What Can’t a Pair of Brown Chinos Do?

Brown chinos are basic in the best way. They are an anchor in your closet that can take on any top. They are the breathable pants you can wear on the hottest days, and the pair you can still turn to when summer has long faded away. So don’t ask how you can wear your brown chinos—instead ask, how can’t you?

Think your standard khakis can handle anything? Well, even these ultra-versatile pants have their limitations. Check out the few things your chinos just can’t do.  

  • Wearing your chinos with a blazer is this trouser’s bread and butter, but don’t pair them with a suit jacket that will clash with the casual style of your pants.
  • Brown chinos can stand up to most shoes. Loafers, oxfords, boots–even a sophisticated sandal when your pants are properly cuffed. But skip the colorful sneakers and statement pumps, their loud style is too noisy for these laidback pants.
  • It is ironic to think that the two most versatile colors, black and brown, are best to be avoided, but it’s true. Black is too severe for a down-to-earth brown, so don’t wear your brown chinos with black shoes, sweaters, jackets or accessories.
  • Still getting over the shock that your go-to black coat clashes with your favorite khaki pants? Well, not to compound your newly founded coat conundrum but your timeless trench is a no-go as well. An all-over tan outfit looks odd, so opt for a navy pea coat or an army green duffle jacket instead.  
  • Weekend ready? Check. Office-appropriate? Also, check. Formal function? No. Although these pants can be business or casual, they can’t quite reach the level of refinement that is required of a formal function.

Sure, there are a couple of ways your chinos can’t be worn, but they are still the most versatile pants in your wardrobe. Besides–true fashion mavens will see this as a challenge. We look forward to seeing how they break the rules and up the ante.

Even these classic closet-chameleons have their limitations.

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