Fashion 18 Outfits to Wear With Your Khakis Now That They're Cool Again Here's how to modernize this classic pants style. By Samantha Sutton Samantha Sutton Instagram Samantha is InStyle's senior fashion editor. She joined the brand in 2019 and oversees the site's fashion coverage, including trend reporting, fashion exclusives, celebrity style interviews, and Fashion Week coverage. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on January 16, 2023 @ 01:06PM Pin Share Tweet Email Photo: Melodie Jeng/Getty Images First, it was cardigans. Then, it was polo shirts. And now, khakis have made their way into our wardrobes once again. These beige, sometimes olive or light brown bottoms were a staple in the '90s and early '00s — celebrities were often seen wearing low-rise versions with shrunken graphic tees and chain belts (the ultimate throwback look). But, today, we're suddenly stumped. We know there's a way to make these pants feel modern, cool, and less dad-playing-golf. We just need a little inspiration before putting together our outfit. Thankfully, there are plenty of ideas out there for what to wear with khakis, and we've since learned to treat them like our favorite pair of jeans. Crop tops, sweatshirts, and button-downs are all acceptable options, and you can even switch things up by pairing them with denim or leather. Carrot-Leg Jeans Are the Latest Denim Trend to Add Your Closet With a few quick tricks, these classically preppy pants can turn into a full, statement-making look, and might just become the most versatile thing you own. Keep It Consistent Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images When in doubt, stick with a scheme, styling your khakis with pieces from the same beige and brown color family. It will instantly look elevated. 20 Monochromatic Outfit Ideas That Prove One Color Is the Way to Go Bring On the Basics Melodie Jeng/Getty Images Fully embrace preppy style by wearing your pants with a sweater, loafers, and a bold belt. Add a Bit of Camo Melodie Jeng/Getty Images This can be in the form of a jacket, a button-down, or a T-shirt. The combination of colors always works. Get Comfy Melodie Jeng/Getty Images With the help of an oversized hoodie and a pair of sneakers, khakis will seem more casual and laid-back. These Are The 11 Best Loungewear Brands You Should Be Shopping in 2023 Switch Things Up With Leather Edward Berthelot/Getty Images A leather jacket or button-down isn't something you'd expect to see with these basic bottoms — which is why it's the perfect choice. Try Denim MARC PIASECKI/GETTY IMAGES The contrasting colors and materials is what makes this combo especially eye-catching. Revamp Your Wardrobe With These 5 Denim-On-Denim Outfit Ideas Create a Sexy Spin Hanna Lassen/Getty Images Turn up the heat ahead of a night out by opting for a sheer top. Pull On Some Boots Hanna Lassen/Getty Images Not only is the shoe choice great for colder days, tucking baggy pants into knee-high boots is a model-approved move. 9 Incredibly Cute Knee-High Boots Outfits to Keep in Your Rotation Throw On a Vest Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Yes, vests are back, too. A puff-sleeved shirt underneath will make this outfit seem less stuffy. Remember the Classics Melodie Jeng/Getty Images The good news is, khakis pair well with all of your other wardrobe staples, like white tees, blazers, and Converse sneakers, creating an easy outfit idea for days when you're in a jam. Experiment With Different Styles Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Not all khakis are alike. Some are cropped, have pockets, or feature wider legs, so it's worth finding a cut that suits your specific style. How to Wear Wide-Leg Pants, the Comfy, Celebrity-Approved Fashion Trend That's Here to Stay Complete With a Crop Top Christian Vierig/Getty Images If your pants are a higher rise, this will balance things out and keep them from feeling bulky. Go With a Button-Down Edward Berthelot/Getty Images It's a fool-proof choice. Both long- and short-sleeved options will help make these pants feel polished. Consider These 14 White Button Downs the Foundation of Your Wardrobe Try White Options BG004 It's a crisp, clean color pairing that is both timeless and seasonless. Add a Pop of Color GORC/GC Images If you really want to stand out, reach for something red, which will always make a statement when styled with beige bottoms. Break Out the Leopard Print Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images This animal print is similar in color and will blend nicely with khakis, while also adding an element of fun. Sarah Jessica Parker Can't Stop Wearing Her Fuzzy, Leopard Print Coat and Now We Want One Too Let Loose Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images For summer days, a lighter pair of pants will come across as effortless when paired with a long, oversized button-down or a shirtdress. Style With a Tank Edward Berthelot/Getty Images When it comes to warmer weather, don't overthink — khakis and a solid-colored (or even striped) tank top is already a full easy, breezy outfit. The Coolest (and Surprisingly Easy) Tank Top Hacks We Learned From TikTok