How to Wear Men’s Chinos: The Ultimate Guide to Styling with Blazers & Knitwear

Men’s chinos are the staples of the modern man's wardrobe. Smarter than jeans but more casual than dress trousers, they slot effortlessly into everyday outfits, whether you’re heading to the office, a laid-back weekend date or night out on the town. Versatile and stylish chinos are the perfect go-to piece to keep in rotation. 

In this blog, we break down how to wear men’s chinos for Autumn/Winter. 

How to Style Chinos with a Blazer

Pairing chinos with a blazer is a timeless look that works for a multitude of occasions. A smart casual alternative to a full suit, this combo is sharp, relaxed and looks effortlessly put together. 

1. Choose Complementary Colours

  • Navy blazer + beige chinos — the classic.

  • Grey blazer + olive chinos — understated and sophisticated.

  • Brown blazer + navy chinos — warm, polished autumn vibes.

Avoid pairing a blazer and chinos that are too similar in colour, unless you’re aiming for the uber trendy colourblocking look. 

2. Nail the Fit

  • Chinos should skim the thighs and taper neatly.

  • The hem should skim the top of the shoes, creating a clean break

  • The blazer should be fitted but not restrictive, allowing room for layering.

3. Pick the Right Footwear

  • Oxford shoes or loafers for smart settings.

  • Clean white trainers for a laid-back modern twist.

  • Chukka or Chelsea boots for a sleek, elevated look.

4. Finish with the Right Shirt

  • Oxford button-downs keep the outfit preppy and classic.

  • Turtlenecks under a blazer create a sharp, minimal vibe.

  • Plain tees work for casual Fridays or weekend dinners.

A person wearing marcdarcy ENZO Sand Chinos, a dark green button-up shirt, and brown leather dress shoes stands with one hand in their pocket against a beige background. A man wearing glasses and a marcdarcy TED - Tan Tweed Check Blazer with a navy tie looks down as he adjusts his sleeve against a plain white background. Someone wearing marcdarcys ENZO Black Chinos, known for their comfortable stretch fit, pairs them with brown leather shoes featuring detailed stitching and a dark green shirt against a beige background.

How to Style Chinos with Knitwear

Knitwear and chinos are a quintessentially effortless look. Combining comfort and style, this combo is especially great for autumn/winter.

1. Try These Knitwear Options

  • Crew-neck sweaters for everyday versatility.

  • Turtlenecks for a refined, European feel.

  • Quarter-zips and half-zips for smart-casual layering.

  • Chunky knits in colder months for a rugged, relaxed look.

2. Layer Smartly

  • Layer a crisp shirt under a zip-up jumper for a smart casual meeting.

  • Pair a lightweight merino knit with a tailored overshirt for modern minimalism.

  • Add a wool coat on top for winter sophistication.

3. Play with Texture and Colour

Chinos tend to be smooth and matte in texture, so they naturally pair amazing with textured knitwear.

Try:

  • Camel knit + navy chinos

  • Charcoal knit + tan chinos

  • Burgundy knit + black chinos

A person wearing a grey knit sweater, marcdarcy ENZO - Grey Blue Chinos, and white sneakers stands against a beige background with one hand in their pocket. A man in a marcdarcy JENSON Marine Navy Check Blazer with a matching vest and trousers wears a white shirt and orange tie. Sporting glasses and a watch, the smart suit features a Prince of Wales check pattern as he stands against a plain white backdrop. Standing against a beige backdrop, they embody smart-casual style in a light gray knitted sweater and ENZO - Navy Chinos from marcdarcy, paired with white sneakers. The focus is on their lower body.

Top Tips for Wearing Chinos Well

1. Prioritise Fit Above All

  • Too baggy looks dated.

  • Too skinny restricts movement and narrows outfit options.

  • Aim for a clean, straight-tapered leg.

2. Hem Them to the Right Length

A no-break or slight break at the shoe keeps your profile sharp.

3. Choose Quality Fabric

Look for:

  • Mid-weight cotton twill

  • A touch of stretch

  • Good colour depth

These details improve comfort and longevity.

4. Rotate Colours Seasonally

  • Spring/Summer: sand, tan, sage, light grey

  • Autumn/Winter: navy, olive, charcoal, camel, burgundy

5. Keep Your Footwear Clean

Chinos highlight footwear—especially with cropped or tapered legs. A polished shoe or clean trainer elevates the whole outfit.

6. Experiment with Cuffs

A small roll or cuff works great with sneakers or boots. Avoid over-rolling, which can shorten your leg line.

Final Thoughts

Chinos are versatile, stylish, and always appropriate—making them one of the best investments you can make in your wardrobe. Whether you pair them with a sharp blazer or cosy knitwear, chinos help you strike that perfect balance between comfort and polish. With the right fit, colours, and styling touches, they can easily become your go-to trousers for every season.