Utilitarian fashion takes a different spin

MANILA, Philippines - Another breed of fashion is reemerging, this time promoting the gospel of urban chic and casual comfort. And what else are we talking about but utilitarian fashion? 

Proud “jean-novator” Freego has caught on the utilitarian bug with its aviator collection. Inspired by the impactful simplicity and functional appeal of the utilitarian trend, Freego’s newest offering provides Filipinos the chance to savor the comfortable and carefree side of fashion, beginning with skinny cargos for men and women.

For ladies, Freego features military jeggings; and for the men, it’s slim cargo reflex jeans. Both possess the same no-frills characteristics of a utilitarian fashion piece, guaranteeing instant comfort and ease of movement for the person wearing it.

While the utilitarian trend is not a completely new genre of fashion, most of the fashion populace has not yet seen the extent of it in this day and age. After all, it is only in recent years that this dark horse of a fashion trend began its climb to the top of the trend ladder, having appeared on international runways for brands and designers the likes of Balmain, Stella McCartney, Sonia Rykiel, Miu Miu and Rag & Bone.

Whether it’s the reinvented white shirt, the straightforward jumpsuit, the militaristic trench coat, the classic parka or the comfortable cargo pants, utilitarian pieces ooze the timeless appeal of simplicity and elegance, making them ideal wardrobe staples that will impressively stand the test of constantly-evolving fashion seasons.

The innate ability of utilitarian wear to combine sensibility with classy sophistication makes them wearable and capable of being translated to easy street fashion. Embellishments such as snaps, zippers, pockets and wrinkle-free fabric are also proving to be attractive add-ons, propelling the fashion-conscious to head into the nearest stores for their personal serving of utilitarian fashion.

From utilitarian fashion came the birth of military-inspired pieces, one of which is cargo pants. Originally designed for the outdoors (thereby ensuring comfort for the wearer), cargo pants became a booming trend in the 1990s — yet it is only this season that it has taken on a different spin.

While the cargo pant trend of the 1990s paid homage to the original cut and fit of authentic cargos, this season boasts a unique take on the piece with skinny cargo pants. Still possessing the signature accessories of this wardrobe staple, skinny cargos are meant to be the ideal merger of fashion and function, allowing the wearer to pull off an effortlessly stylish look yet still enjoy the comfort of a perfect fit.

Clearly, fashion is going back to basics. And with Freego providing Filipinos the pieces they need to rock the utilitarian look, it seems that local fashionphiles and style aficionados will once again savor a fashion era that’s wearable, classic and undeniably timeless.