It’s been a while since we found our new black, isn’t it? If runway trends are anything to go by, khaki is quite the rage across the globe. What was once considered drab and boring is now the hottest fashion trend. From simple khaki accents, to whole outfits, jumpsuits, snazzy jackets and khaki lehengas, the colour is ruling this style season. If Alia Bhatt rocked the androgynous look in a khaki jumpsuit at a recent book launch in Mumbai, singer Mollie King showed off her svelte figure in a plunging khaki dress last month at The Ralph Lauren and Vogue Wimbledon Summer Cocktail Party.
Khaki, though, has taken on a more versatile avatar this season. It is no longer restricted to baggy cargo pants or uniforms; this time around, it is all about structured jackets, day dresses, wrap shirts and even a dressy outfit for a night out. Depending on the fabric, khaki can be worn as formal work trousers, casual jogger pants and a stylish trench coat. Designer Gaurang Shah gave it his own spin by creating a beautiful chandelier and petalled lehenga in khaki in one of his lines.
Says designer Shilpa Reddy, “Day dresses with pockets and flaps in khaki look really good; it lends a slightly androgynous look. But if you’re looking for something sexy, then you could opt for a short khaki skirt teamed with a classy button-down shirt. You could also play with hemlines; maybe opt for a dress or a top with a high-low hemline. You could team this up with a well-fitted belt to lend shape.”
Shilpa adds that with turbans and headpieces making a comeback this season, it would be a great idea to opt for khaki-toned ones. “Headgear is more fun and high fashion. Palazzos are also here to stay; khaki palazzos, or even khaki box pleat pants, might just be the way to pull off a chic look,” she says.
For Pallavi Ruhail, a fashion blogger, “Khaki is definitely versatile and happening. It is perfect for both day and night — like khaki dresses for women or a classic khaki shirt for men. If you are opting for a khaki dress, you could team it with sneakers or sliders or any flat footwear in the day; add some statement accessories and heels to pull off an evening look. You can also do some layering with capes and waistcoats or jackets; whatever works for that particular look,” she says.
Team your khaki daywear with flats for a casual look, or lace up a pair of ankle-length boots for something more chic. “It’s about taking a classic colour and updating it with a modern silhouette. Also, khaki goes best with pretty much any colour. I think over the next few seasons we’re going to see more coats, jackets, culottes, pants and skirts in khaki. The fabrics could range from thick cotton twill to cotton-satin to soft cotton with a sand-washed feel. Khaki goes well with classic white, black, and light blue, but it also goes well with prints and bright colours,” says designer Anaka Narayanan.
Colour blocking khaki with varying shades and tones of the same colour might make for an interesting look too.
Play with a darker khaki tone with green tints, or maybe go for a lighter colour for the shirt, if your pant or skirt is darker.
Khaki works exceptionally well with neutrals, so a classic black or white button-down shirt with khaki pants or a high-waisted skirt will look great as well.
If you want to play with reds, then opt for darker shades; maybe an ox-blood red or something that gravitates towards maroon. But if it’s an evening out, then pair it with a sequined skirt; make it high waist for a snazzier look, or go for a dress with a plunging neckline and tulle in complementing colours. Throw in a pair of killer heels for added effect and you’re all set.
Amp up the look
Don’t restrict yourself to just clothes when it comes to khaki. Experiment with makeup too. Cool and universally flattering, the shade is great for the Indian skin tone, lending it a smoky look. Choose shadows that are well-pigmented though.
Opt for a lovely green-toned khaki eye shadow to add that subtle pop to your face, or go for a more understated but defined look with a khaki green eye liner. There is a variety to choose from — matte shadows, with hints of glitter, eye liner pencils and even liquid liners for those sharp eyes.
If eye makeup is not your thing, then go for khaki nail colours.
Play with brown-toned khaki colours, or if you’re feeling adventurous, go for a green-tinted shade. Amp up the style with nail art; if animal patterns are your style, then go for a snakeskin pattern. For office wear, you could opt for just plain khaki tones.
