Blending in: The best ways to wear classic khaki green

"High contrast pairings like a white t-shirt and black blazer help balance the architectural shape, especially when paired with a leopard print kitten heel."

Thu, 05 Sep, 2024 - 15:02

Annmarie O'Connor - @aocdotme

As neutrals go, khaki green wins big in the style stakes. Its casual and assuming energy lends itself to blending in, making it an unassailable staple. This autumn is no exception.

Starting with separates, the new season drop from COS champions the colour across star buys like the barrel leg trouser. High contrast pairings like a white t-shirt and black blazer help balance the architectural shape, especially when paired with a leopard print kitten heel.

Add a red lip for an extra colour pop or extend the line of the leg (hello, long gams) with a pair of matching shoes like Ganni’s iconic buckle flats. Similarly, why not pair COS’s stripe knit skirt and co-ordinating top (sold separately) for one-and-done days?

Prefer something less prescriptive? Try the skirt with Seasalt’s ‘Swanpool’ vest. Just add a roll neck and boots, which would also give transitional pieces like H&M’s midi shirt dress extra wear time. See, I told you khaki was a winner.

Next up; outerwear. Arket’s chic coat offering is a high street highlight, as is this double-breasted cotton trench: oversized but styled with snap buttons and a shapely belt. Layer this anything and everything (seriously), especially a padded vest when winter sets in.

For the trend-timid, fear not. Less is always more. Lean into a piece of arm candy or a pair of sunglasses, which is always acceptable, if not a tad optimistic.

I’ve got my eye on the Ganni shell coat for walks on windy days. Meanwhile, I’m maxing out my Zara blazer while the mercury allows.