The item in my wardrobe I love the 2nd most is the grey wool chino. It‘s just as versatile as the navy blazer and you can combine it to a infinite amount of different outfits and styles. Personally I ended up with two pretty similar ones, same shade of mid-grey and both wool. One is of a finer fabric and has white window-pane pattern, the other one is of a thicker twill like fabric without patterns. Originally I opted for either one of the grey ones and a tan/brown one in addition, but the fit of the brown and tan ones were really off for my bodytype and the trousers were 19€ a pair so I kept both grey ones. Don’t regret it.
Since I‘m pretty small but somewhat rugged, shopping for bottoms is quite difficult. Everything slim will not fit my quads and or calves unless it‘s 4 sizes to large around the waist and most stuff is far too long for me. But that‘s pretty easily handled by a good tailor for next to zero cost.
But we wanted to talk what outfits/ styles you can get out of grey chinos so let‘s start on the casual side and let‘s work our way up to outfits that a suitable if you mean business.
One the casual side, only thing you really have to do is slap on a plain white t-shirt and some white court sneakers and you already look stylish compared to most of your peers. If you find yourself in the colder months, just throw a plain or a cable-knit sweater over it. Or if you want to show the shirt, a cardigan or even a blazer.
Level up this simple style with swapping the t-shirt for a button-down or dress shirt. You can keep wearing the sneaker with that outfit or make I a bit more classy by going for some casual leather shoe, like loafers, boat shoes or monk straps. A black/ navy Chelsea or desert boot can also look quite amazing.
As for layering, the same stays true when wearing a shirt. Put a cardigan or knit sweater above and you look even more sophisticated, or like old money, as some would describe it. Wear a navy blazer or a grey/ blue/ brown sports coat and you are already dressed well enough for every office or for a date night in a really fancy location. Darker shirts like black, charcoal or navy keep it a bit more interesting and casual, white or light blue shirts will be more suitable for the working hours.
This is one of my staple outfits, personal uniform so to speak, grey chinos, light colored shirt, navy blazer. I tend to pair it with sneakers or loafers, but oxfords or derbies work just the same. Keep it interesting and varied by adding accessories like pocket squares, watches or bracelets, or, my favorite, a tie.
Bonus layering options that look dashing for the outdoors:
- A wool coat
- A leather jacket
- With a Trenchcoat
- With a Barbour/ Safari jacket
Enjoy your day! Enjoy hunting for good fitting, good quality pieces to expand your wardrobe, play around with different combinations and see how it impacts your mood and your self confidence!
Sebastian Strobl 