This is a post I like to update every couple of years. I love a great utility jacket. It is the perfect transitional piece, and it is all about casual chic. The classic versions normally come in neutral earthy tones ( think moss, tan, brown, and black & white), but there are many other color options available now. A utility jacket can be layered over everything from jeans to skirts and dresses. It can walk the walk between casual and refined. If you are looking for a classic jacket to pair with your everyday wear, it could be your new best friend. If you don’t already own a cargo, chore, or military jacket, think about it. Let’s chat about Stylish Utility Jackets for Women over 50 for every budget.
I love Sarah Harris’ (British Vogue) style. She tends to dress more casual than you would expect from a Vogue editor, but oh so silently stylish. Here she is rocking the utility jacket. Love the pockets, the knotted waist, and that it covers the hips.
For some reason, I resisted purchasing cargo jackets for years. I recently snagged this Rag and Bone version on eBay. It is in my “currently obsessed” color way of olive and black. You can read my post ten chic ways to style olive and black here. I like the flattering cut of this jacket, and it is a nice weight for this time of year.They have several on Poshmark here, or here on eBay here. I am long waisted, so often a jacket with a belted waist doesn’t work on me. I am better served with a defined waist without a belt. The scarf is from my friends at Sophie (love them!)
The “chore” jacket has become very popular of late. I don’t find that boxy style flattering on me at all, so I have a hard time recommending them in spite of their popularity. If you have a body type that suits them go for it.
Here are some of my favorite options. All are linked below the graphic.
SHOP UTILITY JACKETS FOR WOMEN OVER 50
I also like fun versions of the standard utility jacket. This military look jacket with its embroidered chest pocket can be a fun addition to your wardrobe. I found this one on eBay last year. You can find similar military jacket options on eBay here, and on Poshmark here.
You don’t have to break the bank to find great women’s utility jackets. Old Navy and many other retailers offer great options at friendly price points. I rounded up a wide range of utility jackets (all under $100 many way less) Many of these come in extended sizes as well. I tend to prefer those without a lot of snaps and frills.
SHOP CHEAP CHIC UTILITY JACKETS
I think a good utility jacket is a must-have addition to the wardrobe. If you are on the hunt for a utility jacket I hope you found one that you like. I am wearing mine all the time. Thanks for reading Stylish Utility Jackets for Women over 50 for every budget. You might also enjoy my recent post on Under the Radar Ways to Style Jeans over 50.
Cindy my first response was they look l.ike my army uniform jacket I wore back in the day when I was on active duty. Honestly, it was a great jacket but not so good looking! Thankfully, there are some great styles for us now. Thanks for the options.
Hi Linda
Ha! I have heard that before from former army members!
I have always loved the utility jacket! Mens style…big pickets, the perfect jacket for in between seasons! My favorite is from Seézan!
Hi Annie
I wish the mens came small enough for us! Theirs are always more interesting!!
I thought utility jackets were out? I intended to wear mine, in any case. I have two, one khaki and one white. I love the casualness of them and having a tiny waist the cinched waistline is very flattering.
Hi Joanna
I think utility jackets are classic. I love the casual vibe as well.
i have to laugh bc my first thought was yes! i need a new jacket! but if you looked in my closet i think you’d disagree. i may have four or more green army type jackets. and I cannot get enough!!! i’m off to look at your links!
Hi Nancy
Sounds like my closet!!
Does the rag and bone military jacket run true to size?
Hi Deborah
I am wearing a small. I think it is true to size. I am 5’4 and weight around 130. Hope that helps!
Hi Cindy,
Thank you for the useful post. I bought my LL Bean last year on sale and love it and l have an olive jacket from Nordstrom 1822 which is so reasonably priced and looks more expensive than it is. Love that. 🙂
Hi Francesca
I certainly don’t think you need to pay an arm and a leg for a utility jacket unless you want to. There are so many great ones for under $100!
Any info/link for the great olive scarf with black circles in the very first picture of you on this post? Thanks!!
Hi Rika
The scarf is from Sophie. I am so sorry I forgot the link! I have linked it now, but here you go
https://sophiestore.co.nz/collections/scarves/products/wild-scarf-olive. They have one in caramel and black that I have been eyeing as well!!
Hi Cindy – great post, so thank you. I wonder if you (or any of your readers?) have tried the “Ruby Light-weight Army Jacket” by Velvet(Graham and Spencer) – it seems to have good reviews and looks similar to the Rag and Bone?
Many thanks for all your work on the blog – love it.
Great fun! I bought a Johnny Was utility jacket 18 months ago. It has colorful embroidery on faded black cotton. On sale for 50% off.!!! What a deal that was. Because of the embroidery it’s become a piece that goes with almost everything. And Johnny Was is known for embroidery. About once a year they have a utility jacket available sometimes in olive. I’d check on eBay or poshmark. It has a drawstring inside so you can cinch in a bit if you want. Such a good topic. I wear mine often and always get compliments. Great for layering.
Can you provide the actual link to to the jacket you’re wearing in the post pic _ I really like it.
Hi Gaile
It is no longer available. I provided a couple of Ebay links but I can see that people purchased those. This one is very similar on Poshmark https://poshmark.com/listing/Treasure-Bond-Military-Style-Zip-Button-Front-Lightweight-Utility-Jacket-NWT-61984647f065fe848ae33099. This is the exact jacket but in green https://poshmark.com/listing/Treasure-and-Bond-Cargo-Jacket-61db5e09d737fd62c4a8710f. I hope this helps!
I love military jackets, they are the perfect weight/thickness for California chilli evenings. For plus size women like myself, the secret is to choose the ones that don’t have drop shoulders, I always choose taylored structured shoulders , and cinch the waist, to avoid the stuffed paper bag look.
love your posts! I have the LLBean in the dark marine blue, and the Madewell in khaki green that I found brand new on ebay. They are both so classy and are perfect for NC when the weather is chilly.
I wear the Loft utility jacket purchased a few years ago. It’s the right weight for our Southern California cool mornings and warmer afternoons this time of year.
Maybe I need another? Haha.
Karen B.
There is a cute sleeveless one that I purchased at Soft Surroundings recently. It’s cute with jeans and a t-shirt under it
https://www.softsurroundings.com/p/petites-astoria-vest/
Hi Pam
OOOh that is cute! Did you get a petite? I am so long waisted petites don’t work for me!!
I just ordered the off-white from Gap Outlet. Sure hope I chose the correct size! A few years ago I bought an olive green jacket at Target (A New Day). While I was trying it on, another shopper encouraged me to get it! Thanks for the many choices, Cindy.
Hi Wren
I think that white one would be great for our weather! I may pull the trigger as well!
Great post. I love all the jackets! I have an Army green one that I wear more then I ever thought I would.
Hi Rose
Exactly why did we wait so long to get one?!!
LOVE THIS POST! I ALREADY HAVE A GREEN ONE AND AN OFF-WHITE ONE…SO I COULD USE A BLACK ONE!!!
Hi Mary Ann
Don’t you love them. I think I need another!!
Fantastic list with good range of features and prices. The LL Bean has my attention for style, colors, and, I know their products last.
Hi Maywyn
I so agree about LL Bean. I love the look and know it will be well made. It is just a tad heavy for our CA weather.
Cindy, This really hit home with me! I LOVE utility jackets and find them so versatile. For some reason, I look at them as a “short trench” – meaning great with everything from jeans up through skirts and slacks. Great for travel. Pre-pandemic, mine had loads of frequent flyer miles. I have to be terribly careful about those with a drawstring waist – vast majority hit me in the wrong place. Thank you for all of your work on this. I am definitely going to pick up a couple of more – you really found some treasures. Hope all is going great with your beautiful courtyard planning and etc.
Hi Beth
I have the same exact problem. Even though I am only 5’4, I am long-waisted. I cannot wear shirt waist dresses (they hit me under my boobs) and I have to be careful with anything with a waist. One reason I rarely wear dresses!
Cindy, I always appreciate your shopping recs! I hate to scroll looking for stuff so I love these posts because you do all the work for me! LOL. I ordered the Gap utility jacket right off the bat plus their plain T-shirts are on sales so I snagged a few of those too! Thanks!
Hi Allison
I was just going to check out Gap this a.m for T-shirts! Thank you for telling me they are on sale. I always wait until they are! Let me know how you like the jacket. I love that one and am seriously considering it for myself!
I had a navy one that I loved but never seemed to wear it! Was it the weather here? I don’t know – it always seemed to hot or too cold. I love the look.
Hi Gray
I did the same thing. That is why I chose a lighter-weight one. I wear it all the time now. I think I need another!!