How To Style Khakis
Khakis are versatile and classic clothing that can be dressed up or down. Khakis are a great alternative to jeans, especially for men who like a more laid-back look. They also look good with a variety of different shirts and other pieces.
When styling khakis, keep it casual with a simple t-shirt and sneakers. If you want to go a little more formal, opt for a collared dress shirt and tie.
Wear A Button-Down Shirt
Button-down shirts are an essential wardrobe staple, offering endless casual and formal styling opportunities. Wear one on its own or layer it over a t-shirt for an effortless yet stylish look that is perfect for running errands or going out with friends.
When styled with khakis, button-down shirts are an ideal way to add a touch of sophistication to your outfit. A crisp white dress shirt is a great option, but many colors and patterns also work well with khakis.
For a more casual look, khakis look great with sweaters, striped and solid t-shirts, polos, Henley’s, and denim or chambray button-downs. You can also throw on a sports coat or blazer, giving your outfit some structure and making it look more professional.
Ideally, your shirt should be non-iron to avoid stains. A cotton or linen non-iron shirt will last for years, so investing in a quality piece is worth the price.
The collar on a button-down shirt can be rolled up to the elbows for a more casual look or left unbuttoned for a more dressy option. You can also pair your shirt with a tie or bow tie for a more formal look.
Consider adding a belt to your khakis if you want visual interest in your outfit. A leather, fabric, or ribbon belt will add texture and dimension to your look.
Another easy way to add a touch of sophistication is by adding tailored cuffs to your pants. Tailored cuffs will help draw the eye to your shoes, and they’ll look sharp with the neutral color of your khakis.
Suppose you’re planning on wearing a pair of khakis for a business function or social event. You should stick with a single color to maintain a more conservative and professional look. However, you can’t go wrong with a dark tan chestnut-colored khaki, which works for both fall and winter.
Wear A Belt
A belt is an essential accessory that can transform a casual look or dress up a formal ensemble. It can make an outfit look pulled together and help accentuate your figure.
A belt can be a great way to make khaki pants look more dressy. Also, a button-down shirt can help your pants stay up and add color to the top of your shirt.
The most important thing when wearing a belt is to ensure it fits you properly. If the belt you choose is too wide or too narrow, it can give your outfit a strange proportional look.
If you are going for a more casual look, you may want to skip the belt altogether. It can be too much effort to tie a belt around your waist, and it might not be necessary in the first place.
When you do wear a belt, it’s crucial to pick one that matches your shirt and shoes. It should match the colors of the two items and should be in the same material.
Another important point to remember when you wear a belt is to avoid cinching it too tight. Instead, leaving a bit of space between the end of your belt and the buckle is better. This extra space will keep your torso looking a little slimmer and put together.
Add a blazer or sport coat if you want a more formal look with your khaki pants. The jacket should be in a neutral or muted color to pair with the khakis and should have a collar that isn’t too sharp. It should also be a comfortable fabric, such as cotton or linen.
Wear A Graphic Or Message T-Shirt
If you want to dress up your khakis, consider wearing a graphic or message t-shirt. These tees are not only a great way to show off your personality, but they can also look pretty chic with the right styling.
The best way to wear a graphic or message t-shirt is to pair it with neutral pants. You can go with a plain white tee, a gray tee, or even a black tee. These colors create a clean look that works well with most outfits and does not look too casual.
Another good option is to opt for a plaid shirt. The color of the plaid will add a bit of color to your look and will match perfectly with the color of the khakis. You can even tuck in the shirt for a more dramatic look.
You can also wear a blazer over your graphic t-shirt. This blazer is a great option to keep you warm during the cold months and pair well with your tee.
A blazer will also help you look more put-together and professional. This is especially useful if you work in an office.
If you’re a book lover, try rocking a t-shirt that says, “I read books” or “I love to read.” This is a great way to show your interest in reading and to make people aware of your favorite books.
Lastly, you can always dress your graphic or message t-shirt with unique jewelry. For example, a well-considered boutique necklace or a pretty ring will add sparkle and glamor to your look.
Wear A Cardigan
A cardigan sweater can be worn in a variety of different ways. For example, it can be worn under a button-down shirt to create a more casual look. It can also be paired with jeans to create a more sophisticated outfit.
A long cardigan will help to warm you up if the temperature drops, while a short one will help to add some style to your outfit. It will also make your legs look longer, especially if it is high-waisted.
You can also wear a cropped cardigan if you like to keep your legs warm and still have a slimmer silhouette. It will look particularly good with a pair of dark skinny jeans and a simple black top.
The key to a successful cardigan outfit is to choose the right style and size for your body type. If you’re not sure, try on several styles to see which one looks best.
Opt for a tailored cardigan with buttons for a smarter and more formal look. You can even have a tailor replace plastic buttons with leather, horn, or wood ones for a more traditional look.
If you’re wearing a shorter cardigan, you can also wear a belt to create a more sleek, contemporary look. A narrow belt can accentuate your waist, while a wider one will help to give you a more athletic silhouette.
If you want to wear a cardigan as an alternative to your dress shirt, it is best to go with a cotton blend. This will be warmer than a wool blend and can help to maintain your temperature if the temperature drops. You can also go for a lighter color to brighten up your wardrobe.
Wear A Tie
A tie can be an excellent addition if you’re looking for an easy way to dress up your khakis. It’s also a great gift idea.
Ties come in a wide variety of patterns, from paisleys to plaids to florals. It’s best to pick a pattern you think he will like if he wears it regularly.
Solid ties are also a good choice, especially in navy or black. They also work well with a range of other colors, from burgundy to dark red.
The most important thing to look for is a high-quality tie. It should be made from silk or wool. The material is a telltale sign of quality, as it will feel smooth and luxurious in your hand.
Another thing to check is the lining, which should be 100% wool. This helps prevent the tie from wrinkling and makes it easier to tie.
Finally, ensure the tie is cut on the bias, which means it’s been cut across the cloth diagonally. This will make it go down straight instead of twisting around while wearing it.
It’s also worth checking the tipping on the tie, which is the piece of fabric that backs the triangular point of the tie’s main lower section or “blade.” Again, this should be made from silk since it looks better than cheaper ties that use polyester for tipping.
If you’re buying a new tie, bring your suit jacket and shirt to test it. This will help you decide if it’s the right size and fit for your shirt and jacket.
Some Ideas On How To Style Khakis:
- Dress them up with a blazer: Pair your khakis with a tailored blazer, a button-down shirt, and dress shoes for a smart casual look that’s perfect for the office or a night out.
- Go casual with a t-shirt: For a more relaxed look, wear your khakis with a plain t-shirt and sneakers. Add a denim or bomber jacket to complete the look.
- Layer up with a sweater: In colder weather, pair your khakis with a sweater, a scarf, and boots for a cozy and stylish look.
- Wear them with a polo shirt: Khakis and polo shirts are a classic combination perfect for a day out with friends or a weekend brunch. Add a pair of loafers to complete the look.
- Try a denim jacket:
For a more casual look, pair your khakis with a denim jacket and a t-shirt. Add some white sneakers for a fresh and modern touch.
Remember to experiment with different colors and styles of khakis and to choose pieces that fit well and are appropriate for the occasion.
