KHAKI’S OF CARMEL:
Winter is Almost Here…

 … and at Khaki’s, we’re prepared. With the cool, crisp air setting in, everybody is beginning to bundle up and prepare for the colder months ahead. Tweeds begin replacing linens, flannels replace tropical weight wools, and that long forgotten overcoat in the back of the closet can once again be brought to the forefront. It’s the time of year to enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons, and get your wardrobe ready for the fall!

With the cold air cascading in, layering becomes not only fun, but practical as well. Instead of shedding layers while trying to escape the heat, many people are beginning to add more individual pieces onto each outfit. This means additional warmth, but also added textures, colors, and patterns. It’s the time of year where one can wear a merino wool sweater underneath a flannel herringbone jacket, throw a plaid cashmere scarf on top and add a pair of leather gloves while looking positively dashing. The possibilities of different outfit combinations are vastly increased from the warmer months simply because of the ability to layer.

The overall color palate is also beginning to change as we make our way later into the year, from the cool blues and whites to earthier tones. Browns, grays and blacks are most prevalent, but any color can be used for the fall if it’s the right shade. For instance a bright orange may evoke feelings of a light-hearted spring day, however a burnt, rustic orange on a cashmere V-neck practically oozes fall. Don’t be afraid to try some different color combinations than are usual, such as a tan tweed jacket over a sage green quarter-zip sweater, with just a hint of a chocolate brown check shirt showing underneath. If you stick to the richer, deeper shades of most colors, they should serve you well in putting together a new fall outfit. Also remember what many forget; brown is a neutral, easy to use color!

One of the richest additions to an outfit can be the way different textures play with each other, and the utilization of these textures throughout your wardrobe. Some of the new wool and cashmere ties that we’ve been getting in can be perfectly paired with any fall outfit. Not only do they provide a warmer, cozier layer for the wearer, but the depth they add to any ensemble is simply astounding. Mixing these different textures really is when the fun beings and the richness comes out to play. Things like cable-knits, chunky cashmere herringbones, and Donegal tweeds don’t compete with each other, but rather serve to enhance the luxurious depth of an outfit.

 Whether you plan to bundle up by the fire for a long winter weekend, or just need that little extra warmth and added texture for work, right now we have a full range of both fall and winter styles. With the new hand-picked selections from some of the world’s leading Italian, English, and American brand dynasties, the amount of choices available is simply breathtaking. Come and seek out one of our highly trained wardrobe specialists to help guide you through your sartorial journey. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

 James Lawrence Ockert
Proprietor, Khaki’s of Carmel