Wear Khakis

While baggy, stonewashed khakis might give you grade school flashbacks, modern khakis are neutral closet staples. These versatile pieces go with a variety of colors and can be made formal or more casual with a few styling changes. By choosing a modern cut and determining whether you want to dress up or down, you can wear your khakis well.

Steps

Choosing a Modern Cut

1. Choose a flat-front pant. A flat-front khaki provides a more modern and sleek look than a pleated khaki. This removes visual weight from your legs and keeps your khakis from looking too much like a school uniform. Make sure your khakis are hemmed properly and don’t pool around your ankles.
2. Look for a leg that tapers slightly. Wide-leg khakis make your legs appear larger than they are and can make your look seem messy. Look for a khaki that tapers slightly from the thigh to the ankle. This will provide a more tailored and polished look to your pants.
3. Pick a rise that fits around your hips. Choose khakis that fit well around your hips rather than high up near your belly button or low above your pubic bone. This midrise is most universally flattering. It also provides the most visual balance.
4. Avoid excessive pockets. Cargo pants add bulk to your frame and are an outdated style. Look for khakis that have four pockets, two in the front and two in the back. This is a more modern and updated look when wearing khakis.

Dressing Khakis Up

1. Pair them with less structured jackets. Traditional business suit jackets clash a bit with khakis, as they are a casual look and fabric. To dress up your pants, choose blazers in flat fabrics, such as corduroy or linen, to match khaki’s less formal feel. Opt for a soft-shouldered jacket to avoid an overly structured look on top since your pants are more casual.
   • Choose blazers in neutral colors that complement khaki, such as navy, brown, maroon or olive.
   • Leaving your jacket unbuttoned also adds to khaki’s easygoing appeal.
2. Add dressy accessories. If you’re a man, adding suit accessories, such as a pocket square and tie, elevates your khakis and makes your look seem more complete. Chose accessories that are in a flat fabric to better match the informality of your pants. For a feminine look, layer on classic jewelry such as pearls, or opt for a high heel in a nude color to dress up your look and make your pants less casual.
   • Cotton pocket squares and knit ties are great options to make your khakis dressier.
   • Try a tucked-in oxford dress shirt to give your look a more tailored appearance.
3. Embrace leather accents. Leather is a natural companion of khaki and can elevate your appearance. Try a brown leather belt and shoes to complement your khakis and bring your dressy look together. If you’re not a fan of brown, a nude shoe or suede shoe in hunter green or navy can give your look some polish.
   • Black accessories usually provide too much contrast, both in color and formality, to be worn well with khakis. Save them for a more formal suit or dress.
   • Women can opt for a thinner belt to add a finer touch to the look.
4. Layer to add visual interest. Layers make any look appear more expensive and polished. Elevate your khakis by adding a sweater, vest or pea coat over a button up shirt and tailored khakis. For a more feminine touch, boots, camisoles, cardigans, and jewelry can provide more depth to your look.
5. Play with expectations. Khaki can have a utilitarian look. You can give your khakis an unexpected twist by pairing them with softer pieces like a lace top or silk scarf. This provides nice contrast.

Dressing Khakis Down

1. Roll your khakis. Rolling your khakis is a trendy, casual look that can show off your cool summer shoes. To get a nice tight roll on your khakis, cuff the bottom once, pinch an inch of your roll and push it towards the center to tighten the cuff, then roll again. Aim for a roll that exposes the ankle but not too much higher.
   • Women can use this roll to show off wedges.
2. Don untucked shirts in casual styles. Polo and henley-style shirts are good casual options to make your khakis seem easy and effortless. Keep your shirts untucked for a more casual look.
   • A striped tee is a polished but dressed down alternative to an athletic T-shirt.
   • A blouse or peplum top can be in keeping with khakis preppy style, while still feeling casual.
3. Choose shirts in casual fabrics. Chambray and denim are good everyday fabrics that will keep your khakis from looking too formal. If you want to wear a button up, try a casual print such as gingham or plaid to keep your khakis dressed down.
4. Skip socks and don loafers or other summer shoes. Socks with dress shoes instantly make you think office. To keep your khakis looking nice but casual, skip the socks for a carefree summer look. Leather flip-flops or boat shoes also make good sock-free options.
   • Ballet flats can be a nice choice for women, too.

Tips

• Gravitate towards darker shades of tan and brown when choosing your khakis. Lighter shades are more difficult to wear and can be a little reminiscent of a school uniform.
• Play up the military history of khaki by embracing military boots and brass jewlery.
• Khakis are so versatile because they are neutrals. Mix and match yours with different pieces to find the look that is uniquely you.

Sources and Citations

See also

• Wear Geek Chic Style (for Girls)
• Be Casual
• Wear Maroon Pants
• Wear a Denim Jacket (Men)
• Wear a Suede Jacket
• Be a Femme Fatale
• Have a Great Sense of Style
• Be a Fashion Icon
• Be a Conservative Girl
• Dress with Swag

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