While chinos are often linked to formal or business-casual attire, they can also be styled to create a youthful and put-together casual look. As much as I adore jeans for everyday wear, it’s refreshing to mix things up and try new combinations. With 365 days in a year, there’s no excuse not to experiment with different outfits and have fun doing so. In this post, I’ll be sharing my top tips on how to wear chinos in a casual yet stylish way.
Grey Long Sleeve Tee with Navy Chinos
For a versatile and timeless look, I recommend starting with a classic combination: a grey long-sleeved top paired with navy chinos and crisp white sneakers. This simple yet effective ensemble is perfect for any season. To effortlessly transition it from warm weather to cooler months, simply add a stylish black trench coat – its neutral color will complement the outfit without overpowering it.
Wide Striped Tee with Beige Chinos
While this seemingly straightforward ensemble actually showcases the power of harmonious color coordination in elevating one’s overall style. Take note how the white t-shirt’s subtle striped pattern seamlessly aligns with the beige chinos, creating a sense of visual balance. To take it to the next level, incorporate shoes that share the same hue, whether that be sandals or ankle boots, and you’ll have a look that’s nothing short of polished.
White Vest Top with Sheer Overlay
Wearing beige chinos has its perks, and two significant advantages stand out. Firstly, the understated color won’t distract from the upper half of your outfit, allowing your top piece to take center stage. Secondly, straight-leg beige chinos tend to be versatile and flatter a wide range of body types. In this particular ensemble, pairing the beige chinos with a white vest top featuring a sheer overlay and leather ankle boots creates a chic, laid-back look.
Don’t overlook the thoughtful touches that elevate the overall aesthetic – from the leather wristbands to the belt and rolled-up chinos that create a longer, leaner line.
White Tee and Low Waisted Chinos
This understated ensemble may appear straightforward, but it cleverly conceals its seductive appeal. By drawing attention to the top half with low-waisted chinos and heeled sandals, the wearer can confidently showcase something stunning and subtly alluring – like a semi-sheer white T-shirt. What makes this outfit truly compelling is that onlookers will be drawn to you without consciously registering why. Your subtlety and restraint create an air of mystique, making you infinitely more appealing.
Tan Chinos with Black Cropped Tee
When it comes to pairing a black top with pants or a skirt, the key is to strike a balance between the two. While white tops are often easy to combine with chinos, black tops require a bit more thought and attention to detail to avoid looking unbalanced. One way to achieve this balance is by opting for a cropped black t-shirt paired with tan chinos, as seen in this outfit. The rolled-up chinos add a relaxed touch, while the slip-on canvas sneakers bring a sporty vibe to the overall look.
For more inspiration on how to wear similar shoes, check out our blog post on how women can style their canvas shoes.
Horizontal Striped Tee & White Chinos
While some may argue that white jeans are the superior choice when it comes to casual outfits, I believe that both white jeans and white chinos have their own unique advantages. White jeans can add a touch of sophistication to a laid-back ensemble, but they’re not always the most comfortable option. On the other hand, white chinos offer a more relaxed fit, making them perfect for days when you want to prioritize ease over style.
To make the most of your white chinos, try pairing them with a long-sleeved navy and white horizontal striped tee – the contrasting colors create a chic and modern look. Complete the outfit with black and white canvas shoes for a stylishly effortless vibe.
Olive Green Chinos with White Sweater
Olive green is another favored shade for chinos, exuding a cozy aura that makes it simple to dress down. One effortless combination features pairing the olive green pants with a crisp white sweater and clean white sneakers. For added flair, swap in some rugged chukka boots.
Wear with Grey Sweater Over Plaid Shirt
For a slimming and lengthening effect, consider this clever casual ensemble that leverages layering tricks. Simply pair a plaid shirt with a grey sweater, then add cuffed chinos and flat fleece shoes for a balanced look. What I love about this outfit is the perfect harmony achieved through thoughtful layering. Give it a try – it’s not too challenging to master, just be mindful of the details and balance to get it right.
Wear with Long Sleeve White and Light Grey Striped Tee
When it comes to styling black chinos, one of the simplest yet effective ways is to pair them with a crisp white top. For added visual interest, consider a white and light grey striped tee instead. To further refine the look, adding a thin belt can help bring balance to the overall ensemble.
Cropped Chinos with Grey Knit Sweater
Loose-fit grey chinos have an unexpected benefit: they can give you a sporty vibe. The association may stem from their resemblance to joggers, but regardless of the reason, this combination works well. A light grey knit sweater paired with cuffed grey chinos creates a great casual outfit. To complete the look, add some white sneakers.
Purple Tee with Grey Chinos
While it may appear straightforward, the harmonious colour palette of this ensemble elevates it to my top pick among the options. The synergy between the rich purple of the T-shirt, the subtle grey of the chinos, and the crisp white of the sneakers creates a visual harmony that is undeniably appealing. Despite its simplicity, this outfit’s understated elegance makes it stand out from the rest.
Cropped Chinos with Denim Shirt
While some might think a denim shirt doesn’t belong in this blog post focused on everyday wear, I believe it teeters at the edge of casual and business casual. The key is to strike a balance between looking good for work and comfortable enough for a night out with friends. Pairing the denim shirt with cuffed chinos and black flats achieves just that – a versatile outfit suitable for both professional settings and casual gatherings.
Ultimately, it’s about presenting yourself in a way that makes you feel confident and put-together. I hope you find inspiration in the following list of casual chino outfit ideas, which are designed to be easily adaptable to your personal style. Take them for a spin and see what works best for you.
