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    1. Fashion
    2. Spring Fashion

    It Girls Are Replacing Their Blue Jeans With Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy-Approved Khaki Pants

    21 pairs from Nordstrom and Gap the '90s style icon would approve of.

    Brooke Knappenberger's avatar
    By Brooke Knappenberger
    Published 9 March 2026 In News

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    Carolyn bessette kennedy with black border and fashion week attendees wearing khaki pants on white background
    (Image credit: Shutterstock/Launchmetrics)
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    Nine times out of 10, you can find me in a pair of jeans. Recently, though, I've been getting a little bored with my go-to outfit formula. Maybe it's a bad case of shoppies, but I've been itching to try a fresh pants trend.

    It seems like I'm not the only one—It girls have been swapping their blue jeans for khaki-colored styles over the last few months. Perhaps it's the Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy effect (we're all watching Love Story, right?), who famously wore khaki pants throughout the '90s.

    Carolyn bessette-kennedy wearing black coat and khaki pants

    When Bessette-Kennedy wasn't in her favorite Levi's jeans, she often wore khakis.

    (Image credit: Shutterstock)

    While traditional khakis are typically made from cotton twill, 2026's version of the spring trend is less about the material and more about the distinct earth-tone color, adding more styling possibilities than ever before. You can go casual with baggy khaki denim, sneakers, and a simple T-shirt. On the flip side, pointed-toe kitten heels and a lightweight knit add polish, creating a spring-ready work outfit. And for an in-between look: khaki straight-leg jeans with high-vamp flats and a leather jacket.

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    With the styling wheels in my head turning, all that's left to do is to get a pair for myself. Ahead, I've found plenty of options of camel-hued denim and trousers at Nordstrom and Gap to add to your spring wishlist.

    Bayeas, Raw Hem High Waist Utility Wide Leg Jeans

    Bayeas
    Raw Hem High Waist Utility Wide Leg Jeans
    $88
    SHOP NOW

    A raw hem means you have the perfect opportunity to show off a cool pair of sneakers.

    Patch Pocket Flare Jeans

    Avec Les Filles
    Patch Pocket Flare Jeans
    $138
    SHOP NOW

    These bootcut jeans combine two trends in one.

    High Waist Straight Leg Jeans

    Brooklyn Industries
    High Waist Straight Leg Jeans (Were $118)
    $83
    SHOP NOW

    It's rare to find a great pair of jeans for under $100.

    KanCan, Penny Low Slung Baggy Jeans

    KanCan
    Penny Low Slung Baggy Jeans
    $85
    SHOP NOW

    Go for a low rise if you want to look like a cool girl.

    Low Rise Balloon Jeans

    MANGO
    Low Rise Balloon Jeans
    $80
    SHOP NOW

    These only have a slight curve in case you're intimidated by barrel jeans.

    The Hang High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans

    FRAME
    The Hang High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans
    $288
    SHOP NOW

    A 100 percent cotton construction means these will only get better with wear.

    Welt Pocket Balloon Jeans

    MANGO
    Welt Pocket Balloon Jeans
    $90
    SHOP NOW

    Don't sleep on Mango for high-quality, affordable denim.

    Wit & Wisdom, Skyrise Patch Pocket Wide Leg Pants

    Wit & Wisdom
    Skyrise Patch Pocket Wide Leg Pants
    $88
    SHOP NOW

    Dress these pants up with strappy sandals come warm weather.

    Treasure & Bond, Patch Pocket Crop Wide Leg Pants

    Treasure & Bond
    Patch Pocket Crop Wide Leg Pants (Were $100)
    $60
    SHOP NOW

    These look exactly like a pair CBK wore.

    Pieced Barrel Leg Jeans

    Madewell
    Pieced Barrel Leg Jeans
    $148
    SHOP NOW

    I swear by Madewell's denim.

    Gap, Low Rise '90s Loose Micro Belt Jeans

    Gap
    Low Rise '90s Loose Micro Belt Jeans (Were $90)
    $44
    SHOP NOW

    The devil is in the details with these pants.

    Gap, Mid Rise Ultrasoft Easy Baggy Jeans

    Gap
    Mid Rise Ultrasoft Easy Baggy Jeans (Were $90)
    $44
    SHOP NOW

    These are so soft and comfortable, you can wear them on a plane.

    Gap, High Rise Barrel Jeans

    Gap
    High Rise Barrel Jeans (Were $80)
    $39
    SHOP NOW

    Barrel jeans aren't going anywhere for spring.

    Gap, High Rise Corduroy Barrel Pants (Were $90)

    Gap
    High Rise Corduroy Barrel Pants (Were $90)
    $75
    SHOP NOW

    A corduroy option adds a pop of texture to your look.

    Gap, High Rise Khaki Stripe Barrel Jeans

    Gap
    High Rise Khaki Stripe Barrel Jeans (Were $100)
    $49
    SHOP NOW

    Or go with subtle stripes if you're a fan of prints.

    Gap, Low Rise Twill Long & Lean Pants

    Gap
    Low Rise Twill Long & Lean Pants (Were $80)
    $60
    SHOP NOW

    These feel very It-girl coded.

    Gap, Low Rise Fitted Flare Khakis

    Gap
    Low Rise Fitted Flare Khakis (Were $80)
    $47
    SHOP NOW

    These pants are a whole lot cooler than the khakis you used to wear to school.

    Gap, Low Rise Relaxed Flare Khakis

    Gap
    Low Rise Relaxed Flare Khakis (Were $90)
    $65
    SHOP NOW

    These bridge the gap between white jeans and khakis.

    Gap, Low Rise '90s Loose Khakis (Were $90)

    Gap
    Low Rise '90s Loose Khakis (Were $90)
    $62
    SHOP NOW

    It's only a matter of time before Hailey Bieber steps out in these.

    Gap, High Rise Twill Straight Ankle Pants (Were $90)

    Gap
    High Rise Twill Straight Ankle Pants (Were $90)
    $44
    SHOP NOW

    Perfectly polished for special occasions.

    Gap, Mid Rise Twill Barrel Pants (Were $90)

    Gap
    Mid Rise Twill Barrel Pants (Were $90)
    $35
    SHOP NOW

    At $35, you can bet I have these pants in my cart.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Nordstrom Gap
    Brooke Knappenberger
    Brooke Knappenberger
    Social Links Navigation
    Former Associate Commerce Editor

    Brooke Knappenberger is the former Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specialized in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversaw holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick, our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.

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