The perfect transitional piece, the utility jacket is all about casual chic. The classic versions normally come in neutral earthy tones ( think moss, tan, brown, and black & white). A utility jacket can be layered over everything from jeans to skirts and dresses. 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 one, you might want to take a look at what I think are The Best Utility Jackets for Women over 50.
For some reason, I resisted purchasing one for years. I tend to wear jean jackets a lot but never really searched for a utility jacket that I loved. In my case, I did not want something overly heavy. I wanted a lightweight cotton or linen blend that could be worn on cool California mornings and evenings. I also did not want something that was overly casual. If I want to be super casual I just wear sweats.
I purchased Nordstrom’s Treasure and Bond Linen and Cotton blend version. There are a few t & B jackets on Ebay here and on Poshmark here.
I like mine so much I may add another to the mix. Here are my favorites. All are linked below the graphic and I have given more detailed descriptions below that.
SHOP UTILITY JACKETS FOR WOMEN OVER 50
I really like this Utility Jacket from the Gap. I like the color and style. It doesn’t have a bunch of buttons, and it looks like it is not too short-waisted (an issue I have personally). It also sizes up to an XXL.
Another personal favorite is this Utility Jacket from Gap Factory at a great price point and comes in a lot of colors including pink, off-white, and black.
I love the color and flattering fit of this Twill Field Jacket from Talbots. It also comes in pink and a mossy green as well.
This Utility Jacket from Target checks all my boxes. It is made of recycled Polyester, doesn’t have a bunch of buttons, comes in extended sizes and multiple colors, and it is only $40. I am tempted to order the off white.
I tried this Utility Jacket from Banana Republic on in the store. It is a little more pricey but beautifully made. It also sizes up to an XXL. It also comes in camo if you are a camo lover. I would have sprung for this one on sale but didn’t care for the shoulder detail. I have big shoulders and don’t need any extra attention drawn there.
No list could be complete without a utility jacket from LL Bean. I am sure it is well made but appears to be on the heavier side. It comes in multiple colors and petite, and plus sizes, although some colors and sizes are limited.
I love the color of this Utility Jacket from Ralph Lauren. Of course, it is pricey, but it is the most beautiful color of green, and it sizes all the way up to 20.
Madewell’s Utility Jacket version is on sale, only comes in one color but is also available in petites. It is also on the pricier side.
Finishing out the list is this coated Utility Jacket from J Crew Factory. I love the style and fit of this one, I just personally don’t like brass buttons. This jacket is coated, so it is water-resistant.
I also compiled a list of those that come in extended sizes. I won’t go into detail about all of them because many are on my other list. I really like the Saks Off Fifth Utility Jacket version top right and it is on super sale. I added two Eileen Fisher versions because they are looser and more lightweight. All are linked below the graphic. The Old Navy Utility Shacket has a great pricepoint and sizes all the way up to 3X and comes in four colors. On the bottom right Lands End’s Plus Size Utility Jacket.
SHOP EXTENDED SIZE UTILITY JACKETS
LIMITED SELECTIONS AVAILABLE BUT WORTH A PEEK
Nordstrom Rack has some field/ utility jacket options in limited sizes here
I like Everlane’s utility jacket but they have limited sizes and colors left.
If you are looking for a long sort of duster version. Eileen Fisher has this one on sale.
Whew, that was a long post. 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 The Best Utility Jackets for Women over 50. You might also enjoy my recent post on Under the Radar Ways to Style Jeans over 50.
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!!