Chinos go with almost anything: an Oxford shirt and loafers for work, a T-shirt and overshirt at the weekend, or a roll neck and Chelsea boots for the evening. Chinos sit perfectly between jeans and tailored trousers, which is why they suit so many situations. The trick is matching the top half and shoes to the colour of the chino.
Colour pairings that always work
If you are asking what colour shirt goes with navy or beige chinos, this table is the short answer. Aim for contrast: light tops with dark chinos, and darker or richer tops with light ones.
| Chino colour | Shirts and knitwear | Shoes |
|---|---|---|
| Stone or beige chinos | Navy, white, sky blue, black, olive and brown | Brown loafers, white trainers, brown Chelsea boots |
| Navy chinos | White, grey, oat, camel and light blue | White trainers, tan or brown loafers, brown boots |
| Black chinos | Grey, white, camel, and all-black for evenings | Black Chelsea boots, black loafers, white trainers |
One rule keeps you out of trouble: avoid a top that is almost, but not quite, the same shade as your chinos. Navy on navy or beige on beige looks like a suit that does not match.
8 chino outfits
1. Smart shirt + stone chinos + loafers
The classic. A Moorgate long-sleeve smart shirt, Putney Slim Chino in stone and the Park Lane Suede-Look Driving Loafer. Tuck the shirt in and add a belt close to the colour of your shoes. An Oxford shirt you already own also works; read what is an Oxford shirt for the differences.
2. Textured polo + navy chinos
The Marble Arch Waffle Texture Polo brings texture without effort. Finish with the white Court Sneaker. It is a strong warm-weather alternative to a shirt, smart enough for a relaxed office or a summer lunch. See more men's polo shirts.
3. Roll neck + black chinos + Chelsea boots
A monochrome evening look: Marylebone Roll Neck, black chinos and Chelsea boots. Keeping everything dark makes the outfit look sharper than its parts, and there is no collar or tie to think about.
4. Overshirt + tee + chinos
Layer the Barbican Cord Overshirt over the Essential Heavyweight Tee. Weekend easy. Wear the overshirt open like a light jacket and keep the T-shirt plain. Browse men's overshirts for more options.
5. Denim shirt + stone chinos
A Southwark Denim Shirt with stone chinos and suede-look trainers. The denim-on-cotton contrast works every time. It gives you the ease of denim without wearing jeans, which is handy when a venue asks for no denim on the bottom half.
6. Quarter-zip + Oxford + chinos
Wear the Belgrave Quarter-Zip over a shirt collar for a smart, layered winter office look. Leave the zip a few centimetres open so the collar sits neatly inside. More colours in men's quarter-zip jumpers.
7. Overcoat + mock neck + chinos
For cold commutes: the Hampstead Overcoat, the Chiswick Mock Neck and slim chinos. A long coat over a slim trouser gives a clean line from shoulder to shoe. Boots keep it winter-proof.
8. Crewneck sweatshirt + chinos + trainers
Casual but clean: the Hackney Crewneck Sweatshirt with chinos and the men’s smart trainers. This is the outfit to reach for instead of joggers when you want to be comfortable but still look put together.
What shoes go with chinos?
Loafers and Chelsea boots sharpen chinos; minimal trainers keep them relaxed. Avoid footwear that overwhelms the cleaner trouser line.
- Loafers: the smartest everyday option, best from spring to early autumn. Shop men's loafers.
- Chelsea boots: the autumn and winter choice. The slim ankle sits neatly under a tapered hem. See men's Chelsea boots.
- Minimal trainers: plain white or neutral trainers work with every chino colour. Our guide to white trainers for smart casual covers when they are acceptable.
- What to skip: chunky running shoes and heavy walking boots, which make a neat trouser look unbalanced.
Match your socks to the chinos rather than the shoes, or wear no-show socks with loafers and trainers in summer.
How should chinos fit?
A useful chino fit is secure at the waist, comfortable through the thigh and clean through the leg. A tapered hem usually works best when you want a sharper smart-casual look.
Check three things in the mirror. The waist should stay up without a belt. You should be able to pinch a little spare fabric at the thigh. The hem should just touch the top of your shoe with one slight fold at most. If the fabric bunches at the ankle, have them shortened or turn the hem up once. For more detail, see how men's trousers should fit, or browse men's tapered trousers.
Chinos through the seasons
- Spring: stone chinos, an Oxford shirt and loafers, with an overshirt for cooler mornings.
- Summer: a knitted polo or plain tee from men's T-shirts, a turned-up hem and trainers.
- Autumn: navy chinos with men's knitwear and Chelsea boots.
- Winter: black or navy chinos, a roll neck and an overcoat.
Lighter colours feel most natural in spring and summer, while navy and black carry you through the darker months. Stone still works in winter when you anchor it with a dark jumper and boots.
Frequently asked questions
What colour shirt goes with navy chinos?
White and light blue shirts are the safest choices with navy chinos, followed by grey, oat and camel in knitwear. All of them contrast clearly with the dark trouser. Avoid a navy shirt in a slightly different shade, as it looks like a mismatched suit. A pink or pale striped shirt also works well in summer.
What colour shirt goes with beige chinos?
Navy, white and sky blue are the classic matches for beige or stone chinos. Black, olive and brown also work, especially in knitwear and overshirts. Because beige is light, darker tops give the outfit some weight. Steer clear of cream or tan shirts that sit too close to the trouser colour.
What shoes should I wear with chinos?
Loafers for smart days, Chelsea boots in autumn and winter, and minimal trainers for casual wear. Brown and tan suit stone and navy chinos; black suits black chinos. Keep the shoe fairly slim so it balances the clean line of the trouser, and avoid bulky sports trainers.
Can you wear chinos with trainers?
Yes. Chinos and plain trainers are one of the most useful smart-casual combinations. Choose a clean, low-profile pair in white or a neutral colour and make sure the hem does not pool over the shoe. Save well-worn gym trainers for the gym, as they drag the whole outfit down.
Are chinos smart casual?
Yes. Chino trousers are the standard smart-casual trouser because they are neater than jeans and more relaxed than suit trousers. With a shirt and loafers they suit most offices, and with a tee they work at the weekend. Start with a pair in navy or stone and browse men's shirts to match.
What is the difference between chinos and trousers?
Chinos are a type of trouser, traditionally made from cotton twill with a flat front and a plain, unfussy finish. Tailored trousers are more formal, often with a pressed crease, and are usually worn with a blazer or as part of a suit. Chinos are the more casual of the two.
Shop men's chinos, compare more pairings in our Smart Casual edit, or see how chinos fit into a complete men's capsule wardrobe.