How can you style your chinos for almost all occasions from work to play at any age? Chinos are a summer favorite because they look dressier than jeans. This post addresses how to wear them from spring to fall from the weekend to the office when HR permits business casual style. Read to get inspired by the versality of stylish outfit possibilities with these trousers.
- What Are Chinos?
- What Looks Good with Chinos?
- Which Shoes to Wear with Chinos?
- How to Style Chinos As a Casual Summer Staple
- What to Wear with Chinos in Fall
- Chinos Outfit Ideas as Casual Streetwear
- Which Tops to Wear with Chino Pants?
- Chinos Outfit Ideas for the Office
- How to Style Chinos in a Nutshell
Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post.
What Are Chinos?
The term chinos refers to trousers made from chino cloth. Pants of this fabric dyed khaki (light brown) are called khakis. However, in both cases, the twill fabric consists originally of 100% cotton. Today also some (cheap) cotton-synthetic blended chinos exist. The origin of this garment are the trousers of the French, British and American military uniforms in the mid-19th century. After the Spanish-American war, war veterans came back from the Philippines with these pants and made them popular in the US. Today, they are a favorite in business casual style as summer trousers to meet the dress code for female engineers.
What Looks Good with Chinos?
Chinos are very versatile and look neat. Thus, a button-down shirt is a great choice. Furthermore, they go with crew-neck sweaters and T-shirts, especially graphic Tees as well as short- and long sleeve polo shirts. A casual blazer, sports coat or knit-cardigan work as well. Depending on the trousers’ color wearing an utility jacket with these cotton pants is a good match.
In other words, you can dress chinos up and down easily.
Which Shoes to Wear with Chinos?
The answer to this question depends on what you wear with your chinos. When paired with a button-down shirt and sport jacket loafers or formal dress shoes are best. In case of casual styling – graphic Tee, T-shirt – wear your chinos with driving shoes or canvas sneakers for a weekend look. When you go for a feminine preppy outfit, pointy-toe pumps are best. Going for an edgy look? Then try gladiators with a high heel.
How to Style Chinos As a Casual Summer Staple
The following chinos outfit idea presents a summer going out with the friends look. The leather shell gives these classical engineer pants an edgy vibe. The colorful gladiator sandals and scarf add pops of colors to create a non-boring neutrals outfit.
The next look is a summer classic with a Hawaiian shirt.
What to Wear with Chinos in Fall?
Combine your pair with a knitted tank and an utility jacket in fall. In the example below, the turquoise fall sandals and tan satchel pick up the turquoise and tan of the floral pattern of the top. A simple DIY clasp in the back adds shape.
Chinos Outfit Ideas as Casual Streetwear
The next photo shows a denim shirt with rolled-up sleeves with a vest and tank-top underneath. This outfit allows to take off the shirt, knot it around the hips, and put the vest over the T-shirt when it gets too warm. In the evening, the leather vest and rolling down the sleeves hinder loss of body heat.
The following look pairs a cashmere sweater and denim jacket with the summer pants for a street style chic fall outfit. This look is also an alternative of typical Casual Friday outfits, or a great way how to dress as a female engineer in a startup engineering firm.
Which Tops to Wear with Chino Pants?
The next business casual outfit pairs the pants with a fake twinset for an early autumn look or to stay comfortable in an über-air-conditioned office in summer. Outside just knot the cardigan around your waist.
Chino Outfit Ideas for the Office
Last, but not least an outfit idea with blazer. I like to wear this look when I dress for a science conference.
How to Style Chinos in a Nutshell
This garment acts like a basic. You can wear it from late spring to early fall and style it for all kind of dressing situations that ask for a version of casual style. As a result, these pants work for a variety of personal styles. Minimalism, feminine preppy, American Classic, business casual, posh casual, street style chic and urban style.
Don’t forget to add a bag that’s appropriate for where you go. Accessorize with a belt for a finishing touch again keeping in mind the occasion.
Photos of me: G. Kramm
© 2013-2023 Nicole Mölders | All rights reserved
I have not gotten a pair of chinos yet, but I love those blues layered on top and that statement necklace!
Carrie
I don’t think I’ve worn chinos since those Gap khakis commercials with all the dancing (remember those?!), but you’ve inspired me to consider trying them again!
Cheryl Shops
Such great tips for styling chinos, Nicole. Honestly, you look amazing in everything! I love the outfit with the blue cardigan–beautiful. It’s fun to learn the background for these styles and fabrics–I’m always interesting in learning about them!
xx Darlene
What a lovely shade of blue on you Nicole! Gorgeous! I don’t own chinos but I do love the heels you wear with them too.
Enjoy your week!
jess xxx
I need to expand my horizons with the cuts of my pants!
Chez Mireille Travel Mom
You certainly look amazing in chinos!
Nicole, I really love the wide legged chinos paired with heels. It is such a great combination! All of these outfits look great. I haven’t worn chinos in years, but maybe I will pull out a pair this week now! Thanks for the inspiration and the link up.
Shelbee