So with last week’s article on Jeans barely settling in, I was having a think about what else could be covered for our lovely lower torso. I love jeans, don’t get me wrong. But what we’re aiming for here is a versatile wardrobe that will look great in any occasion and besides it’s nice to have a bit of variety from the standard jeans and t-shirt brigade. I myself have already started to make a move away from jeans and favouring chinos and trousers for my days not spent in a suit.
As I just said, the main reason to purchase them is to add some different dimensions to your outfits but don’t underestimate the fact that they are a lot more comfortable than jeans. Once you’ve finally worn jeans in, you don’t want anything else hugging your legs but for those first few months they can be a bit of a pain. Not with chinos/trousers! Comfy from the word go because they are made of lighter material, mostly cotton based and, especially in the summer months, are a far more practical and suitable option than jeans.
The fact that they are extremely stylish and versatile doesn’t hurt either.
Last year one of the biggest trends that crept up on us during the Spring/Summer season were slim trousers/chinos rolled slightly and paired with a great pair of casual loafers or deck shoes. The whole nautical theme was massive in men’s fashion but a lot of the fashion elite picked up on this sharper new look and really rocked it out by either throwing the socks out or using a really bold pair to add a splash of colour and flair to the bottom half.
In essence the chino’s and relaxed trousers are very comfy but due to the more formal tailoring and cut, it means they just give your casual outfits an edge, whatever you wear on top. This look is only going to get even bigger in spring/summer 2010 so I would invest now before everyone else.
Personally I think every guy should grab himself a pair of the classic camel/beige coloured chinos. They go with pretty much everything; from a simple Chet Baker-inspired white V-neck Tee to a blue shirt and grey v-neck jumper, even with just a grey tee and a black hoody you can’t go wrong.
The next step would be trying a navy or light to mid grey pair. These colours tend to go with nearly everything so again we have the versatility and when you find a great slim fitting pair, you’ll be on the right track. A black pair normally looks quite formal as they are essentially the same as trousers, but they make an amazing alternative to black jeans that will go great with your bold plaid shirts and graphic t-shirts.
For a real idea of what chinos and trouser can do check out the lookbooks below and really start experimenting to see what works for you and how you like to wear them. But what I will say is that nothing can beat the simple paired down look of some camel coloured chinos with a crisp well fitting white Oxford shirt and brown loafers for a weekend outfit.
Stick to our rules on fit, buy versatile options that will go with what else is in your wardrobe and you will start seeing these as serious contenders to your favourite pair of jeans in no time.
Coloured Chinos Lookbook
Casual Chinos Lookbook
Smart-Casual Chinos Lookbook
