Chinos are cool again. Stylists explain how newer versions avoid office vibes

If you think chinos are reserved for office dress codes, business-casual Fridays and country club dwellers who really loved a tucked-in polo, it’s time to think again. The once-preppy pants are having a major fashion moment, and they’re looking a lot cooler than you might remember. With roomier silhouettes, fresh cuts and colors, and plenty of styling potential, this season’s chinos are — dare we say it — actually cool.

So what exactly makes a pair of chinos worth wearing beyond the office? And how do you style them without looking like you’re headed to a meeting? We tapped a team of stylists to get the scoop on the cuts, details and outfit combos that give these classics a modern makeover. 

What makes today’s chinos different from office pants?

Forget the slim, tapered cuts and buttoned-up styling of yesteryear. Today’s chinos are much more laid-back and fashion-forward. “Now the fits are more relaxed, the legs are wider and people are styling them in a much more interesting way,” says stylist Yana Echko. “I like seeing them return to something more casual. Why not wear chinos the same way you’d wear your favorite jeans?”

This season’s styles are versatile enough to wear for brunch or other casual outings, not just the office. “Today’s versions feel more relaxed … with softer tailoring, modern proportions and an effortless approach to styling,” adds personal stylist and wardrobe consultant Laura Gregory. “There’s also more flexibility to play around with dressing up or down — they’re no longer siloed into dresswear.”

Which cuts and silhouettes make them feel more modern?

If your current chinos are slim-fit and ankle-grazing, it might be time for an upgrade. The coolest cuts give you more room to move. “Looser chinos that have higher volume, such as wide-leg or straight, feel more modern,” says personal stylist Samantha Dawn. “In terms of lengths, you can choose between full length or cropped. I would recommend full length to everyone as it helps elongate the legs.”

Not ready to go full-on wide-leg? Even a subtle change in length or shape can make a big difference. “I always look at the proportions of the whole outfit,” adds Echko. “Full-length chinos that fall over your shoes look great, especially with a little volume through the leg. But I also love a cropped, wider pair with boots or flats. It really depends on the shoes and what you’re wearing on top.”

What fabrics, colors and details keep them from looking stuffy?

Basic beige isn’t your only option anymore! A fresh color is one of the easiest ways to make chinos feel less like office attire and more like a fashion find. Gregory recommends “earthy shades like chocolate, olive and stone.” She adds: “Fabric drape is also important … it’s these details that make the style playful rather than stiff.”

Of course, there is a fine line between relaxed and sloppy. You want a fabric that moves with you but still feels thick enough. “I prefer chinos made from a more substantial cotton twill, something that holds its shape instead of looking thin or flimsy. Especially with wider legs, you want the fabric to have some structure,” says Echko. Pleats are another detail worth considering. “I also love pleats, but they have to fit properly. If they’re pulling open when you’re standing, the trousers probably aren’t fitting the way they should,” she adds.

How can you style chinos without making the outfit feel too corporate?

The easiest way to make chinos not look like work pants: Don’t style them like work pants! “Pair chinos with casual items … such as a white cotton T-shirt with a sweater wrapped around your waist and sneakers.” Dawn says. “Instead of heels, do sneakers or ballet flats.” Gregory also recommends ditching overly coordinated combos in favor of contrasting pieces. “Women can pair relaxed chinos with a fitted knit, oversized leather jacket and ballet flats. For men, try a textured sweater, suede jacket and minimalist sneakers.”

And when you’re really stuck, Echko says, “Wear them like jeans! For fall, I would definitely play with layers and textures. I’d wear relaxed chinos with a vintage-inspired graphic T-shirt, a suede or leather overshirt and a belt. Or a short-sleeve sweater with a cardigan over it. I love the idea of kitten heels or interesting flats with wider chinos, but sneakers and boots work just as well.

“And this goes for both men and women. I’d also play with proportions. A shorter jacket with wider trousers, for example, can look really good. You don’t need every piece to look perfectly coordinated. I think that’s when chinos start looking too much like office wear. Mix things up a little and make the outfit your own.”

Ready to find some modern chinos? Check out some of our favorite options below. 

Best women’s chinos

Amazon

Barrel-leg jeans have been trending for a while, and now the silhouette is moving into chino territory. This chic pair is a great alternative for days when jeans feel casual, but dress pants seem like overkill. The modern silhouette and oversized pockets keep them firmly in cool, not corporate, territory. 

Gap

The rich navy hue of these preppy pants adds a fresh spin, making them a great alternative to lighter chinos. And the fit options are even better: 00-20 in petite, regular and tall inseams.

J.Crew

Borrowing from the boys never looked so good! These boyfriend-style chinos have a relaxed, slouchy fit for a perfectly undone look. The classic stone shade makes them especially versatile, but they also come in green, black and camel. They’re made from 100% cotton that’s been pre-treated for softness, so they feel like a well-loved favorite from day one. 

Best men’s chinos

Amazon

Consider these your new go-to bottoms when your jeans need a break. The gunmetal gray makes them feel fresh, while the flat-front, straight-leg silhouette keeps them versatile enough to wear with everything from crisp button-downs to casual sweaters and sneakers.

Amazon

Comfortable and stylish? That’s a combination we can get behind. These chinos are made for guys who don’t want to feel like their pants are holding them back. They have thoughtful details like mesh pockets, a flexible waistband and the brand’s signature Active Comfort fabric that makes them stretchy enough to tackle a busy day with no issues. 

Amazon

Versatile and stylishly reliable, these relaxed chinos are essentially your blue-chip basics. They’re the kind of pants that just work no matter what, from early-morning commutes to laid-back weekends. Grab them in classic khaki or six other hues.

Banana Republic Factory

These chinos are polished but not stuffy, so they can go from a day in the office to dinner plans without missing a beat. Soft but structured, they come in five silhouettes, including relaxed, skinny, slim and slim straight. But the athletic fit shown here is definitely our favorite.