Khaki: the new black

Top: £19.99, H&M. Bag: H&M (sold out). Trousers: £68, Madewell (but you can buy similar in Whistles) Sandals: £16, Asos. Photograph: Christoper O’Donnell

It’s a funny thing about khaki, it’s quite a wintery colour, yet I only seem to wear it in summer. I associate it with khaki chinos. There’s something about spring and the start of a tan (fake, in my case) that compliments your wardrobe. It lifts your outfit far more than black, and goes so well with creams and golds. And the super wide tailored leg? This is my new favourite trouser…

I bought these Madewell chinos in LA and I thought they’d be a great alternative to jeans for those days when I need to be well dressed but relaxed. The more structured style feels more modern than a classic chino, and it turns out, this cropped wide leg trouser is actually ideal for heels too – it shoes off just the right amount of skin for a sexy heel, or (if you’re me) a lace-up flat.

Now, you can buy from Madewell online from the UK but sadly you have to pay customs – but if you were going for them they’re pretty true to size (I’m wearing a size 27), but I did see a fab frayed pair from Urban Outfitters when I was instore last week (I got the denim version) –  I’ve also linked to a few more local items below…

And I can’t finish without mentioning the top or shoes, can I? Total High Street heroes: the top was an impulse buy from H&M and I love it, hoping it will be a good holiday top with denim shorts. And the espadrilles were my go-to in LA – really comfortable and worked with pretty much everything. The bag was also a H&M gem but sold out a while back, like all the best finds!

3 of the best…

1. ‘Raynor’ chinos: £98, J Crew (they have loads of wide leg cropped trouser styles, definitely worth a look)

2. Boyfriend chinos: £29.70, Banana Republic (these were actually on my list until I bought the Madewell ones)


3. Camel denim culottes: £20, Topshop