Utilitarian influences power the latest styles

All-weather gear

Nylon ripstop vest, cotton cargo trousers, cotton shorts (worn underneath) and rubber boots, from Givenchy. (Photo: Veronica Tay)

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Whether you’re heading overseas or braving April showers here at home, stay dry in pieces made to stand up to the elements.

Pick your palette

(On him) Nylon parka, cotton shirt and cotton trousers, from Hermes. Leather sneakers, from Zegna. (On her) Cotton parka, knit tank top, cotton shorts, and gold-plated and calfskin ear cuff, from Hermes. (Photo: Veronica Tay)

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Two chromatic ways to approach utilitarian style — the bright hues of emergency gear, or the earth tones of desert uniforms.

Denim dress, acrylic sunglasses and metal choker, from Kenzo. Suede leather sandals, from Tod's. (Photo: Veronica Tay)

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The original workwear fabric, denim continues to offer an endless line of new sartorial possibilities.

Related: Fashion Spread: maximalist pieces

Grab and go

Cotton jacket, linen piqué tank top and cotton shorts, from Hermes. (Photo: Veronica Tay)

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Clean forms, crisp fabrics and neutral colours make for an easy uniform on those days off.

In your element

Viscose dress and leather belt, from Celine. (Photo: Veronica Tay)

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In a mini length and finished with a lace-up front, a safari dress looks right at home in the urban jungle.

Dark side

Onitsuka Tiger nylon jacket, nylon jogger pants and elastic belt, from The Onitsuka. Acrylic visor sunglasses, from Oakley. (Photo: Veronica Tay)

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Once eschewed in high fashion, black nylon now forms the basis of some of the coolest styles around.

Related: Fashion spread: the classic shirt, all ways

Modern art

Polyester jacket, cotton running shorts and cotton knit shorts, from Dior. (Photo: Veronica Tay)

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A print designed by the late British artist Duncan Grant is given stylish new life on an oversized safari jacket with a reflective finish.

Disarming charm

Cotton coat, cotton bra top, cotton shorts and leather boots, from Dior. (Photo: Veronica Tay)

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It’s all about soft power at Dior this season, with classic military hues and forms reimagined with feminine details such as ruching.

Art direction: Ashruddin Sani

Stylist: Dolphin Yeo

Hair: Eileen Koh (Philosophy Studio)

Make-up: Rina Sim, using Dior

Photography: Veronica Tay