The Khaki Trousers Edit: 7 Outfit Ideas

If you didn’t own a pair of khaki combat trousers in the mid-90s, then what were you wearing? I’m not sure if you’ll think it’s good news or bad news that they’ve made a comeback in 2026. I loved my combats in the mid-90s. I was working at a heavy metal record label at that point, but was secretly listening to 5ive, Backstreet Boys and All Saints. Luckily, the army surplus store buys worked for both of these genres. Do they even have army surplus shops here anymore? I know there’s one in New York as my boys bought some gems there last year. Maybe in Camden Market?

Back then, I wore my khaki trousers with a white vest top, checkerboard Vans and some dodgy tribal tattoos. Which, come to think about it, I would still wear now. Minus the dodgy tattoos, as I’ve finally had them removed over the past three years. A slow and painful process, but one that worked way better than I had expected. I then got another one that I actually like. Some people never learn, and I am one of them.

But, unlike some tattoos, khaki trousers as a whole are pretty timeless. The shapes may change over the years, but the styling stays quite similar. Let’s have a look at seven ways you can wear yours.

THE JENNA

This Jenna Lyons look was the ultimate inspiration for this post. Jenna is a fashion designer and TV presenter, in case you didn’t know, and I love everything she wears. She combines feminine and masculine so well. In fact, she’s one of my all-time style icons – just type her name into Pinterest and see for yourself. If ever I feel I’m in a fashion rut, I do that. Plus, she loves denim as much as I do.

I’ve mixed it up a bit for this one by adding a feminine blouse and some slim-fit sandals to tone down the masculine fit of the trousers. It’s always about that mix for me.

THE RED JACKET

The red technical jacket is the jacket of the season. So much so that they keep selling out. I have one from Massimo Dutti that I bought last year. They’ve done a similar one this year (but it’s cotton, so not showerproof). M&S have one that keeps going in and out of stock – keep an eye on it here. And Uniqlo have a proper showerproof one with a hood. Red and khaki are (in my eyes) the perfect partners.

THE CAMI TOP

Another way to feminise (is that even a word?) your slightly more butch trousers is with something silk or lace. I like the idea of layering an asymmetric-hemmed camisole under a boxy T‑shirt. Maybe add a pair of mesh ballet flats on your feet. No, they really aren’t very practical, especially if it rains, and some of your family may ridicule you. Don’t listen to them. I think they are cool.

THE WEEKEND AWAY

This would be an excellent travelling outfit: soft, lightweight and comfortable, without resorting to joggers and a sweatshirt. I always take my Say What You C bag with me when I go away. It’s the perfect travel bag to add to your little roller suitcase when you go hand-luggage-only. Roomy enough for all your essentials and a change of clothes for a different climate, it has a zip closure, and no one will want to steal it as it has your initials on it, which is also a bonus.

THE BLACK BLAZER

This is the blow-the-budget combat trousers option. I’m feeling slightly smug as I managed to find a pair of these Citizens of Humanity flight pants on Vinted the other week for nearly £200 cheaper than new. They’re perfect too. I would mainly wear them casually, but I might very well add my silk shirt, black blazer and red lipstick to wear in the evening. I might even (shock horror) add a heel. Don’t get carried away, though – at most it will be a one-inch kitten heel.

DENIM & LEOPARD

Denim and khaki is another colour combo that works so well across the board. I’m adding this Ganni jacket as I rediscovered mine this past week. It was in the ‘seasonal outerwear’ area of the house (my son’s wardrobe), and while it’s not quite time for the full winter/summer wardrobe switch-over yet, I have moved some of my lighter coats back downstairs.

THE CLASSIC WHITE SHIRT

A crisp white shirt and a pair of khaki trousers never ever goes out of style. I usually tuck in my shirts to give me some shape, but recently I’ve been going with an oversized white shirt worn with a blazer, and I’m enjoying the freedom. Some days you just don’t care if you have any shape at all, and that’s absolutely fine.

Will you be wearing your khaki cargos again this summer? Or would you rather leave them in past.

K x

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