How teens can take the utility trend to new heights this autumn

We love it when fashion combines style and practicality to create a new trend easy enough to adopt: the utility trend. Here’s to pockets, camo and cargo!

Fabrics are more technical, pockets are bigger and useful details get a military update. The message? It’s no longer enough for ensembles to simply look good; they have to perform well too. These utility-inspired outfits are exactly what your favourite teen needs for a new season.
Written by Robyn Steinlechner

King of the cargo

Hello new favourite pants. Take boys from basic to boss in a pair of cargo pants. This must-have utility piece is the perfect alternative to denim – comfy and versatile in style and colour. And the bonus? They have pockets galore, which can actually hold stuff!

New Wave faux-leather jacket with hood 399.95 SHOP NOW; New Wave camo-print T-shirt 79.95 SHOP NOW; New Wave cargo pants 299.95; peak cap 79.95; New Wave sneakers 170 SHOP NOW

Tonal dressing

Clothes should be as cool as the kids wearing them! Dressing head-to-toe in one colour is a trendy trick. Pink returns to girls' wardrobes in a style that’s confident and playful. Keep their cosy game strong in street-cool hoodies, the perfect foundation for layering utilitarian outerwear. 

New Wave slogan-print fleece xxx; New Wave joggers 199.95; hoop earrings (set of 6) 59.95; rings (set of 6) 79.95; Girls Accessories hair clips 59.95; Sketchers sneakers 1049

Camo Kids

This muted print is anything but dull. Try anchoring the classic green-and-black print with other basics like dutiful denim and no nonsense black. And if toning it down is not your teen’s style, then turn up the volume with an all-in-one camo look. Think: graphic hat, canvas sneakers and a winning combo of a camo on camo.

New Wave fleece top 249.95 SHOP NOW; New Wave camo jacket 369.95 SHOP NOW; New Wave fleece joggers xxx; NYC cap 99.95; New Wave camo sneakers 369.95

Gabriella: New Wave camouflage jacket 299.95 SHOP NOW; New Wave zip camo dress 229.95 SHOP NOW; bucket hat 99.95; necklace pendant (set of 4) 40

Allessandro: New Wave scoop-hem T-shirt 139.95 SHOP NOW; New Wave camo cargo pants 299.95 SHOP NOW; New Wave long-sleeve denim shirt 269.95 SHOP NOW; camo bucket hat 99.95; Nike sneakers 800

Power talk

This season, subtlety is nowhere to be seen, as girls say it loud and proud with positive messaging splashed across stylish tops. But this season it’s time to double the dose of girl power in fun slogans worn top-to-toe. Try pairing sporty stripes and leggings with sneakers for a fashionable finish.

New Wave 'Girl Power' T-shirt xxx; New Wave 'Girl Power' leggings 139.95; Girls Accessories silver earrings 59.95; New Wave sneakers 169.95

The bomber (jacket) squad

Keep them warm in a trendy bomber! Details like quilting, zips and plenty pockets offer a purposeful yet playful mood for teen trendsetters. With a subtle nod to military mode, this iconic style staple is both fashionable and versatile, and will carry kids from dawn to dusk.

Allessandro: New Wave quilted puffer jacket 369.95; New Wave slogan-print T-shirt xxx.xx; New Wave ripped jeans xxx.xx; Diadora lace-up sneakers 449.95

Gabriella: New wave bomber jacket 329.95; New Wave cropped T-shirt 119.95 SHOP NOW; New Wave distressed jeans xxx; heart necklace (set of 4) 40; Reebok sneakers 799.95 SHOP NOW

SHOP KIDS STYLE

Fashion editor: Rushana Kallies-Burton. Fashion assistant: Primrose Skolo. Photography: Paulo Toureiro/Hero Creative. Hair and make-up artist: Kathryn/One League. Models: Gabriella/Firefly kids. Allessandro/3D kids.

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.