The Style Files: Classic khaki has never been chicer

You would be forgiven for thinking that khaki is the new “have to have it” colour, for the ubiquitous military shade is set to be de riguer for the later part of the year. This military inspired onslaught is so powerful that it looks set to overwhelm, blame it on Balmain, for it is that venerable French house that is chiefly responsible for staging the season's khaki coup with military accents. There’s nothing chicer than khaki, seemed to be the message they sent down the runwayand one which was echoed by a host of other designers.

Over the last few years AW collections have always had a heavy leaning towards the khaki hues embellished with little uniform elements and military flourishes and for AW 14 this has reached a crescendo.  This captivating neutral works with most tones but is smartest when its worn with grey,navy or any hue from the desert colours.

The tone does well for both structured silhouettes and slightly slouchier ones. Its has an elegance that has captured designers attention and wears beautifully on most skin tones. Look to high street stores like Mango, which have some key Khaki pieces and trawl the Zara section of House of Fashion for some clever buys. Be inspired by fashion icons like Kim Kardashian and Olivia Palermo on how to wear the hue.

Khaki may have been borrowed from the Army, but it is far from uniform, this season there is every shade, from deepest olive to  sage green.  Add a feminine touch to take the too military edge off, or incorporate flashes of the colour with vibrant hues like Buddhi Batiks have with their saris. Think of khaki as the key element of your fall ( not that we have that season here in Sri Lanka ) wardrobe, and start getting your kit together!

By Minoli Ratnayake

Pictures courtesy The Daily Mail, Buddhi Batiks and Mango