Men's Short Hairstyles
Men's Mid-length Hairstyles
Men's Long Hairstyles
Men's Curly Hairstyles
Men's Black & Afro Hairstyles
Celebrity Hairstyles
Introduction
Khaki; the perfect neutral.
Its stay in spring collections has certainly been a prolonged one. In fact, one could go as far as to say spring – without khaki – is like April without showers. It’s a rare phenomenon.
Khaki’s presence has been consistent, and most definitely understated, to say the least. It remains the often-unsung hero if you will. It’s easier on the eye than black, fresher than your run of the mill grey or brown, more practical than white, yet when paired it oozes sophistication and chic in all directions.
For the 2011 spring/summer seasons, Khaki is ready to break out of its shy-boy mould and become the focal point of your outfit. Khaki is the double-sided coin when prepared to anchor for any colour that may be brought into the fold. With the emphasis on tailoring, clean lines and colour this spring, khaki has a central role to play in any man’s wardrobe; irrespective of the direction your outfits are taking.
On the Runway
From Runway to Wardrobe
Khaki has held its place on the spring stage for so long. It’s a product of its own easy-to-wear versatility and has paid its dividends twice over by returning each season.
Khaki, as a colour, is diverse. Its original sense refers to a light, dusty colour. Although it has been interpreted in to a darkish green and also a camel-like hue. This is largely due to military influence, meaning the colour keeps your wardrobe in good stead as military still has a firm grasp on high-street and premium designer collections collections, each and every year.
The colours versatility enables it to transcend seasons and trends – merging over multiple military and tailoring looks. The variation of shades means it will be put to good use in almost all of this seasons anticipated trends and is definitely one to keep for the future; is timeless a label given too soon?
How to Wear: Lighter Tones
Light khaki is not far from beige and tan in appearance. Dependent on how purist you are here, if April does grace us with showers, that trench coat – in the camel shade you bought for the fall – will certainly suit your khaki inspired outfit.
Lighter and more neutral khaki work well for a cleaner, more sophisticated look. A khaki suit is a fantastic alternative to the traditional grey, navy or black once the warmer weather finally arrives.
Top tip: Pair a khaki suit with a denim shirt and block colour tie for an outfit that will carry you from work to play in just a few minor tweaks.
Lighter Tone Look Book
How to Wear: Darker Tones
Dark khaki is commonly viewed as the sole or major-stake shade of khaki; often the result of said military preconceptions.
The more ‘greenish’ appearance that this shade carries makes it a winner in the autumn and winter months where ruggedly inspired looks take precedence. This year’s spring trends take nod from the likes of the Sicilian fisherman – forming the broader ‘spring utility’ trend; meaning darker tones certainly have a role to play.
Create a look using cable knits and duffels with distressed or worn khaki accessories and basics. This is where you can also make use of your winter boots; pair them with shorts when the sun is shining for an apt take on military proceedings.
Darker Tone Look Book
How to Wear: Neutral Tones
Khaki, in its basic form, is a dusty colour – earthy in appearance. It will not look out of place when used to tone down an outfit featuring some of your more vivid purchases. It also pairs very nicely with this seasons must have tortoise-shell frames.
Conclusion, Discussion & Part 2
So today we have broken down the new khaki trend and shown you how to wear the different shades of khaki that are available. Tomorrow we will be looking at mixing khaki with colour for spring/summer, as well as showing you how to create block khaki outfits. Here at Fashionbeans we think that khaki is a true essential for the season, and has the added bonus that it can be utilised all year round. But what do you think?
- Has khaki become a true neutral that we should all have in our wardrobes?
- Would you consider it as versatile as other building block colours like black, white or navy?
- What is your favourite tone of khaki? And what pieces do you currently own in your wardrobe?
- Is khaki now (or always been) a true timeless colour?
Let us know in the comments below…
Style Inspiration: Berlin Grunge
Spring/Summer Essential Fabrics – Part 3: Madras & Tropical Wools
Spring/Summer Essential Fabrics – Part 2: Seersucker
Spring/Summer Essential Fabrics – Part 1: Linen
Back To Top
excellent article. i was just wondering where the lookbook at the top of the article was from. thanks a lot!
Hi Mansy, the look book is Urban Outftters latest and you can look through it all on their site here: Urban Outfitters S/S 2011 Lookbook.
Just goes to show that the high street and premium designers are pushing the colour, as I have also seen it prominently in H&M’s and Zara’s recent look books, as well as in Topman’s recent trend collections.
Great article, could have done more with yellows though!
Inspired by the coloured trouser trend I bought a pair of green khaki chinos online. When I got them I wasn’t sure if they fit the trend properly as they were not brightly coloured. However I couldn’t bring myself to return them as they fit so well and look great with the knits I had for the winter nomad trend. So this article has come just in time as I have been wondering if I could keep them going into s/s season.
Looking forward to tomorrow!
Thanks so much Ben. I agree entirely, I’ve already picked up some Khaki chinos from Topman and a Khaki military style shirt from H&M! I just liked the look of the navy hoodie to go with some light khaki trousers. Cheers again
Your lookbook seems to suggest that the tailored trouser has departed with the last summer season. Is this true, or am I just being paranoid? I was quite looking forward to buying myself some chino shorts this summer…
I was thinking of getting these, is it helps:
http://www.asos.com/Superdry/Superdry-Buckleback-Chino-Short/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1169072&SearchQuery=chino%20shorts&sh=0&pge=2&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Sand
Hi George, not to sure what you mean? Tailored trousers and tailored shorts are definitely going to be big news again this year. If you are referring to the product picks we have put into each look book, really these are just an example of pieces you can buy right now in khaki. We tend to provide a mix because each and every person’s personal style is different and so we want to be able to showcase items that appeal to as many of you as possible. Definitely invest in some tailored shorts because they will serve you very well for the foreseeable future.
Good read, already got a fewbits from Topman. Mansy, how weird I was just typing the same q about that blue hoody.
Khaki and Navy are up there as the most timeless, classic and versatile colors. I love how it is so unassuming and always so sharp.
I own khaki chinos in the most classic shade, but I am loving the darker tone… with the green hue. I recently bought a khaki linen sweater for spring and it is my new favorite sweater.
If I could afford it, I’d get a khaki/camel pea coat, but alas I will go straight from winter coat to no coat, LOL!
The khaki suit is definitely something I’d consider as my summer suit!
That yellow hue khaki color is HOT!! LOL!
Great post as always!
Peter
Loving the chinos this season, there everywhere. Got myself navy and taupe coloured paul smith slim fit colombian ones, here is an example. Perfect to wear with my new chocalate brown suede loake desert boots, then a plain light blue or white button down oxford shirt ! clean lines and cool for the spring..
http://www.coggles.com/item/Paul-Smith-Jeans/361J-711-Taupe-Slant-Pocket-Chino/81EX
http://www.ralphlauren.co.uk/product/index.jsp?productId=4578001&prodFindSrc=search
The thing about the chinos is the versatility for me, with both checks, ginghams, plain oxfords and short sleeve shirts all going with them easily along with a striped blue/white t shirt, canvas rucksack, pair of boating shoes / desert boots and ur summer/spring is here..
maybe throw in one of those lightweight navy fisherman . kagool type jackets with a hood and a rope belt…..SHIP AHOY mateys !
Guys, just wondering can anyone recommend a good brand for khaki straight chinos, that won’t break the bank? Haven’t done much looking, but can’t to seem to find much. Is Topman the best bet, or is there something out there with better quality? Looking to spend about 40-50 quid.
Cheers
Which runway show is that at the top of the article?
I’m looking for a light summer suit and nothing in the shops or online comes even close to it.
@Alex
From top to bottom; first 3 are Calvin Klein, second – Simon Spurr and third is the Canali collection
@Shane
Gap would definately be a place to look as in my opinion they often get the basics spot on. Uniqlo would also be worth checking it, they’ve recently released a new collection of chinos and cargos.
If wanted to stretch the budget a little futher Dockers are timeless and a fantastic investment. You can find them over at House of Fraser.
http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/on/demandware.store/Sites-hof-Site/default/Search-ShowBrand?brand=Dockers&fromBrand=Dockers
@ Shane
You should check out a brand called Dr Denim Donk Chinos for around £45 to £55, a straight fit with tapering a little, you can have a look online at urbanoutfitters.com who have them but for a full variety of them from red, blue, green, tobacco, yelllow check out the sonofastag store in brick lane, london.
They are in my opinion a better quality chino than topman and have odd size waists / legs like 33, 35 as well as the usual 32. 34 waists.
hope that helps
otherwise considering spending another £20 and getting slim fit dockers !