How to Style Chinos

Comfortable, durable and easy to wear, chinos are a skateboard staple. Yet they’re far more than that. Enjoying some well-earned weekend downtime, heading off on an evening out, or need something business-casual? Chinos are a great choice.

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With their hard-wearing fabric and minimalist styling, chinos are one of the most versatile trousers around. Here are some ideas for getting the best out of them:

Skateboarding

Many of the pros think a pair of comfy chinos comes in tops when it comes to hitting the board. Pair with your favourite Vans skate shoes, a t-shirt and a hoodie and enjoy.

Easy weekend hangouts

Enjoying some hard-earned chill-out time? Pair light beige chinos with a plain white t-shirt and a denim or leather jacket for a classic, go-anywhere style. Bring everything together with your favourite Vans sneakers, a cap and a casual watch.

Low-key work events

Casual work event? Chinos can be the perfect choice. Elevate yours with a crisp, button-down shirt in white, light blue or another pastel tone. Then throw on a navy blazer, leather loafers and a matching belt.

Evenings out

Transform chinos for a night out by choosing a darker shade like charcoal or navy. Pair with a fitted polo shirt and a tweed jacket for a classic look, or opt for a casual button-down shirt and leather jacket. Black dress shoes and a slim leather belt will bring everything together.

Summer chillouts

For a laid-back, summery vibe, don’t forget chino shorts or full-length lightweight chinos. Combine these with a light, airy linen shirt, and slip-on shoes or loafers. It’s the perfect look for low-key outdoor events like barbecues, beach parties and many more.

Winter layering

In cooler weather, layer a sweater over a collared shirt, then tuck into navy or charcoal chinos. Adding in a camel-coloured wool coat, dark brown chukka boots and a chunky knit scarf will keep you cosy and on-trend, even when the temperatures drop.

Women's styling options

Chinos are a versatile and easy-to-wear option for women, too. For a casual day out, pair slim-fit, ankle-length chinos with a floral blouse and ballet flats. Add a crossbody bag for practical yet fashionable vibes.

For a more formal setting, opt for straight-leg chinos in a neutral tone with a fitted blazer and heels. A statement necklace and a structured handbag will complete this office-ready look in no time at all.

Not sure what footwear works best with chinos? The good news is that there are dozens of choices to complete your look. Here are just a few ideas for shoes to wear with chinos at both casual and more formal events.

Casual sneakers: For a classic, casual look, chinos pair perfectly with sneakers like Vans. Opt for styles in white or black for maximum versatility. Or make a statement with a bright shade like red or blue.

Loafers: Loafers are a good choice for just about any smart-casual occasion. Leather or suede loafers in shades of brown or navy add a polished touch without being too formal. Perfect for pairing with chinos for occasions like business casual meetings or dinner dates.

Brogues: Brogues add a touch of sophistication and are ideal for events that need a dressier look. Choose classic colours like black or dark brown and wear with darker chinos, such as navy or charcoal.

Boat shoes: A great choice for the warmer months, boat shoes offer a preppy, nautical vibe when matched with chinos. They are particularly well-suited to lighter colours and fabrics and are ideal for summer events.

Chelsea boots: For cooler weather, Chelsea boots in leather or suede provide style and warmth. These boots look great with chinos in any colour, adding a rugged but refined edge.

Slip-ons: Chinos and slip-on shoes are a classic match. Grab a pair of slip-on Vans for a dose of easy-wearing style.

Espadrilles: For a laid-back, summery feel, espadrilles are a lightweight option that pairs well with chino shorts or lightweight chinos. Choose natural fibres and neutral colours for a beach-ready look.

Like any great trousers, fit is key when it comes to chinos. Here are some features to look out for in the perfect pair:

Waist: Chinos should sit comfortably around your natural waist, neither too tight nor too loose. You should be able to fit one or two fingers between the waistband and your skin.

Rise: The rise of the chinos should complement your body type. A mid-rise is universally flattering and offers a balanced look, suitable for tucking in shirts without looking too formal.

Legs: Chinos come in various cuts, from slim to straight or relaxed. Slim-fit chinos taper slightly towards the ankle, for a more modern, streamlined appearance. Meanwhile, straight-cut chinos offer a more traditional look. In general, chinos should follow the natural line of your legs without being too tight or excessively baggy.

Length: The hem of your chinos should hit at or slightly above the ankle. Traditionally, chinos should break or fold just slightly on the top of your shoes. For a more contemporary vibe, add a narrow cuff or roll that exposes the ankle.

Scouting for the perfect pair of chinos? At Vans, we’ve got all the loose, relaxed and slim-fit options you need in a variety of colours. Durable and cotton-rich, they’re a great choice for skateboarding, weekend hangouts and so much more.

Pair your chinos with a classic Vans t-shirt or button-down and sneakers for the ultimate low-key style. Or dress them up with boots and a blazer. The choice is yours.