Khaki is given a bad rap by the men and women who wear their khaki all wrong and quite dorkily, making the rest of us who want to look fabulous run in the opposite direction of any item of khaki clothing, out of sheer terror that it will suck the hipness away from us. Yet khaki shouldn’t be feared, because khaki is one of those fabrics that can look so stylish in a laid-back kind of way when worn correctly. Here’s a guide on choosing your khaki so that you can look great and maybe even cool.
1. Don’t buy in bulk – The reason why so many people look rather dorky in their khaki pants is because they buy them way too big, making them look like they’re wearing a khaki version of MC Hammer’s genie pants. So if you’re a woman go for a straight-leg pant, choose khaki pants that fit at your hips and then skim down the rest of your body somewhat loosely.
If you’re a man according to GQ Magazine, “The pants should hang on your hips – not cinch them. And they should be slightly slouchy without being baggy.” This more relaxed fit is still masculine without it look like you’re swimming in your pants.
2. To pleat, or not to pleat? – Whether you’re a man or a woman it should be noted that you should avoid pleated khakis at all costs if you want to look current and cool in your khakis. Pleats create bulk right around your hips, giving your khakis that baggy, big abdomen look (not so flattering). They also make it seem like you’re stuck in the 20th century, since most modern khaki makers leave the pleats out.
3. Don’t get tapered – For both sexes make sure your khakis don’t have tapered legs, because they will make your body look like it’s an inverted triangle since your hips will look wider than they are.
4. Choose your color – You don’t have to be stuck in a tan colored rut when wearing khaki. Choose from washed and faded looks, if you want a more laid-back, summery feel to your ensemble. Go for saturated darker tones like olive or brown for a more conservative look. If you want to wear khaki around your face, either with a jacket or a shirt and are concerned these colors won’t flatter you try the color navy or a khaki with a sateen finish for a little more oomph.
5. Play around – The reason why khaki can seem so boring and stiff is because people don’t have fun with it enough. Instead only wearing khaki with cardigans and stiff button-up shirts try something different. Mix it up dress your khaki up or dress it down and pair it with boldly printed t-shirts, cropped jackets, metallic heels, and bright colors, until you find a way to wear your khakis with personality.
Sources: Moore, Jim, “Save Khaki” GQ Magazine (5/2007) 51
Touitou, Jean “How to Wear Khaki Stylishly” Allure Magazine (7/2006) 80-81
