Khaki: the new neutral on the block

If someone says ‘utility’ what do you instantly think? Room is what jumps into my mind and how wonderful it would actually be to have one to cram in all the stuff that ends up sitting in various places on the kitchen floor – muddy football boots, bicycle paniers (yes I am looking at you, husband). But really what you should be thinking this spring is ‘chic’ because one of the key looks for the season is ‘Utility Chic’ which means khaki is here and looking good.

On the top front there are lots of options out there starting off with shirts. This Camberwell Shirt £69 from Hush is in a lovely silky and drapey lyocell fabric that you could easily wear as a jacket or as a shirt. Great with skinnies or tailored trousers for the office and a pair of loafers or heels.

For a more obviously smart style – but something you can still dress down as they have done, there is their best selling Rita Print Shirt £59. This also comes in black and a burgundy animal.

For a more everyday, chuck-on piece how about this L/S Raw Edge Tee £45.

And this Lightning Blot Tee £35. Hush is definitely on the generous side when it comes to sizing and their clothes tend to have a relaxed fit so you may need to size down.

 

I love the idea of a khaki coatigan and this Wrap Cardigan £25.99 from Zara would do the job.

Whilst for a sweater the Alycia Mohair Jumper £138 from Anthropologie is pricey but very nice.

On the casual bottom front, Hush has these three options: Long Hareem Trousers £55, Washed Joggers £39.50 and Amie Joggers £49.50. You could certainly style up the Amie Joggers with a cami, leather jacket and heels for a night out too.

I have a lovely pair of combats that I got from Anthropologie years ago and have worn to death, so now alas there is a rip in the middle of my bottom. But M&S has a goodie: Cargo Skinny Trousers £22.50 which is styled with this shirt. Clearly they are going big on khaki with the in store graphic but I think this is a lovely look that could also work well for the office. Just a word of warning, combat styles are probably not the thing if you are conscious of your thighs…

Next also has a very similar style: Pocket Cargo Trousers £35. I like this darker, blue based khaki.

For dresses, it has to be the classic shirt dress and this Laverne Shirt Dress £55 from Oliver Bonas is minimalist and stylish. Good for work and play.

But if you are after something more formal, this Whistles Lydia Gathered Bodycon Dress £155 is lovely.

Khaki is a great colour option for outerwear- practical and versatile. This M&S Belted Trench Coat £129 is gorgeous and waterproof.

Another more casual waterproof option is this Swithin Parka Jacket £129 from Joules.

For a shorter style try this Khaki Soft Utility Jacket £119 from Mint Velvet. This is great because you can cinch in your waist to create some shape.

For under £100, Boden’s Florence Jacket £90 is great and I love the contrast colour piping.

Gap has this Utility Jacket £59.95 – not mad on the styling but add ankle boots or trainers and it’s a no-brainer.

On the accessories front, Warehouse has this Large Leather Tote £45. Great price for a leather bag which would give you a nice nod to the trend and would be an excellent everyday bag.

Or Oliver Bonas has this Khaki Hobo Slouch £42 but is PU and not leather.

In my continuing mission to step away from the safety net of black, I think khaki is a perfect alternative for the spring. I realise I may now look like I am off on a field exercise in my Camo Print Jacket £45 from Topshop but am just hoping it will inspire the respect of a Sergeant Major amongst my little soldiers…