Not Black, Not White—the Expensive-Looking Neutral Everyone Is Wearing This Summer

Khaki and chic are two words I never expected to use in the same sentence. Much to my dismay, stuffy khaki pants were a fixture of my Catholic school uniform growing up. These days, however, the understated hue has received the high-fashion treatment. It's no wonder, then, that khaki is quietly making the rounds this summer, cementing itself as the season's most expensive-looking neutral.

A light shade of tan or beige with subtle yellow and green undertones, khaki has long been associated with outerwear (hello, trench coats) and trousers. Now, the versatile color is popping up across other categories, from tank tops and tees to shorts. Much like its fellow neutrals, khaki pairs just as well with subdued shades as it does with bright pops of color, making it appealing to minimalists and maximalists alike.

Have I sold you on summer's khaki trend? If so, scroll ahead for six khaki outfit ideas worth re-creating this season, along with chic pieces to add to your warm-weather wardrobe.

Wide-Leg Khaki Pants + Classic White Tee

In recent years, I've come around to khaki pants, seeing them in a much more fashion-forward light. This look is proof that the bottoms can feel especially chic. Simply style them with a classic white tee and drape a luxe sweater over your shoulders.

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Khaki Tank + Coordinating Pants

I bet you never thought to add a khaki tank to your summer wardrobe—well, until now. For a casual vacation outfit, layer the top underneath a white short-sleeve button-down. Finish with trousers in a slightly darker or lighter shade for a chic tonal look.

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Cropped Khaki Trench + Black Capris

You may have packed away your full-length trench coats until fall, but a cropped, waist-length style is perfect for chilly summer evenings and AC-blasted offices. Balance the outerwear with capri pants, then complete the look with flip-flops.

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Khaki Midi Skirt + Oversize Navy Tee

Introduce texture into your summer wardrobe with a khaki suede skirt. The fashion chameleon pairs effortlessly with everything from a laid-back oversize tee (as seen above) to a dressy silk tank. If you opt for the former, keep the outfit casual with trendy red-and-black flip-flops.

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Khaki Dress + Vibrant Sweater

The category is utilitarian chic. Fusing fashion and function, a utilitarian-inspired khaki dress is one of summer's most underrated pieces. Better yet, the ample pockets make it as practical as it is polished. Add a pop of color with a cherry-red sweater draped over your shoulders or tied around your waist.

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Khaki Bermuda Shorts + Long-Sleeve White Tee

Give your summer wardrobe a Pretty Woman–inspired twist with Bermuda shorts. A khaki pair, in particular, oozes sophistication, especially when styled with a simple long-sleeve white tee and black leather ballet flats.

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