In my younger days, back when people actually watched TV with commercials, there was a certain chain that declared that khaki pants were the coolest around and soon flooded the airwaves with commercials demonstrating how the tan pants could be hip-hop, go-go, soul, pretty, country, and—maybe most memorably—swingin’.

Over the years, khakis lost their cool and reclaimed their dad-style status. But lately, I’ve been seeing the style on athletes, rappers, and celebrities with notorious style. Have khakis become cool again? These outfits featuring the Mott & Bow Straight Mercer Khakis and Paul Evans leather shoes have me thinking yes.

 

Click on the titles to see our Polyvore collection of cool khaki outfits featuring Mott & Bow’s Straight Mercer Khaki.

 

Touch of Red

To channel the streets of Paris in your khaki styling, go with simplicity. A striped Breton tee is quintessential French style and can be worn with a million other outfits in your closet. Hit the sweet spot between casual and formal with a structured blazer in dark indigo denim—a nice flip from the typical jeans-on-bottom look you normally sport. At this point you’re only playing with neutrals, so spice up the ensemble with touches of red. The Brando Semi-Brogue Oxford in Oxblood and matching Italian leather belt both have the refinement of Parisian fashion that balances the overall casualness of the outfit. Fold an old bandana into a pocket square for your denim blazer for a splash of color that is reminiscent of the countryside.

 

Cool & Casual

If khakis are stuffy dad-wear appropriate for the fluorescent lights of the office, this outfit is the antidote. Channel your inner cool kid with a color block tee shirt and flat brim hat. Then show the world you’re actually a grown ass man by pairing the outfit with The Newman Chukka Boot in Café Suede and the Paul Evans Italian leather backpack in Cognac. Upscale accessories add polish and sophistication to even the most casual outfits. Keep the cool color scheme going by finishing with a neutral, olive utility jacket that is perfect for spring transition season.

 

 

Hey There, Sport

The most surprising way to style basic khakis is to interject street style elements at every chance. Start it with a white long sleeved Henley tee shirt, a basic every guy should have in his closet. Layer over the tee with a sporty nylon breaker—this Stussy Baseball Shirt gets the look without declaring any apparent allegiance to any team. Plus, the royal blue matches perfectly with the blue Paul Evans Legend High-Top Sneakers. Top it off with a neutral beanie and some Ray Ban Clubmasters, and don’t be surprised if some eager-eyed undergrad stops you to pose for a photo for their blog.