There’s really no denying it—khaki pants are essential. The classic style has been the go-to uniform of professionals for decades. And they've been on the mind more as summer begins to wind down. Easy to dress up, solidly neutral and incredibly versatile, it just makes sense to invest in a few pairs. However, beige bottoms are no longer just tethered to the office—especially as the office has transitioned to mean a bedroom or cafe just as much as a cubicle. In the past, “khakis” commonly manifested in the form of twill chinos, but the style has slowly been branching out. Taking cues from recent formal dressing and workwear trends alike, the pants have adopted more contemporary fabrics, cuts and hues to adapt to the new rules of dressing.

Khakis and an oxford button-down will always be a solid look, but there are so many more ways to play around with the style. The best modern khakis have something that sets them apart from the otherwise uninspired crowd: A relaxed cut, or maybe some well-placed pleatage. Don't be afraid to switch it up, either. The beauty of the design is its ability to adapt to its surroundings. Sportier or relaxed takes could require a casual combination of sneakers and a tee, but an out-there dress shirt or cool blazer looks just as good with the right pair. Regardless of your desired dressing outcome, comfort should always be front of mind. Browse our selections for the best updated khakis below.