed by the runways, confirmed by editors like yours truly, and spotted on the fashion set over and over, you can be sure that our affordable versions (I'm talking $40 and under) will be solid additions to your wardrobe. To prove it, discover the pants, dresses, skirts, and tops we've designed to align with the utility trend and get inspired by how fashion people wear it just below.

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER)

Tackle two trends when you go with a belted silhouette in a neutral hue.

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(Image credit: @KRISTENMARIENICHOLS)

Our very own managing editor Kristen took the dress for a spin.

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER)

For an elevated approach, try tucking utility-style trousers into knee boots.

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER)

A crisp white shirt will always have a place in the closets of fashion girls.

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER)

Look out for chic belted silhouettes and utilitarian pockets.

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER)

Try deconstructed shirting to freshen up any of your jeans and pants.

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(Image credit: @sarahkretzu)

What a difference a tie-waist detail can make.

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER)

Never underestimate the power of a wrap skirt to add some structure to the look.

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(Image credit: SZYMON BRZÓSKA/THE STYLE STALKER)

So many great outfits start with a crisp poplin shirt.

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(Image credit: @lauraangelone)

Go full monochrome when you pair our utility pants with the matching button-down tank.

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(Image credit: @sarahkretzu)

There's nothing easier—or chicer—than a belted utility-inspired dress to wear with boots, heels, and sandals alike.

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(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

Utility pants are the new jeans. You heard it here first.

Next up, the chill summer trend I legit plan on wearing with everything.

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Senior Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.