Commandments of Style: How to Wear a Khaki Suit

The khaki suit: a summer staple, a warm-weather fashion icon. There are so many different shades and varying fits to choose from that it seems you can’t go wrong, but the khaki suit is not to be underestimated. If not worn properly, khaki can quickly shift from classic to outdated. When shopping for a khaki suit, choose a color that is rich without being too brown or too yellow. The appeal of this color is that it can easily be dressed up or down, and that it works worn in separates as a blazer alone or just the pants with a tucked — or untucked — button-down or polo.

Dressing Up The Khaki Suit

Brooks Brothers Suit ($358) // Bonobos Chambray Shirt ($98) // Navy Knit Tie ($25)

An attractive quality of khaki is that it’s easily paired with most colors, and one of the ways to make an outfit a touch dressier is to use solid colors. Solid colors are also relatively easy to match, so if you are looking for simplicity, this is the route to take. A khaki suit pairs nicely with a chambray shirt and knit tie, two easy style upgrades that showcase the flexibility you’ll find in khaki. Since khaki is generally a more casual style choice, the chambray shirt suits the look well while the knit tie adds some texture to the ensemble while not taking away attention from any other article.

Khaki With Casual Summer Colors

Brooks Brothers Suit ($358) // Blue Gingham Shirt ($69)

The khaki suit also shines when matched with a wide range of colors, so it’s a perfect fit for the colorful summer shirts no doubt hanging in your closet. Feel free to add whatever color you’d like! A gingham pattern can add a summery vibe, so I recommend grabbing one in light blue, navy, turquoise, pink or even orange. Patterned shirts are also an option and, as always, don’t be afraid to introduce a little bit of pink!

Polo Shirts & Khaki Suits

Brooks Brothers Suit ($358) // Navy Polo Shirt ($39)

A polo shirt is always a good choice for summer wearing, whether on its own or as part of a suit. While a polo certainly works with pants sans jacket, pulling it all together can really make the different. The most important thing to keep in mind, though, is making sure the polo fits well. Just about any summer color will work, but if you’re looking to dress up the look a bit stick to something darker, like a dark navy or black. Also, a non-textured polo is decidedly the way to go — think in the direction of a pima cotton-type fabric.