So here is the really amazing things I get out of having a Facebook Group of relatable women: it helps me truly understand the fashion obstacles women face. When a member posted that she was struggling to figure out what to wear with a pair of basic khaki pants so they didn’t look boring, I was surprised. As I stated in the thread, it would be easier to list what can’t be worn with them.
In no way am I trying sound smug or judgmental with this member’s struggle. For me, it was a great reminder of how of touch I can be. It’s no different than an accountant trying to explain how tax codes work; simple for them, not so simple for me. So I appreciate questions like this because it reminds me never to assume that we all just know the same things.
This member also inspired a blog post because this simple question created quite a decent thread of comments. I watch for these types of conversations to start in the group because they signal to me that more explanation would be helpful. So here, we go. I am styling a pair of khaki pants five ways using this pair of khaki chinos from J. Crew. Shop for more khakis at the end of this post.
Stylish Ways to Wear Khaki Pants
Styling these khaki pants five ways was a little overwhelming because the ways to style these pants are pretty limitless. It was hard to narrow down all the options, but, hopefully, these ideas will give you a start.
Outfit #1
It’s understandable that it would easy to get stumped with khaki pants. What color do you wear with them? How do you wear them in a way that doesn’t look like you are a waitress at a family restaurant or you work at Best Buy? Nothing wrong with these jobs, of course, but these uniforms are hardly the pinnacle of fashion most women strive for.
Khaki pants are commonly used as uniform-wear. After all, khaki pants started in the military during World War II. If you trace the history of the khaki pant it’s actually quite fascinating. For this post, however, we’re looking to make khaki pants look less utilitarian and more stylish.
So my first tip would be to style them in a way that feminizes the more masculine feel of khaki pants. In this first look, I added a sleeveless summer top in deep blush pink by Treasure & Bond. I finished the outfit with soft pink slingback flats from Boden, vegan crossbody bag from Urban Originals and abalone shell drop earrings from Kendra Scott.
Outfit #2
I like this feminine cardigan from Nic + Zoe because it adds a softer touch to the khaki pants. The blue is also a soft shade that feminizes the outfit. I layered the cardigan over Nic + Zoe’s perfect tank and finished the outfit with navy wedge sandals, sky blue bag from Mansur Gavriel and macrame tassel earrings from J. Crew.
Outfit #3
Feminizing khakis doesn’t just mean to wear soft colors or ruffles and frills. There are plenty of ways to look feminine in khaki pants without looking like a parade float. In this outfit, I styled this modern top from Cos with a pair of gold wedge sandals from OTBT, yellow bag from Topshop and gold pendant from Sole Society.
Outfit #4
Personally speaking, I love this outfit. It’s an elegant way to lean into khaki pants for what they are while not compromising style. This crochet sweater from Rag & Bone is perfect for summer layered over the same Nic + Zoe tank used in the second look. I finished the outfit with chic elements using these leopard loafer flats from Steve Madden, cognac bag from Vince Camuto and tortoise hoop earrings from Shashi.
Outfit #5
This last outfit is a business-casual type outfit using khaki pants that won’t make you look like a corporate drone. I styled the pants with a chambray shirt from J. Crew and olive Smythe blazer which gives the outfit a throwback military inspiration. The outfit is finished with cognac block heel pumps from 1.State, wood handle canvas tote from Antik Kraft and multi-strand necklace from Karine Sultan.
Shop for Khaki Pants
Feeling inspired? Shop for more khaki pants here.