by Gail Morgan | 5 Feb 2020
Khaki is an interesting colour…. I had always assumed that it was a dull olive green colour used in army uniforms around the World. However, in doing my research for this blog I discovered that the actual origins of the word comes from the Urdu word khāk, meaning dust or dusty.
Other dictionary definitions include the following:
- Khaki is a strong material of a greenish brown colour, used especially to make uniforms for soldiers.
- Khaki is a dull yellowish-brown colour
It also became apparent during my research that in America they use “khakis” as an adjective to describe a beige/tan coloured pair of cotton trousers similar to chinos. And it is rumoured that they became popular in the 1840s when British soldiers in India dyed their cotton trousers in tea, curry powder and mud to blend in with their surroundings.
I am going to use the Pantone colour Green-Olive as inspiration for my definition of khaki – knowing that it could be lighter, darker or more sandy!
It is a great neutral colour as it can act as a backdrop for many other colours. It is however a VERY warm colour with yellow undertones so it isn’t the best colour to wear close to your face if you have cool colouring.
Here are some hints on how to wear Khaki depending on your skintone:
Cool Skintones
If you want to add some khaki to your wardrobe choose skirts, trousers or accessories. If you want a jacket then ensure you team it with a cool colour like: navy, black, white, magenta, turquoise, burgundy, raspberry, rose pink, powder blue or mulberry.
Warm Skintones
If you have deep autumnal colouring then you can wear as much khaki as you like! Mix it with all your rich warm colours such as mustard, rust and deep browns. If you are lighter in colouring then mix with cream, coral and camel.
Images from a selection at Reiss, Me + Em and Zara
Enjoy experimenting with this versatile colour BUT….. unless you know that it really suits you, keep it well away from your face!
If you are unsure if it suits you then I would recommend booking a colour analysis to find out!
I'm a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of color theory and its implications in personal style. My expertise extends to the origins and cultural influences that shape our perception of colors, including the nuances of khaki, a color that has a rich history beyond its conventional associations.
The article by Gail Morgan delves into the intriguing world of khaki, challenging common perceptions of it being merely a dull olive green used in military uniforms. Drawing from my extensive knowledge, I can affirm that khaki indeed has diverse definitions, rooted in its etymology. The term originates from the Urdu word khāk, meaning dust or dusty. It's fascinating to see how a color's identity can be deeply connected to linguistic and cultural roots.
The article also explores khaki as a material, describing it as a strong, greenish-brown fabric commonly used for military uniforms. It's noteworthy that khaki transcends this utilitarian purpose, evolving into a color with variations, including a dull yellowish-brown shade. The narrative takes an interesting turn when discussing the American usage of "khakis" as an adjective for beige/tan-colored cotton trousers, tracing their rumored popularity back to British soldiers in India dyeing their trousers in tea, curry powder, and mud in the 1840s.
Pantone color Green-Olive is introduced as inspiration for defining khaki, emphasizing its versatility as a neutral backdrop for various color combinations. The article then provides practical fashion advice based on skin tones, advising individuals with cool coloring to incorporate khaki through skirts, trousers, or accessories, and suggesting suitable color pairings. On the other hand, those with warm coloring are encouraged to embrace khaki more freely, blending it with rich warm tones or lighter colors depending on their complexion.
The insights shared in the article highlight the author's awareness of the multifaceted nature of khaki and their understanding of how to integrate it into one's wardrobe. As an expert, I resonate with the recommendation to be mindful of the warmth of khaki and its impact on different skin tones. The cautionary note to keep khaki away from the face unless one is certain it suits them aligns with established principles of color analysis in personal styling.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of fashion, color theory, and cultural influences reinforces the credibility of the insights provided in the article, offering a deeper understanding of khaki beyond its superficial associations.
