Maybe everyone’s tired of hearing about wearables and the Internet of Things, but I’m still curious whether we may one day have some sort of wearable solar material that could charge a smartphone. It’s a simple and clear value proposition, and may well encourage people to go outside more, given the nature of our lives where increasingly we remain inside in front of our laptops.

A Dutch project from designer Pauline van Dongen in which she partnered with HAN University of Applied Sciences and solar energy expert Gert Jan Jongerden of the Wearable Solar project, produced two designs–a dress and a coat. The coat’s design is kinda Star Trek meets SoHo, and the flaps containing the panels actually fold down and can be hidden. Dongen noted that she thinks improved flexibility in solar material remains a key point where advancement would aid wearables.

Yes, I think we’re a long ways off from solar wearables. But I will say that I think culturally we’ll grow more accepting of technology on our bodies that looks different. I’m actually fairly bullish on Google Glass though I think it’s first successes will come in a businaess environment, not a consumer one. And I continue to hear rumors that Apple is hiring clothing designers and folks with experience in retail fashion. Yes, it takes Apple a decade of iteration to produce a product, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the company is trying to figure out ways to weave technology into clothing.