Winter temperatures call for sensible styling, so it’s no wonder street utility is this season’s biggest trend. But how do you make a utilitarian outfit appear both edgy and effortless? Converse are the ideal base of any outfit. A classic kick, they spark a warm and fuzzy feeling of nostalgia while nodding to our creative future. With durable, organic canvas and thicker rubber cushioning, the Chuck 70 is the perfect update to the iconic silhouette, especially for those looking to balance function with forward-thinking fashion.
To find out how to make this style your own, we came up with some covetable outfit ideas and talked with photographer Ashley Verse, musician Lava La Rue, and multi-hyphenated creative Erin O'Garro about why this trend suits their lifestyles.
Military tones are the new neutrals and the Chuck 70 Base Camp Trainers in olive green pair perfectly with the ASOS Design denim boiler suit, which has a slimmed down but slightly oversized fit and simplified utility pockets, in a stone hue. This outfit is perfect for days when you have a lot going on and want to don a relaxed fit. As photographer Ashley says: "I like to switch back and forth with different styles depending on what I have going on that day." To add another layer of interest, grab the ASOS Design scuba bum bag, which can be worn across the body or around the waist. This is the It bag of the season, updated and elevated with a rose gold zipper pull. Erin says: "As long as you have a good statement bag, you can say a lot of things."
Converse Converse Chuck 70 Base Camp hi suede green trainers, $80, available at ASOS
ASOS ASOS DESIGN denim boilersuit in stone, $58, available at ASOS
ASOS ASOS DESIGN scuba bum bag with rose gold, $12, available at ASOS
Orange high tops add a warm pop to any outfit. Lava La Rue says she always pairs her Converse with statement trousers and a shoelace belt. We suggest wearing these Converse Gore-Tex Chuck 70s with the ASOS Design Bree combat trousers in camo print and a white Converse long-sleeved multicolour graphic tee. As Ashley says: "Streetwear needs to be functional." With a high-rise waist, functional pockets and a straight leg, these cotton twill trousers are not to be missed. "Sometimes I like to pair these sneakers with a smart casual outfit," adds Ashley. If you want to dress it up a bit, we recommend trying a partial or full tuck. Or go untucked on more leisurely days.
Converse Converse Chuck 70, $95, available at ASOS
ASOS ASOS DESIGN bree combat trousers in camo, $30, available at ASOS
Converse Converse Patched Long Sleeve T-Shirt In White , $30, available at ASOSDesigned by Anna Jay.
Ankle-length trousers are ideal for transitional seasons but how do you make them look flattering and contemporary? We suggest trying the lower trainer silhouette of the Chuck 70 with the ASOS Design cargo trousers in khaki. According to Erin, one of the best things about these mustard yellow Chucks is their "wearability". Grab the ASOS white cotton T-shirt with its signature kimono sleeve and oversized silhouette, and a denim hoodie, and you’ll look cool but still feel comfortable on the go. With a warm hood that has borg lining, the extra layer is ideal for autumn temperatures. This is a classic outfit, updated in all the right ways.
Converse Converse Chuck Taylor All Star '70, $52, available at ASOS
ASOS ASOS DESIGN denim jacket with hood with borg lining, $55, available at ASOS
ASOS ASOS DESIGN super oversized t-shirt , $14, available at ASOS
ASOS ASOS DESIGN cargo trousers in khaki, $32, available at ASOSDesigned by Anna Jay.
Black can make any outfit edgy and timeless. To don your best street utility look, Lava La Rue says to wear clothes "that will have you ready and equipped for taking on a concrete city". Highlight the military-inspired details of the black monochrome Converse Gore-Tex Chuck 70 with the ASOS Design wide-leg culottes, which are made in a sporty fabric and have a utility-inspired belt. Erin believes street utility should be "useful and multipurpose". Luckily, the Chuck 70 trainers go perfectly with these trousers, which have plenty of pockets and a relaxed fit – they’re loose but not oversized. The minimal graphic hits on the trainers and tee provide an extra element of ingenuity.
Converse Converse X Gore-tex Chuck 70 hi black waterproof , $95, available at ASOS
Converse Converse Long Sleeve T-Shirt With Arm Print In Yellow, $30, available at ASOS
ASOS ASOS DESIGN wide leg culottes in sporty fabric , $30, available at ASOS
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