Prediction: Khaki Will Be Bigger Than Florals This Spring

It seems Punxsutawney Phil was wrong. Spring is, by all accounts and measures, here. Even a week ago, the idea of packing up our snow boots and puffers seemed a faraway prospect. So we dawdled…but now it’s time to get our warm-weather wardrobe handled. The Spring 2017 runways presented us with a myriad of breezy outfit options, many of which contained khaki. Yup, dad’s Lands’ End staple, like his novelty hat, is fashion. It’s happening.

[ The Top 10 Most Wearable Trends From the Spring 2017 Runways ]

Blame designers’ obsession with all things military-inspired, but the Spring 2017 runways ran camel, olive and brown. Khaki trenches are the new It outerwear, per Christian Dior, Maison Margiela, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Prada and Vetements. For those who wish to look badass and feminine at the same damn time, J.W.Anderson offered up various khaki dresses — one bubble-skirted, another strappy, form-skimming and crisscrossed by black banding. Valentino presented a trench coat-cape hybrid. Kenzo went for a high-hem, bubble-sleeve look. Tibi posed a variety of options, from revamped Girl Scouts skirts to high-rise khaki trousers embellished with D-ring belts. Rag & Bone put forth its reliable, classic-fit chinos. Streetwear darling Y/Project got a bit more inventive, merging the center seam, track pant and khaki trends.

Tibi Spring 2017, Valentino Spring 2017, Y/Project Spring 2017; Images: Imaxtree

And if the khaki-crammed Spring 2017 runways aren’t enough to convince you that the versatile fabric is in, consider these street style shots from outside the New York and London Fall 2017 shows. London, home to the OG trench coat, is currently hosting the new wave of water-repellent toppers. Man Repeller and style maven Leandra Medine co-opted Valentino’s camel cape idea. Khaki got revised as camo and paired with leather leggings.

Khaki as civilian clothes; Images: Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images, Imaxtree, Christian Vierig/Getty Images

The whole idea of khaki is that it’s steady, relaxing, uncomplicated. Easily dressed up or down. In a world full of distractions, khaki makes springtime dressing smoother. Pair it with white, red, yellow or your perennial springtime florals. Add edge with a graphic add-on or oversized knotted belt. Wear it with skate sneakers for tomboy effect or pale pink satin heels to create an awesome color (and theme) contrast.

To help get you started on your spring wardrobe edit, we’ve culled a few of our favorite khaki items in the slideshow below.