Though khaki chinos can be easily dressed up for work and just as easily dressed down for some low key hanging out, I’ve often felt that their true style sweet spot is somewhere right in between. If you’re looking for something casual, stylish, and easy, pairing khakis with a few simple basics is a no brainer. Here’s a look that puts those principles to work.
2. Casual Basics
Casual, understated, stylish, and simple. Khaki chinos really allow you to do more with less and definitely prove that it doesn’t take much to put a convincing look together. Pairing them with basic pieces, like a classic polo shirt and some suede loafers, is always a great way to showcase some classic and effortless style.
If there was ever a shirt made to pair with khakis, it is definitely a polo. It’s a classic casual basic that should be in every man’s wardrobe. With such a wide variety of polo options, finding one that speaks to you should be no problem at all. Personally, I prefer a polo with a little bit of nuance. The one I’m wearing was a great purchase for that reason.
A deep placket really helps maximize a polo’s versatility. It lends it a bit of casual panache when worn solo and also gives it just enough formal personality to dress up with a khaki suit, for example.
I often get questions about the hem of my pants. Right now in terms of where I’m at on my style journey, I have been favoring a fairly slim fitting trouser with a minimal break. I get all of my pants hemmed and generally have most of them tapered as well. However, I’ve found these pants to be pretty close to perfect for me in terms of the width at the knee as well as the ankle.
At 5’9″, I am average in height but have some long legs and a shorter torso. It’s always extremely important to dress your body type and I like how a tapered leg and higher hem play with those features. A hem like this depends greatly on the leg opening at the ankle. Making sure it isn’t too wide is key. This is a topic I plan to cover in more detail in the future.
This Look: Cotton khaki chinos by J.Crew, Blue cotton-jersey polo shirt by Billy Reid, Brown suede penny loafers by To Boot New York, Brown socks by Johnston & Murphy, Brown leather plaque belt by J.Crew, Watch with brown leather strap by Timex.
Thanks for reading.
Stylishly Yours,
He Spoke Style
Photography by Rob McIver Photo.
