Spring 2010 Trend: Khaki and Utilitarian

Part of the fun in writing this blog is being able to say, “What the heck were they thinking?!” That’s certainly true of one big Spring 2010 trend called a variety of names—khaki, utilitarian, fatigue, military, trekker, etc.

If people are struggling to name and define a trend, that’s a good sign that (1) it doesn’t have legs and (2) it’s unlikely to offer many professional wardrobe options. That’s certainly true of the khaki and utilitarian trend, but there are still a few ways of getting the vibe while looking polished and professional. The trick is to deconstruct the trend as it’s now appearing in fashion magazines into its different elements. You can then use one or two of those elements in your outfits.

So what are some of the key elements in the khaki and utilitarian trend?

Vibe: From blue collar to military to colonial “out-of-Africa”
Colors: Khaki, from pale to dark; tan; olive green; and muddy neutrals
Embellishment: Pleated patch pockets; trench belt; epaulettes; utilitarian metal buttons or sippers; leather trim

Clearly adapting all of the elements of this trend won’t work at the most senior levels of large companies. However, here are a few ways in which you might incorporate a single element or two and still have clothes that will last for more than one season.

1. A tan jacket. For example, Ralph Lauren Blue Label (in the Ralph Lauren stores and at Saks) has a lovely well-cut silk/linen tweed. To avoid looking too workman-like, consider pairing a tan jacket with a blouse or scarf in a beige/rose floral print (as Ralph Lauren is doing) or with a leopard print blouse.
2. A jacket with leather trim. For example, Saks has a Tahari pale tweed jacket with light tan leather lapels and trim. And Ralph Lauren Blue Label has a khaki linen twill jacket with leather shoulder pads which looks both classic and stylish and certainly far from drab.
3. A lightweight cropped trench coat. Frankly, I think this is one of the best styles of the season, even though it’s outer, not office, wear. A cropped trench is useful, it’s not overwhelming in the way that full length trench coats can be, and very spring-like. And of course a lot of the design elements are consistent with the khaki/utilitarian trend.
4. A belt or handbag. This is a very safe way to be on trend without looking too extreme. There is a wide array of belts and handbags in linen or canvas with brown leather trim. Most are very classic in appearance (such as a tote offered by Tumi) and very office appropriate, but still echo the khaki/utilitarian theme this spring.