It isn’t my fault I shy away from khaki: the word has long evoked mental images of unflattering pleated slacks and clueless tourists in Hawaiian shirts and baggy shorts. But with Alexander Wang and Vena Cava's all-khaki collaborations with the Gap garnering their share of buzz, and this season’s neutral trend, it seems high time I revisit this oft-ignored fabric.
Unique details and spot-on fit make khaki shorts fashion-forward rather than frumpy (like the metallic sheen on this pair by Alice + Olivia, and the metallic pinstripes and paper-bag waist of the Myne shorts pictured above). Try them with a tucked-in white blouse to accentuate the waist, and pair with gold jewelry, a snake-embossed clutch, and nude stilettos for an elegantly understated combo.
Khaki blazers add polish to a look while keeping it on the casual side. A tailored style (like an Elizabeth and James blazer or a Marc by Marc Jacobs blazer) is understated over a fitted grey tank and distressed boyfriend jeans, or preppy with a plaid shirt and cutoff shorts. A tangled gold necklace provides a glam finishing touch.
This pic of Rihanna proves that rocker and khaki aren’t mutually exclusive. She accessorizes cropped khaki pants with oversized sunglasses, a gold chain necklace, mix-and-match bracelets (a great way to inject a little personality into any outfit), and metallic stilettos, leaving any lingering doubts about the coolness of khaki far, far behind.
--Tonya
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