The Best Shirt Colors For Women To Wear With Khaki Pants
When it comes to dressing well, one of the most important things to consider is color coordination.
One of the most common classic and popular articles of clothing is khaki pants. But what color shirt goes with khaki pants?
While khakis are a versatile piece of clothing that can be worn in many different ways, it can be tricky to find the right color shirt to wear with them.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right shirt color for khakis and today we’ll be covering it all to make your decision-making process easier.
The occasion, level of formality, and season that you’re dressing for will all have a major impact on how you style your outfit.
Here’s an in-depth style guide to make your life easier!
Understanding Khaki Pants
What are Khaki Pants?
The name “khaki pants” refers to the khaki color of the pants, which is a light shade of brown or beige.
Khakis are (typically) made from cotton twill fabric which is lightweight and comfortable to wear, and they can be worn as both dress pants and casual pants, which makes them incredibly versatile.
Khaki pants are a popular choice for both men and women due to their comfort and ability to be dressed up or down.
Types of Khaki Pants
There are several types of khaki pants available, each with its own unique features and style. Some of the most common types include:
- Khaki Chinos
Khaki chinos are a more formal type of khaki pants that are usually made from a finer cotton twill fabric. They often have a slimmer fit and a more tailored look, making them a great choice for dressier occasions.
- Cargo Khakis
Cargo khakis have large pockets on the sides of the pants, making them a practical choice for outdoor activities or for those who need to carry a lot of items with them.
- Straight Leg Khakis
Straight leg khakis have a classic, timeless look and are a great choice for those who prefer a more traditional style.
- Skinny Khakis
Skinny khakis have a more modern, trendy look and are a great choice for those who want to add a bit of edge to their outfit.
- Relaxed Fit Khakis
Relaxed fit khakis have a looser, more casual fit and are a great choice for those who prioritize comfort over style.
When choosing a pair of khaki pants, it’s important to consider the occasion and your personal style.
A pair of khaki trousers can be dressed up with a blazer and dress shoes for a more formal look or dressed down with a white t-shirt and sneakers for a more casual outfit.
Color Wheel Basics
Understanding the basics of the color wheel can help you create the perfect color combination for your outfits.
The color wheel consists of primary colors (red, blue, and yellow), secondary colors (green, orange, and purple), and tertiary colors (red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-purple, and red-purple).
Colors that are directly across from each other on the color wheel are complementary colors.
For example, green is complementary to red, and blue is complementary to orange.
When pairing khaki pants with a shirt, it’s important to consider the color of the shirt and the different shades of each color.
For example, navy blue may work well with khaki pants, but cornflower blue may not.
It’s also important to consider the occasion and the overall look you are trying to achieve.
When pairing khaki pants with a shirt, consider the color of the shirt and the different shades of each color.
Consider Your Skin Tone
When choosing a shirt to wear with khaki pants, it’s important to consider your skin tone.
Different colors can complement or clash with different skin tones, so it’s worth taking a moment to consider how your complexion might affect your outfit.
For those with fair skin, lighter colors like pastels or light blues can be a good choice.
These colors can help to brighten up the skin and provide a nice contrast to the khaki pants.
However, it’s important to avoid colors that are too close to your skin tone, as this can create a washed-out look.
Those with medium or olive skin tones can opt for a wider range of colors.
Earthy tones like greens and browns can complement khaki pants nicely, while brighter colors like reds and oranges can provide a nice pop of color.
It’s also worth considering patterns, as these can add some visual interest to your outfit.
For those with darker skin tones, bold colors like deep blues, greens, and purples can be a great choice.
These colors can provide a nice contrast to khaki pants and help to create a striking look.
Best Color Shirts For Khaki Pants
When it comes to pairing a shirt with khaki pants, the color of the shirt can make a big difference in the overall look.
Here are the best colors to wear with khaki pants:
White
It goes without saying that white is a great color to pair with your khakis.
Khaki, being a light, earthy tone, provides a neutral base that allows a white shirt to stand out without overpowering the overall look.
Additionally, with just about every shirt style available in white, you leave yourself the ability to style your khakis however you please – casual with a tee, dressy with a button up, or cozy with a sweater.
If you’re looking for the easiest way to style your khakis – opting for a white shirt is the way to go.
Beige
Choosing a neutral color like navy, beige, or black is always a safe bet as well.
All of these colors create a classic look that is easy to pull off.
This look above is a perfect choice for a business professional setting, whether it’s meeting clients for meetings or heading to a day of work at the office.
Additionally, because it’s a monochromatic look, you can choose just about any shoe color you prefer.
Cool Colors
Cool colors like light blue, mint, and lavender can add a touch of freshness to your outfit.
For example, a blue shirt or blouse is great for the summer months and can be easily incorporated via transitional pieces like a cropped jacket or cardigan come fall and winter.
This chambray shirt above is the perfect example of a top that pairs beautifully with any color of khaki pants you wear.
You can also experiment with different shades of green, which can complement khaki nicely.
Light Pink
Light colors like pastel pink, yellow, and peach can add a playful touch to your outfit.
You can try pairing khaki pants with a light-colored, linen button-down shirt for a stylish and relaxed vibe or with a simple pink shirt like the one above.
Forest Green
Darker shades like burgundy, forest green, and deep blue can create a more sophisticated look when paired with khaki pants.
Darker colors work well for more formal occasions and can add a touch of elegance to your outfit.
Blue
Bright colors like red, orange, and electric blue can add a bold statement to your outfit.
If you want to create a more eye-catching look when you wear khakis, bright colors are a great option.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that bright colors can be overwhelming if not balanced properly.
When choosing a shirt for a khaki pants outfit, it’s important to consider the occasion, your personal style, and the color of the pants.
With these tips in mind, you can create a stylish and well-coordinated outfit that works for just about any occasion.
Khaki Pants Outfit Ideas For Women
When it comes to pairing khaki pants with a shirt, there are many options available for women.
Here are some casual outfit ideas that can help you stay stylish and comfortable at the same time.
with Sneakers & A Hoodie
Canvas shoes or sneakers are a comfortable and practical choice for everyday outfits.
While you may think of more professional looks when you think of khaki pants, you can go the complete opposite with a cool pair of kicks.
When paired with khaki pants or even khaki shorts, they create a casual and sporty look.
Choose a simple white shirt or hoodie for an effortless look that’s perfect for a day of shopping or hanging with friends.
With A Graphic Tee
Now that you know sneakers are 100% okay to wear with khakis, here’s another outfit idea where you can rock your favorite pair.
A simple white shirt, crop top, or your favorite graphic tee is another ultra-casual way to style khakis.
This is the perfect combination for running errands, going for a walk, or just lounging around the house.
The great thing about this pairing is that you can accessorize in just about any way you choose.
A statement necklace, colorful scarf, and stud earrings are just a few accessories that would be perfect additions to this look.
with Denim Jackets
Denim jackets are a closet staple that every woman should have.
When paired with a simple white t-shirt denim jackets create a relaxed and laid-back look, but wearing a blouse underneath keeps this look polished and neat if you prefer to keep it a bit more refined.
For a more polished way to wear khakis opt for a cropped or fitted style jacket. For a streetwear vibe, choose an oversized or distressed style.
Depending on the occasion, you can choose a pair of sneakers, boat shoes, or even cute wedges to finish off the look.
With A Cut-Out Top
Here’s a look that’s a little more risque!
For this look you can either go the dad sneakers route or you can take it a totally different direction with heels for date night.
With A Matching Blazer
When you have a formal meeting and want to rock a pair of khakis in a girl-boss way – a coordinating set is the perfect way to do that.
This black and tan color combo is a great choice, but you can always choose any of the other neutral-colored shirts mentioned above as well.
This sexy crop top is a great choice for a night on the town while a cami tank top would be a great choice for the board room.
with an off-shoulder top
While khaki pants are typically considered a more casual/reserved style, an off-shoulder top has a much more playful vibe, which makes the pairing unexpected and fun.
with a Button-Up Shirt
A white button-up shirt is another wardrobe staple that every woman should have in her closet!
Button-up shirts can add a touch of professionalism to any outfit but are also great for tying around the waist to create shape and add visual interest.
A light blue or white dress shirt can be paired with khaki pants for a classic look, but If you want to make it a bit sexier, add a lace cami underneath for some sex appeal.
You can polish off this look with pretty much any shoe style you choose.
While brown shoes are often paired with khakis for men, nude or black shoes are generally a better choice for women.
with a Polo Shirt
For a preppy look, a black shirt i a polo style is always a good option.
A darker polo shirt can be paired with khaki pants for a classic look while a bright-colored polo shirt can add some personality to the outfit.
Loafers, mules, and sneakers are all great shoe choices for this look.
With A Plaid Shirt
Plaid shirts look great with a pair of khakis and are another popular choice for a smart casual look.
For example, if you have a less formal meeting that you have to attend for work but still want to look presentable, a plaid shirt is an excellent choice
Accessories
Belts
The best way to define your waist and add a pop of color to your ensemble is with a belt.
You can opt for a skinny belt for a modern twist, or stick with a wider style for a more classic fit.
A brown leather belt is a classic choice that goes well with khaki pants, however, black or white belts can also work well, depending on the rest of the outfit.
Jackets
A leather jacket is a great choice for cooler weather and can add a touch of edginess to any outfit.
Pairing your khakis with a leather jacket, black pumps, and a sexy white-button-down shirt screams boss babe!
A denim jacket is a perfect choice for casual occasions and pairs well with khaki chinos, relaxed-fit khakis, and cargo-style khakis.
Jewelry
When it comes to accessories, a statement necklace or earrings can add a pop of color to your outfit and a scarf or hat can be a great accessory for cooler weather.
Alternatively, simple pieces of jewelry like a dainty necklace or a pair of pearl earrings are also a great choice.
Khaki pants are virtually a solid backdrop that you can take in any direction you choose.
Conclusion
The good news is that when it comes to choosing what shirt color to pair with khaki pants, there are many options to choose from.
Some colors work better than others, and some are more versatile than others. It’s important to consider the occasion, the season, and the overall look you’re going for.
Subtle colors and neutral shades are always a safe choice while a warm color like navy or pink creates a timeless and sophisticated look.
For a more casual look, a mint green or olive green is a great option. These colors complement khaki pants well and create a relaxed and comfortable outfit.
Overall, there is no one “right” answer when it comes to what color shirt goes with khaki pants. It ultimately depends on personal style and preference.
However, by keeping these tips in mind and experimenting with different colors, anyone can create an excellent out with khaki pants.
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