Khakis are a staple in every man’s wardrobe. They are trendy, versatile, fashion forward and available in a variety of colors and styles. One of the most valuable features of khakis is their versatility – so easy to dress up or down and appropriate for most offices, as well as casual wear.
Although khakis are suitable for every season, they are perfect for the warmer summer weather. The lightweight cotton keeps its cool as temperatures rise. In addition, khakis provide a more sophisticated and polished look than shorts or jeans.
The History of Khakis
In 1848 khakis were created for troop uniforms. The word khaki originates from the Hindustani word “soil colored.” The light brown pants were made to blend in better with natural surroundings, such as the forest or desert. Khakis were intended strictly for utilitarian purposes, allowing for more freedom of movement than their stiffer wool uniform counterparts. Today, however, they make quite a fashion statement.
Styling Dress Khakis
A modern fit with a flat front and straight leg offers a more tailored look for the office or special events. Pair them with any color short sleeve button down shirt or upgrade the style with a short sleeve plaid shirt, a sweater vest and bow tie. You can get creative as the possibilities are endless. It’s also easy to transition the look for evening by adding a blazer for date night. Khakis that are more modern pair best with oxfords, loafers or dress shoes. Dress styles should measure a little longer than casual khakis, with a couple of inches over the shoes.
Casual Khaki Combos
Khakis that are baggier are primarily worn for casual wear. They feature less tailoring and a more relaxed fit for summer activities and outings. With every wash, these casual cut khakis look and feel even better, becoming more faded with a worn-in look. Polo shirts, t-shirts and tank tops are just some of the options to style with to keep you cool and comfortable. Pair them with deck shoes, tennis shoes or sandals for a more laid-back approach.
Update with Cuffs
Cuffing khakis is the latest fashion trend for these iconic trousers. Roll khakis pant legs to show off your socks, wear no socks at all or add a bit more flair. This styling option works best with slimmer, more tailored khakis versus those baggier styles.
Khakis can be worn for any occasion and styled to suit a man’s fashion sensibility. They are durable, comfortable and relatively inexpensive. When styled correctly, they provide an on-trend look too. Experiment with the many styles and colors available and discover an array of new options for your wardrobe.
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