Men’s fashion has been evolving for the past couple of years – big time! When we look at the Dior Men’s Show we’re guaranteed to become overwhelmed with shapes, color combinations, patterns, and textures. We’re over here trying to figure out what color shoes to wear with khaki pants while Conan Gray, Troye Sivan, and Timothée Chalamet are rocking platform pumps.
Women’s fashion tends to gravitate toward clean cuts and simple silhouettes. Men’s fashion, on the other hand, took a completely different turn which might not be for everyone. That’s not to say that khaki pants aren’t fashionable at the moment.
Quite on the contrary, the Dior Men’s Show opened with an all-khaki look that demanded attention. From the ever-popular khaki pants to accessories consisting of matching boots, a hat, and a backpack, the whole ensemble was wow-worthy.
We’re here to argue that khaki pants are far from the questionable reputation they earned over time. Who would’ve thought that the unassuming, underwhelming, and unattractive khaki pants would come back to make our lives much, much easier?
We would go as far as to argue that the sudden resurgence makes sense. Khaki pants are pretty much a blank canvas for your outfit masterpiece. Whether you wear them with a graphic tee or a structured button-down, you’re guaranteed to turn some heads.
But, what color shoes are you supposed to wear with khaki pants? What does khaki even look like, considering how many shades of cream, tan, and brown there are? Worry not, we’re bringing you everything you need to look your best while wearing khaki pants!
What does khaki look like?
We’re pretty sure one of the most common reasons why most men (or even women) don’t know how to style khaki pants has to be because they don’t know what khaki looks like.
And, they’re not the ones to blame because khaki pants seem to have become synonymous with chino pants over time (regardless of the color, too).
Therefore, when you try to style your khaki pants and scour the world wide web for advice, you might not even be looking at the right color palette. Before anything, the color khaki looks like a combination of a light shade of tan with a slight yellowish tinge.
And, the word “khaki” comes from the Hindustani language, translates to “earth-colored”, and refers to a sandy beige. Now, these facts are a telltale sign we’re talking about a shade that’s creamy, nude, and easy to style.
Nowadays, when you’re looking at different stores online, you might stumble upon khaki pants that look brown, orange, or even green.
Hence, when you’re wondering what color shoes to wear with khaki pants, make sure you’re actually wondering about khaki pants. Other than that, check out some of the stylish suggestions we prepared for you.
What color shoes to wear with khaki pants?
Maybe you can go with the signature Dior monochromatic moment and combine your khaki pants with a matching sweater and leather boots that tie the whole thing together.
Perhaps you can opt for the J Balvin at the Dior Men’s Show chaotic energy moment and combine your khakis with an embroidered graphic tee (a short-sleeved sweater, basically), cream-colored chunky sneakers, sporty shades, and a tan crossbody Saddle bag.
Whichever style works for you better, you can always count on warm, earth-toned shades to complete the look. Throw a glance at a couple of shoe options guaranteed to make your outfits pop!
1. Burgundy Oxford shoes
Burgundy might not be the number one shade that comes to mind when you’re wondering about what color shoes to wear with khaki pants. Bear with us though, because that’s the one that’s guaranteed to make you look more polished and put-together. When you wear that shade on none other than Oxford shoes, you’re bound to look like a million dollars.
Burgundy Oxford shoes are great to wear with khaki pants to work meetings, events, and other occasions that require you to look your best. Mezlan Pamplona Wholecut Oxford shoes or Allen Edmonds Siena Brogue Oxford shoes would work wonders with a structured button-down and a cashmere sweater.
2. Chocolate brown sandals or slides
Khaki pants are a summer wardrobe staple because they can be dressed up with a linen button-down or dressed down with a simple white tee.
And, when you don’t have the time (or the energy) to think your outfits through, you might be tempted to throw on your Birkenstocks and sunglasses and call it a day.
Turns out that’s the best “a stranger lost in Italy” outfit you can go for. Our favorite shoes available on the market at the moment are Birkenstock Arizona Genuine Shearling Slide Sandals and Birkenstock Arizona Soft Slide Sandals, but you can go whichever route works for you.
Zara always offers affordable alternatives, or you might even want to wait on a Black Friday Sale and get them for cheap.
3. Coffee-colored loafers
Oh, you can’t go wrong with loafers! We can’t even fathom the thought of fall fashion without the world’s favorite chunky shoe, whether you’re a man or a woman. We would go as far as to argue that coffee-colored loafers are the only shoes you need when you’re building your capsule wardrobe.
Therefore, when you’re wondering about what color shoes to wear with khaki pants, always go for coffee-colored loafers. Other earth-toned shades work wonderfully, too. But, the specific shade of coffee we’re talking about can make or break the vibe you’re going for.
Everyone knows that cream, tan, and nude make you look *expensive*. Sperry ‘Authentic Original’ Boat Shoes are great for laid-back occasions, but you should go with Canali Penny Loafers for events.
4. Seaweed green boots
“Green?!” Truth be told, green gets a bad reputation for no reason. Those deeper shades of green we’re talking about couldn’t be more holiday-worthy or easy to style.
To be completely honest, we seem to think of these shades of green on Christmas or when we see the Coca-Cola Christmas commercials.
But, seaweed green Chelsea boots would work great with khaki pants, a chunky cardigan, and a structured coat for work, brunch with the boys, or a weekend getaway with your significant other.
Shoe The Bear Dev Chelsea Boots are a classic you shouldn’t live without but opt for Hunter Commando Waterproof Chelsea Boots for a cooler vibe.
5. White sneakers
Of course, we can’t make a shoe statement without timeless, effortless white sneakers. White sneakers are the white tees of footwear – they’re easy to style, they’re simple to dress up or dress down, and they go with everything. What’s even better, you probably already own them.
First off, you can wear white sneakers and khaki pants with a simple tee and something leather on top. Or, you can wear a button-down and a blazer.
But, when you’re wondering what color shoes to wear with khaki pants, white’s not the answer. White sneakers work great, but white boots, chunky loafers, or pretty much anything other than sneakers wouldn’t work. Who would’ve thought sneakers were that exclusive?!
What color shoes not to wear with khaki pants?
Here’s the thing, there are people out there who can make anything work. They combine different patterns, textures, and styles, and turn heads wherever they go because of how absolutely amazing they look.
But, on the off chance that you’re not one of those people, you might want to shy away from wearing khaki pants with shoes of these colors.
1. Bright colors
Timothée Chalamet can rock them on the red carpet. Conan Gray can work them with platform pumps and flowy, floral capes. But, bright colors aren’t for everyone (or for every event).
And, when you’re spending your Sunday nights Google searching what color shoes to wear with khaki pants, chances are you’re not doing that because you know how to style bright colors with khaki.
Opt for neutrals, nudes, and earth tones whenever you’re stuck on what to wear, and you’re guaranteed to get some compliments. Khaki pants might be easy to style, but they’re not that easy when you’re trying to draw attention away from them with screaming pinks and blinding blues.
2. Black
Even dark brown would look better than the neverending darkness that stems from the abyss of the one and only – black. Wednesday Addams might not award us with her nod of agreement, but we’ve decided to stand our ground, nonetheless.
Khaki pants don’t look right when combined with black shoes.
Black shoes can appear bottom-heavy when you don’t balance them out with black accessories or something black on top. Black can create a contrast that takes away from the simplicity of khaki pants which beats the purpose of wearing them.
Therefore, switch the black for dark brown, deep purple, or even burgundy for a better balance of shades.
3. Khaki
“Wait, what?!” Sure, Dior made you think you could get away with wearing the same shade from head to toe, and look like you know what you’re doing. But, that’s not necessarily what monochromatic outfits should look like outside of the runway.
Monochromatic outfits look best when you combine different shades and opacities of the same color. So, you would look your best when you combine khaki pants with chocolate brown shoes, a coffee cashmere sweater, and other earth-toned accessories bringing the ensemble together.
Read more: Pull Them Off: How To Wear Cowboy Boots With Khaki Pants
