If the spring/summer 2023 runway collections reminded you of your boiler man, we wouldn’t blame you. Why? The surfeit of pockets – in every conceivable shade of beige. Who did it first? It certainly wasn’t the fashion set. But it’s time to follow suit, as new utilitarian season has begun. 

By now, we have already established the following: multi-pocketed cargo pants are the one style to nab right now, and are a surefire winner when it comes to pledging your allegiance to the Y2K movement. We’ve seen them orbiting the fashion spheres for quite some time (hi Dion Lee), but thanks to the spring/summer collections, they are now are at their zenith. 

Chanel SS23

Photo: Armando Grillo / Gorunway.com

What’s more, pockets were applied to everything else, too. At Chanel, its iconic tweed was adorned with practical, outward-facing holdalls, while Miu Miu’s pocketed midi skirt has already succeeded the brand’s micro mini as the cult item du jour. Miuccia Prada also presented pocketed raincoats at Miu Miu, making the great outdoors wildly appealing again, while Coperni’s pearl white slacks make up in Y2K kudos what they lack in practicality. 

Are you already stepping out in Weekday’s sell-out cargo pants? Gold star for you. If, however, you’re undecided on how to work the trend without looking like you’ve come to fix a boiler, or would like to try something other than cargo leg-wear, let us introduce you to the key utility pieces and how to style them without outing yourself as Noughties newbie. 

The boilersuit

Stella McCartney SS23

ph: Gorunway.com

Issey Miyake Gathered-Shoulder Technical Jumpsuit

Tom Ford Cassius Shield Sunglasses

Saint Laurent Comet Clip-On Earrings

Totême The Riding Leather Knee Boots

The tool belt

Miu Miu SS23

Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com

Miu Miu SS99 Holster Shoulder Bag

JW Anderson Cotton Shirt Mini Dress

Marks & Spencer Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Camperlab Eki Lugsole Shoes

The cargo pants

Coperni SS23

luca tombolini

Wardrobe.NYC Cotton Cargo Pants

Alaïa Crystal-Embellished Leather Ballet Flats

Fendi Multipocket Baguette

Skims Outdoor Mock Neck Tank

The holdall coat

Loewe SS23

Daniele Oberrauch,Photo: Daniele Oberrauch / Gorunway.com

& Other Stories Oversized Collar Jacket

Jil Sander Drawstring Crossbody Bag

Miu Miu Ribbon-Strap Buckled Patent-Leather Ballet Flats

16Arlington Luna Sequinned Stretch-Tulle Mini Dress

The multi-pocketed skirt

Miu Miu SS23

Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com

CDLP Soft-Cup Triangle Bra

Nike DBreak Vintage Trainers